Articles

Key takeaways

• Mild stomach pain in pregnancy is common and often harmless.
• Simple changes to diet and activity can help ease discomfort.
• Know the specific symptoms that mean you should call for help.
• Always trust your instincts if you feel something is wrong.

Common causes of stomach pain in pregnancy

Mild stomach pain in early pregnancy is usually due to your womb (uterus) expanding. This often occurs during the first 12 weeks.

The ligaments that hold your womb in place also stretch as your bump grows. This can cause mild stomach pain.

This mild pain may feel like a stitch or a mild period pain. It is probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild. It usually goes away when you change position, rest, or pass wind.

Round ligament pain

You might feel sharp pains on both sides of your tummy. These pains can get worse when you move. These are called round ligament pains. These pains usually start in the second trimester, but some people feel them earlier. The round ligaments are two cords of connective tissue. They attach your womb to your pelvis, holding it in place.

As your baby grows and your womb gets bigger, this stretching can cause the round ligaments to spasm. This causes pain in your lower tummy or groin area. The pain is usually sharp or stabbing.

It can be made worse by sudden movements. This includes standing up from sitting or rolling over in bed. Increases in tummy pressure, like from sneezing, coughing, or laughing, can also make it worse. Round ligament pains will not harm you or your baby.

Other common causes

Stomach pain can also be caused by constipation. This is common in pregnancy. Trapped wind and bloating can also lead to discomfort.

Strategies for prevention and relief

Many common stomach discomforts can be managed with simple changes.

Managing indigestion and heartburn

Hormones and your growing baby can cause indigestion and heartburn. Your baby can press on your stomach later in pregnancy. Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest, often after eating.

You might also feel full and bloated. Some people feel sick (nausea), burp, or pass wind. Bitter-tasting fluids or food might come into your mouth.

To help with these symptoms, try to:

• Avoid trigger foods – make a note of what makes you feel worse. Spicy foods, chocolate, and fruit juice are often to blame.
• Eat smaller meals often – instead of large meals.
• Sit up straight – when you are eating to take pressure off your stomach.
• Finish eating earlier – about 3 hours before bedtime.
• Limit certain drinks – strong tea, coffee, or pure fruit juice can make heartburn worse.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking – support is available if you need it.

You can also try antacids for heartburn. Speak to your midwife or pharmacist for advice before taking anything.

Managing constipation

Constipation is when it is hard to have a bowel movement. It often happens in pregnancy. You can prevent or ease constipation by:

• Eating high-fibre food – such as vegetables, fruit, and beans. Whole fruit, not smoothies, is also helpful.
• Drinking plenty of water – at least 2 litres a day.
• Being active – taking a walk every day or swimming can help.
• Avoiding certain iron supplements – some can make you constipated. Ask your GP if you can manage without them or change to a different type.

If these things are not working, speak to your midwife, pharmacist, or GP.

When to call your doctor or midwife

It is always best to get stomach pains checked out if you are worried. Trust your instincts. Do not worry about wasting anyone's time. It is always best to get checked out.

Contact your maternity unit immediately if you have stomach pain and:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Regular cramping or tightenings.
• Lower back pain.
• Vaginal discharge that is unusual for you.
• Fluid leaking from your vagina.
• Pain when you wee, or needing to wee suddenly or more often.
• Your wee looks cloudy, pink, or red.
• The stomach pain is severe or does not go away after you have rested for 30 to 60 minutes.

Any of these could be symptoms of something that needs urgent checking or treatment. If your maternity unit is not available, call 111.

If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant, you may need to contact your GP or an early pregnancy unit. This depends on what is available in your area.

Upper stomach pain

Pain just under your ribs is common in later pregnancy. This is because your baby is growing. Your womb pushes up under your ribs.

However, if this pain is bad or persistent, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This is especially true if the pain is on the right side.

Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that can develop from around 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can also happen just after the baby is born. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia may include:

• Severe headache.
• Vision problems, such as blurring or flashing.
• Vomiting.
• Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.

Your midwife may detect early signs of pre-eclampsia during antenatal appointments. They do this by checking your wee (urine) and blood pressure. Contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away if you have these symptoms at any time.

Other urgent symptoms

Speak to your GP, midwife, or maternity unit as soon as possible if you have:

• A fever.
• Any stomach pain that worries you, even without other symptoms.
• Very dark urine.
• Bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from your bottom.

You may have dehydration or a problem with your stomach or gut (a gastrointestinal problem) that needs treatment. Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if there are small streaks of blood in your vomit.

Call 999 for an ambulance if you:

• Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee.
• Might have swallowed something poisonous.
• Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights.
• Have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache.
• Have severe pain or bleeding.