Navel (Abdominal) Pain During Pregnancy

Some abdominal aches and pains during pregnancy are quite common and generally pose no threat to you and your baby.


These include:

• Round Ligament Pain: This can be characterized by a sharp stabbing pain when you change positions or it can also be an achy, dull lingering pain. Round ligament pain is caused by the two large ligaments that run from your uterus to your groin. As the uterus grows, these ligaments are stretched and create discomfort. This pain is generally reported in the second trimester, and considered to be harmless. Read the full Round Ligament Pain article.

• Gas and Constipation: Gas during pregnancy is caused by increased levels of progesterone.  As more of this hormone is released, your gastrointestinal tract slows down which makes food travel more slowly. Drinking plenty of water, eating fiber rich foods, exercising, and using stool softeners are excellent ways to combat excessive gas and constipation. Learn more about Constipation during Pregnancy.
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• Braxton Hicks Contractions: Sometimes labeled “practice contractions” Braxton Hicks are more of a mild annoyance than a risk to you or your baby. Many women report that Braxton Hicks feel like a tightening of the stomach muscles so that your stomach feels firm or hard. It is important to differentiate Braxton Hicks from true contractions. True contraction will be closer together, last for a longer period of time and are painful. True contractions will take your breath away, so a general rule of thumb is that if you are able to carry on your normal activities, then it is Braxton Hicks. Doctors report that Braxton Hick can be caused by dehydration, so drinking plenty of water can help eliminate this problem. Read more on Braxton Hicks Contractions.

• Common Discomforts: In addition to those listed above, there are several other common abdominal discomforts that can be experienced during pregnancy and are generally non-threatening. Your growing uterus, stomach viruses, kidney stones, fibroids and food sensitivities are all valid forms of harmless abdominal pain.

Serious Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Although many women have healthy pregnancies, unfortunately there are times when abdominal pain can pose a serious risk. 

If you exhibit any severe symptoms of the types of abdominal pain below, please consult your medical care professional immediately.

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Occurring in 1 out of 50 pregnancies, an ectopic pregnancy is when the egg is implanted anywhere other than the uterus.  Most often, the egg is implanted in the fallopian tube.  Sadly, an ectopic pregnancy cannot continue to term and requires medical treatment.  In the unlikely event that you have an ectopic pregnancy, you may experience intense pain and bleeding between your 6th and 10th weeks of pregnancy. Women at increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy include those who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, or have had endometriosis, a tubal ligation or an intrauterine device (IUD) in place at the time of conception.  Learn more about Ectopic Pregnancies. Continue reading