Any pain, especially a sharp one, that occurs during pregnancy can be alarming. There are some normal explanations for a pain on the right side that are related to changes that take place in the body to accommodate a growing baby. Pregnant women should always contact a medical professional to discuss concerns over the pain they are experiencing, however. Some causes of a pain on the right side are serious and require immediate attention.
Ectopic Pregnancy
When a fertilized egg attaches somewhere other than in the uterus it is described as an ectopic pregnancy. The most likely place for an egg to attach in ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The pain that occurs with this type of pregnancy often begins on either side of the abdomen and is accompanied by vaginal bleeding or spotting. Women experiencing this condition must seek emergency attention because an ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to burst, leading to internal bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy can't be carried to term because of potential risks to the mother and the likelihood that the fetus would not receive proper protection and nutrition during the pregnancy.
Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain is very common in the second trimester of pregnancy. Women will notice a sharp pain the abdomen or hip, typically on the right side although it can occur on either side of the body. The round ligament supports the uterus, connecting it to the groin, explains the American Pregnancy Association. As the uterus grows to accommodate the baby, the ligament stretches. Many of a woman's movements can trigger the pain, including laughing and standing from a sitting position. Women can reduce this discomfort by stretching frequently and changing position slowly to reduce the sharpness of the pain. If the pain becomes severe or is accompanied by any other symptoms, it may indicate another health concern, and women should seek medical attention.
Miscarriage
When a miscarriage is occurring a woman may notice cramping on either side of the abdomen. The pain is as intense or more so than menstrual cramping. Bleeding will accompany the cramping as the fetus is expelled. Some women may not notice a miscarriage early in pregnancy, but later-term miscarriages, such as those that occur after the first trimester, are likely to cause significant bleeding and some tissue loss owing to the size of the baby.
False Labor
Any persistent cramping accompanied by unexplained bleeding after the 20th week of pregnancy can be a risk factor for preterm labor, as indicated by the American Pregnancy Association. At this time, the loss of a pregnancy is no longer considered a miscarriage but preterm labor. Any labor that occurs before the 37th week is considered preterm and is a medical concern. Braxton-Hicks contractions, also called practice contractions, can begin in the second trimester. These contractions are irregular and not as intense as actual labor. Regular contractions that get stronger, last longer and occur closer together are true labor contractions.
Digestive Issues
Pregnancy hormones and bodily changes bring about a long list of digestive ailments in women. Any of these can cause sharp pain on the right side of the abdomen or even in the lower rib cage area. Diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn and gas are common complaints of pregnancy that can all cause such discomfort.
