At the beginning of pregnancy, it is very common to feel pain in the lower abdomen. What can be their origin? Should we be worried about it or not? We take stock with Professor Cyril Huissoud, secretary general of the CNGOF, head of the Obstetric Gynecology Department of Croix-Rousse.
First trimester pain
-In early pregnancy, pain similar to tightness in the lower abdomen may appear. If your period is late, this is indeed a warning sign of pregnancy, apart from the famous ailments such as nausea or breast tension. " This pain is related to the growing uterus. Basically, it is small. Suddenly he is stretched out, which can cause tugging-like pain », Explains Professor Huissoud. If your period is late, take a pregnancy test!
-These pains can also be a sign of very early contractions, difficult to measure even with monitoring. " These contractions are not a problem. They can be painful because the distension of the uterus can cause edema around the lining. On the other hand, if the future mother also observes blood, it is necessary to consult urgently. Moreover, any bleeding should immediately trigger a consultation », Warns the obstetrician-gynecologist.
-Sometimes, a sharp pain can be felt in the pelvis and pelvis. In this case, it is not a tugging-like pain, but the manifestation of a more serious problem that may be related to complications from ovarian cysts. In particular, adnexal torsion can occur, i.e. rotation of the ovary which causes severe pain and requires urgent surgery.
-Ectopic pregnancy causes violent pain in the lower abdomen (be careful especially when wearing a copper IUD). Bleeding is not always present but it is essential to react quickly because the ectopic pregnancy can cause internal bleeding by rupture of the tube. The ultrasound will confirm this hypothesis or not.
-Spontaneous miscarriage can also be manifested by contractions every 2 or 3 minutes. These are painful and are accompanied by bleeding. Go directly to the maternity emergency room.
-Note that cystitis can also cause uterine contractions, and can occur even during the first weeks of pregnancy.
Second trimester pain
-At the beginning of the second trimester, there is a small period at risk of late miscarriage, especially for first-time mothers. " The patients do not necessarily have very severe pain, but the cervix is very changed. This can open very easily due to the distension of the uterus and with small contractions if there is weakness in the cervix. Rather, it concerns first pregnancies and it is rare that there is an accident after a normal first pregnancy. On the other hand, in the event of loss of fluid and bleeding, it is essential to consult even for a second pregnancy. », Notes the doctor.
-Joint pain, related to hormonal impregnation, can also occur in the pubic symphysis and sacroiliacs (Lacomme syndrome), around the 6th month. Pregnant women can associate them with bone pain.
-We also observe pain related to the uterine ligaments, similar to contractions, which occurs on both sides of the uterus. This pain intensifies in late pregnancy as the uterus grows and the baby gains weight.
Third trimester pain
-Joint and ligament pain continues in the third trimester and can severely handicap the expectant mother, without risk of premature birth.
-Contractions can occur up to 10 times a day (Braxton-Hicks contractions). The belly hardens a few seconds but these contractions are not painful. " The pregnant woman is then advised to take a bath. Normally, the contractions should pass. If this is not the case, it is because they are potentially labor contractions announcing childbirth ", warns the doctor. If so and you are nearing term, maybe now is the time to finish your maternity suitcase!
For more advice, see our article dedicated to
ligament pain during pregnancy.
Some tips to relieve pain
– First of all, it is essential to remember that in case of severe and sudden pain in the lower abdomen – associated or not with bleeding or fluid loss – an emergency consultation is necessary. So do not hesitate to consult if you have these symptoms, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.
-Otherwise, to relieve pain, you can take pain relievers such as spasfon (be careful, you should not take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen). If the pain does not pass, it is necessary to consult.
-If you feel tightness during physical activity, reduce the intensity of your exercise, and rest. Prefer gentle practices such as yoga or swimming that keep the body moving and stay healthy, without being too intense.