Why belly pulls in early pregnancy and what to do?

After pregnancy, almost all women experience an uncomfortable pulling sensation in the abdomen. Such a sensation can be very frightening for a woman, especially if this is her first pregnancy, since everyone has heard that if the abdomen is pulling in the early stages of pregnancy, a miscarriage may begin. But it should be understood that such sensations can be caused by various factors, which can only be identified by an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist.

Causes Pulling pains in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy

Some of the reasons that can cause a painful, nagging feeling of discomfort include:

• Most of the discomfort occurs because the uterine muscles begin to contract;
• A nagging pain that occurs after conception may be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. The sensations that arise during the process are similar to the signs that appear before menstruation;
• Gastrointestinal disorders – since progesterone promotes relaxation of not only the uterus, but also other smooth muscle organs (including the intestines), food does not have time to be digested in time, which creates stagnation, leading to nagging pain and flatulence. Usually this sensation disappears after defecation, but only for a short period of time;
• Such pains can also appear due to the rush of blood to the uterine area (because blood circulation in it begins to increase).

It is also considered normal to feel a pulling sensation due to swelling of the uterine ligaments. This is a natural process, because they stretch along with the growing uterus.

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Symptoms

In this case, a nagging pain is often a sign of pregnancy, so it is not considered dangerous for the mother's body and the health of her child. But, since this symptom is sometimes a signal of some pathology, you should definitely consult your doctor when it appears.

Pulling pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy

Pulling pain in the lower abdomen at the beginning of pregnancy can sometimes be due to the development of the following conditions:

• The fertilized egg separates from the uterine wall, resulting in a spontaneous miscarriage. This threat exists throughout the first trimester of pregnancy;
• Various infectious diseases (including sexually transmitted diseases) that worsen during pregnancy, causing pain and discomfort. Therefore, when registering with a gynecologist, a woman undergoes a full examination and tests to identify the possible presence of latent infections;
• The condition of the so-called frozen pregnancy, during which the development of the embryo ceases. Also in this condition, the increase in the level of hCG in the blood stops, and an ultrasound examination does not detect the fetus's heartbeat.

Pain in the abdomen on the right side in early pregnancy

A pulling sensation that appears on the right side of the abdomen is usually a sign of the onset of appendicitis or a disease of the internal genital organs (right ovary, right fallopian tube). In addition, such symptoms may be a manifestation of the development of renal dysfunction or an inflammatory process in the ileum or cecum.

Pain in the abdomen on the left in early pregnancy

Pains developing in the left side of the abdomen usually accompany disorders in the functioning of the colon. In this case, you can hear rumbling in the stomach and the passage of gases, but uterine tension is not felt.

Also, at the early stage of bearing a child, a pulling pain appears due to the fact that in some cases the embryo is fixed in the wrong place (in the fallopian tube) - this phenomenon is called an ectopic pregnancy. Since in this situation only one of the tubes is affected, the pulling will be in it - to the right or to the left.

Constant stomach pain in early pregnancy

If a woman feels a constant pulling sensation in her abdomen, and this discomfort does not go away even after trying to lie down, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor, since this symptom may be a harbinger of a future miscarriage. It is also important that in addition to being constant, such pain is quite intense.

Diagnostics Pulling pains in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy

Diagnosis of pulling pains in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy

In the process of diagnosing a pulling sensation, the first thing that is often done is an examination in a gynecological chair. But this procedure is not very effective and therefore is rarely appropriate for such symptoms.

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Tests

To determine the nature of the symptoms, the patient must undergo a general blood test, urine and blood tests, and a laboratory test for hormonal profile (progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin). In some cases, a laboratory test for sugar using glucose stimulation may be performed to rule out diabetes.

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Instrumental diagnostics

An ultrasound is also performed immediately to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and any possible complications. Having received information from the results of instrumental diagnostics, doctors determine further actions.

Treatment Pulling pains in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy

To eliminate pain (if it is caused by the fact that the organs of the birth canal begin to naturally prepare for childbirth), it will be enough to lie down, turning to the left side - this will definitely remove the discomfort. You should also avoid stress and heavy physical exertion, and in addition, rest even after an ordinary short walk. But you must remember that for a pregnant woman, a little physical activity is a necessity, and do not neglect it.

If the problem concerns the gastrointestinal tract and you often experience constipation, then you need to start eating right and lead a more active life. You should include fermented milk products in your daily diet (it will be especially useful to eat homemade yogurt (Narine)), fresh fruits and vegetables. But you will have to give up onions, legumes, and black bread, because they cause flatulence. You should also move more actively - do light exercises for pregnant women 3-4 times a week, and in addition, go for light evening walks and swim in the pool.

Medicines

When the stomach is pulling at the beginning of pregnancy, it is possible that this is an increased tone of the uterus. To reduce it, you can use Papaverine suppositories or take a No-shpa tablet as first aid. But then you need to go to the doctor for an examination.

Vitamins

In the early stages, it is advisable to take vitamin complexes specifically for pregnant women. They contain the optimal daily dose of microelements and vitamins that are necessary for the healthy development and growth of the baby. Among such drugs are Vitrum Pronatal and Multi Tabs Ponatal, Pregnavit and Pregnakea, as well as Materna, Elevit, etc.

Traditional and herbal medicine

If the arousing pulling sensation is not associated with any pathology in the baby's development, and there is no spotting from the vagina, heavy bleeding or severe pain, but only flatulence is felt due to improper nutrition, it can be eliminated with the help of herbal infusions.

Ingredients: boiling water and 1 teaspoon of coriander, which needs to be chopped. After that, pour hot water (1 cup) over it and boil for a few minutes. Then strain the decoction and drink regularly before meals.

A decoction made from marsh cinquefoil leaves also effectively relieves nagging pain. It is prepared as follows: pour hot water over chopped marsh cinquefoil leaves (2 tbsp.), then leave for at least 1 hour. Then strain and drink several times a day. This tincture is suitable for people with low stomach acidity, constipation or gastritis.

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Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment for nagging pain may be prescribed in the case of an ectopic pregnancy or diseases such as appendicitis and pancreatitis.

Complications and consequences

The main complication of this condition is possible miscarriage.

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Prevention

Prevention methods depend on what caused the nagging abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy. If discomfort occurs due to unlimited food intake or the stomach has begun to reject certain foods, you need to stop eating them and limit yourself a little in food. You need to adjust your diet and choose a suitable diet - this should be done with the help of a specialist.

If you know about the presence of chronic diseases that worsen during pregnancy, you need to consult with your doctor in advance to choose the right methods of preventive action.

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Forecast

If the stomach is pulling in the early stages of pregnancy, this may be a natural physiological sign - under such conditions, the prognosis is completely favorable. If the cause is some pathology, the prognosis will depend on the timeliness and effectiveness of the treatment.

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