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:
- bleeding or spotting
- regular cramping or tightenings
- vaginal discharge that's unusual for you
- lower back pain
- pain or burning when you pee
- the pain is severe or does not go away after you've rested for 30 to 60 minutes
Any of these could be the symptoms of something that needs to be checked or treated urgently.
Possible causes of serious stomach pain
Some conditions that can cause stomach pain need to be checked urgently.
Ectopic pregnancy
This 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:
- tummy pain and bleeding
- pain in the tip of your shoulder
- discomfort when pooing or peeing
Find out more about ectopic pregnancy
Miscarriage
Cramping 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-eclampsia
Pain 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:
- severe headache
- vision problems
- swollen feet, hands and face
You'll need to be monitored in hospital.
Find out more about pre-eclampsia
Premature labour
If 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 abruption
This 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 trimester
You'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 wardrobe
It'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.
Ditch the itch
You may finding your belly is itchy as it expands, Wearing loose, cotton clothing and having a cool bath can help. However, extreme itching, particularly at night, can be a sign of a rare liver disorder called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. This can happen from week 30 onwards – so if you start scratching, talk to your midwife or doctor.
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:
- sleeping problems (week 19 has information about feeling tired)
- stretch marks (read about stretch marks on week 17's page)
- swollen and bleeding gums (week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy)
- pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
- piles (read about piles on week 22's page)
- headaches
- backache
- indigestion and heartburn (week 25 talks about digestive problems)
- bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page)
- leg cramps (week 20 explains how to deal with cramp)
- feeling hot
- dizziness
- swollen hands and feet
- urine infections
- vaginal infections (see week 15 for vaginal health)
- darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
- greasier, spotty skin
- thicker and shinier hair
You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:
- mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
- morning sickness (read about dealing with morning sickness on week 6's page)
- weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page)
- a heightened sense of smell
- sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page) - a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)
Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.