Written By: Debjani Arora | Published : July 19, 2016 5:32 PM IST
Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a sign of concern. It could mean something as simple as acidity and indigestion or as grave as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. However, abdominal pain could also be just a symptom of pregnancy and be harmless. Here Dr Meghana Sarvaiya, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Cloudnine Hospital, Mumbai says what it might mean to have abdominal pain during the first, second and third trimester of your pregnancy.
Abdominal pain during the first trimester
During the first trimester, abdominal pain is very common and it happens for some reasons, as the uterus grows it displace the bowels, leads to constipation, bloating that can lead to abdominal pains. Sometimes pain in the upper abdomen could also be a sign of acidity or GERD. While the uterus is not visibly big during the first trimester, you could also experience pain in the lower abdomen due to the stretching of the round ligament and the pain can travel to the groin area. Towards the end of your pregnancy, this pain can be sharp shooting when you move or turn around, or it could be dull and achy.
Abdominal pain during second and third trimesters
During the later stages of pregnancy any sign that causes discomfort should be taken seriously, especially if it is abdominal pain. However, more than abdominal pain what one can suffer from is Braxton Hicks contractions or false contractions that can cause abdominal discomfort. Mostly it is loosening and tightening of lower abdominal muscles that happen spontaneously and go on its own. These are more common during the third trimester. Pain in the upper abdomen along with heartburn and GERD could indicate acidity which can get severe during the end of your pregnancy. However, too much acidity can be a sign of high blood pressure or preeclampsia too. It is better to keep a check on your blood pressure if you suffer from upper abdominal pain due to acidity too often.
When should you worry
If you experience any such symptoms along with abdominal pain it is better you call your doctor or make an appointment as soon as possible.
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