Pain in the stomach during pregnancy is actually quite common and not always a reason for concern. There are some serious complications that can lead to pain in the stomach, but these are generally rare. Pregnant women should discuss all abdominal pain with their doctors to confirm that what they are experiencing does not require medical treatment. When other symptoms accompany the pain, such as bleeding or vomiting, women should definitely seek medical treatment.
Stretching
Much of the stomach pain a woman experiences during pregnancy is due to stretching. The muscles of the stomach will separate as the uterus and baby grow, resulting in muscle pulling during movement. This can be sharp or mild. A similar pain that typically develops after the first trimester is round ligament pain. The round ligaments are a band of tissues that surround the uterus. As the uterus expands these ligaments stretch, causing pain. Round ligament pain can be quite significant but is nothing to worry about. A woman can reduce the discomfort by moving slowly or resting after irritating the ligaments.
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is most likely to occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy according to the American Pregnancy Association. About 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies result in miscarriage, yet women often worry that any stomach pain in early pregnancy is a sign that a miscarriage is occurring. Other signs of miscarriage include vaginal bleeding, lower back pain and the passing of tissues from the vagina. Rhythmic contractions that are similar to what is felt during labor can occur as the body expels the fetus.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is rare but serious. About 1 out of 60 pregnancies are ectopic, meaning the fertilized egg has attached somewhere inside the woman's body where it can't thrive, explains the American Pregnancy Association. A healthy pregnancy consists of the fertilized egg implanting into the uterine lining. When the egg attaches somewhere else, such as the fallopian tube, the body will terminate the pregnancy or medical procedures will be used. Signs of an ectopic pregnancy include sharp pains in the abdomen area, vaginal bleeding and cramps low in the stomach. If the fertilized egg separates from the tissues where it attached the woman's health can be at risk due to internal bleeding. She may go into shock and develop dizziness or pain in the shoulder and neck.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption is a serious complication of pregnancy that typically occurs during the final 12 weeks. When this occurs, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor. This is very rare, occurring in only 1 percent of pregnancies, reports the American Pregnancy Association. Signs of abruption include bleeding and stomach pain.
False Labor and Labor
Many women experience Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are irregular contractions of the uterus that may or may not be painful. Sometimes the stomach just becomes firm but as the pregnancy progresses a woman may find them to be painful. They do not indicate labor is about to start, at least not immediately.
True labor contractions can be painful when the uterus and stomach become firm. When the contractions last longer, occur closer together and get stronger, the woman has begun labor. The March of Dimes points out that if walking and talking are difficult during contractions, they are most likely real and not Braxton-Hicks. When true contractions occur before the 37th week of pregnancy it is considered preterm labor and a medical emergency.
Other Serious Problems
Various serious health concerns can cause abdominal pain in pregnancy. The March of Dimes recommends medical treatment if stomach cramping is accompanied by bleeding from the vagina, vaginal discharge, fever, chills or faintness. These symptoms can indicate a stomach virus, food poisoning, urinary tract infection, kidney infection or other serious pregnancy complications.
