Some brief cramping or pain in the abdominal area is normal during pregnancy. The March of Dimes explains that any severe cramping or pain during pregnancy is not normal and should be reported to a doctor right away. Any abdominal pain, even mild, can be alarming to an expectant mother. Understanding the possible causes of both normal and abnormal abdominal pain can help calm a woman's fears and help her choose medical attention when needed. Regardless of the suspected cause of abdominal pain, seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
Implantation
About six to 12 days after conception, the fertilized egg makes its way to the uterus and attaches to the uterine lining. This is called implantation. Some women may experience cramps similar to menstrual period cramping and may even have some light vaginal bleeding, says the American Pregnancy Association. Some women can experience this spotting for several hours but others may notice it for several days.
Ligament Pain
The March of Dimes explains that in the second trimester a woman may have some dull aches or sharp pains on one side of the abdominal area. This is the stretching of the ligaments that connect the muscles that support the uterus. Some movement can make the ligament pain worse. Women may notice the pain increasing when they engage in activities like getting out of bed or taking large steps.
False Labor
Abdominal contractions are common during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. These can feel similar to true labor contractions, but they will be irregular. The uterus muscles contract along with some of the abdominal muscles. The March of Dimes says false labor contractions may be painless or painful. False labor contractions can stop when you walk. They occur irregularly and do not get stronger or closer together over time.
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is one serious cause of abdominal cramping in pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association points out that vaginal bleeding that includes the passing of tissues can be a sign the pregnancy has aborted spontaneously. Cramping in the abdomen with a miscarriage can be similar to menstrual cramping or it may be more severe. Some women may experience sharp pain.
Digestive Causes
Digestive side effects of pregnancy are common. This can be due to the pressure the baby puts on the stomach and other digestive organs and due to hormones that slow the digestive process. Gas, bloating, constipation and heartburn are all common during pregnancy and can cause abdominal pain.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches somewhere outside the uterus. Most often, the egg will attach to tissues in the fallopian tubes, says the American Pregnancy Association. The symptoms of this type of complication include cramping low in the stomach with vaginal bleeding. The cramps are often more intense than menstrual cramping and may even be sharp.
Molar Pregnancy
Another serious pregnancy complication that can lead to abdominal pain is a molar pregnancy. This occurs very rarely and is the result of tissues growing instead of an actual embryo. The American Pregnancy Association explains that it will appear that a woman is pregnant based on blood tests but the ultrasound or Doppler will not pick up a heartbeat. The tissue is not an actual human form but instead, a "mole" made of abnormal tissues.
Placental Abruption
During the last half of pregnancy, a complication called placental abruption can occur. Stomach pain and bleeding are the symptoms associated with this complication. When abruption occurs, the placenta is detaching from the uterine wall before labor. This is serious as it can prevent the fetus from receiving nutrients and oxygen to sustain itself.
