Is Upper Abdominal Pain Normal During Pregnancy?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Upper stomach pain pain during

pregnancy can be a normal part of the process

as your body changes to accommodate your growing baby. While there are many harmless causes of this abdominal pain, some may be more serious.

When should I worry about abdominal pain during pregnancy?

“That’s what we’re here for—to provide answers to pregnant women and to provide whatever care they need.” Always call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

Abdominal pain with or without bleeding before 12 weeks

.

Bleeding

or strong cramping. More than four contractions in an hour for two hours.

Why does the top of my stomach hurt?

Pain in the upper abdomen can often be attributed to

temporary problems such as indigestion or gas

. Persistent or severe upper abdominal pain may be related to other digestive tract conditions or to conditions of the body wall, blood vessels, kidneys, heart, or lungs.

Is abdominal pain normal during pregnancy?

Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps

are common in pregnancy

. They’re usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked. It’s probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind.

What causes upper abdominal pain during pregnancy?


High levels of progesterone

are relaxing your intestinal muscles, so gas may happen at any point in your pregnancy. You may experience it even more than usual toward the end of your pregnancy when your enlarged uterus puts extra strain on your muscles and slows digestion.

What does preeclampsia abdominal pain feel like?

Pain in the upper right abdomen, just below the ribs or behind the breastbone. A pain feeling like

heartburn

that cannot be alleviated by antacids. Feeling of great unwellness. Oliguria (low urine output) of 500ml or less over 24 hours.

How do you relieve upper stomach pain?

  1. Heating pad. Apply a heating pad or bottle to your stomach for 15 to 20 minutes. …
  2. Not lying flat. If you are experiencing upper stomach pain as a symptom of indigestion, gas, or bloating, lying flat can aggravate your discomfort. …
  3. Enough water. …
  4. Ginger. …
  5. Mint. …
  6. Cinnamon.

What do miscarriage cramps feel like?

Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester. The first sign is usually vaginal bleeding or cramps that feel a lot like

strong menstrual cramps

, Carusi said.

What helps upper abdominal pain during pregnancy?

  1. stretching to ease muscle pain and tension.
  2. eating fewer acidic foods.
  3. with a doctor or midwife’s permission, using an antacid to deal with heartburn.
  4. eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the pain of a full stomach and heartburn.
  5. massaging the area to ease muscle tension and stress.

What are some bad signs during pregnancy?

  • Bleeding or leaking fluid from the vagina.
  • Blurry or impaired vision.
  • Unusual or severe stomach pain or backaches.
  • Frequent, severe, and/or constant headaches.
  • Contractions, where your stomach muscles tighten, before 37 weeks that happen every 10 minutes or more often.

What organ is at the top of your stomach?

The upper stomach houses several vital structures, including the

upper intestines, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas

. While many issues responsible for upper stomach pain, such as gas or a stomach virus, are not cause for concern, others may require medical treatment. Several conditions can cause upper stomach pain.

When should I go to the ER for upper abdominal pain?

If the abdominal

pain is severe and unrelenting

, your stomach is tender to the touch, or if the pain extends to your back, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department.

What causes pain in upper stomach under ribs?

A variety of gastrointestinal issues, such as

indigestion, gastritis

, and peptic ulcers, can cause RUQ pain. Typically, the pain caused by these conditions is a dull, burning type of pain. Other symptoms can include: a feeling of uncomfortable fullness.

When should I go to the hospital for cramps during pregnancy?

Most of the time, the bleeding and cramping will resolve on its own. However, if you have heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad an hour for two or more hours) , let your health care provider know and then go to the emergency room of your nearest hospital.

What is pain in upper right abdomen under ribs during pregnancy?

Rib pain during pregnancy can usually be written off as just “normal” discomfort. But for some women, it may have an underlying, more serious cause. For instance, pain occurring in the upper right abdomen can be a

sign of liver disease, preeclampsia, or HELLP syndrome

. HELLP is a life-threatening complication.

How do I know I have preeclampsia?

Although not all women with preeclampsia have symptoms, there are some things you can look out for on your own that might point to the condition. “Symptoms can include a

headache that’s not relieved

by medication, vision changes, pain in your upper abdomen and swelling of your hands and feet,” says Dr. Taylor.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.