Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They're usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked. It's probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind. But if you have stomach pains and are worried, call your midwife or maternity hospital. Harmless stomach pains, which can be dull or sharp, may be caused by: Urgent advice: Call your midwife immediately if you have stomach pain and:
Any of these could be the symptoms of something that needs to be checked or treated urgently. Possible causes of serious stomach painSome conditions that can cause stomach pain need to be checked urgently. Ectopic pregnancyThis is when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, for example in a fallopian tube. The pregnancy cannot survive and needs to be removed with medicine or surgery. Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and can include:
Find out more about ectopic pregnancy MiscarriageCramping pains and bleeding before 24 weeks of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of miscarriage or threatened miscarriage (when you bleed but the pregnancy normally continues). Pre-eclampsiaPain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy due to the growing baby and uterus pushing up under the ribs. But if this pain is bad or persistent, particularly on the right side, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy) which affects some pregnant women. It usually starts after 20 weeks or just after the baby is born. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:
You'll need to be monitored in hospital. Find out more about pre-eclampsia Premature labourIf you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and are having regular abdominal cramps or tightenings, call your midwife. This could be a sign of premature labour, and you'll need to be monitored in hospital. Placental abruptionThis is when the placenta starts to come away from the wall of the womb, usually causing bleeding and constant severe pain that does not come and go like a contraction pain. It's sometimes an emergency because it means the placenta may not be able to support your baby properly. You should go to the hospital so you and your baby can be checked. Find out more about placental abruption UTI (urinary tract infection)UTIs are common in pregnancy and can usually be easily treated. They can cause tummy pain and sometimes, but not always, pain when you pee. Find out more about UTIs Week 30 – your 3rd trimesterYou're three-quarters of the way there now! You might already feel like you're ready to drop, but you and your baby have some more growing to do over the next few weeks. What's happening in my body?You may be having trouble sleeping and then when you do, you may be having disturbing dreams. Try to remember these dreams are not real. They are fuelled by your hormones and the anxiety that you're probably feeling about the big changes ahead. Talking about your dreams will help you put everything into perspective. If you are feeling under stress, talk to your midwife or doctor. Planning your baby's wardrobeIt's time to get a few baby clothes, if you haven't already. You won't need loads because your baby will grow out of things very fast. Read about what baby clothes you will need on the NHS website.
3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 30 weeks)It's probably more of an effort now to walk up the stairs without getting out of breath – that's because your baby is pushing against your lungs. Your signs of pregnancy could also include:
You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:
Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms. Is pressure normal at 30 weeks pregnant?Vaginal, pelvic, or lower abdomen pressure is common in all three trimesters of pregnancy.
Why am I feeling pressure in my lower stomach in my 30 weeks of pregnancy?Pregnancy growth
As you baby grows bigger during the second and third trimesters, you may find that you feel more pain in the lower belly and bladder region. You may feel your skin stretching and more pressure from the added weight. Supportive maternity belts or belly bands can ease some of this discomfort.
When should I be concerned about pelvic pressure during pregnancy?You should be concerned about pelvic pain during pregnancy if you also experience fever or chills, vaginal bleeding, fainting or lightheadedness, severe pain, trouble moving around, fluid leaking from the vagina, the baby moving less, blood in bowel movements, nausea or vomiting, or repeated diarrhea.
Why do I feel pressure in my lower stomach while pregnant?Lower abdominal pain is normal during pregnancy and is most common between 18 and 24 weeks. Your growing uterus is pulling and straining the muscles that support it. You may feel sharp pains or just a mild pulling sensation. It often occurs when you cough, sneeze, stand up, sit down, roll over, or during sex.
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