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Why does the stomach pull in the early stages of pregnancy and what should I do?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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After the onset of pregnancy, almost all women have a discomfortable drawing feeling in the abdomen. Such a feeling can very frighten a woman, especially if she has this pregnancy first, since everyone has heard that if the stomach is pulled in the early stages of pregnancy, miscarriage may begin. But it should be understood that such sensations can be caused by different factors, which can be revealed only by an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist.

Causes of the pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy

Among the reasons that can cause a painfully pulling feeling of discomfort, the following:

  • Mostly, discomfort is caused by the fact that the uterine muscles begin to contract;
  • The drawing pain that arose after conception may be one of the first symptoms of a pregnancy that has occurred. The sensations arising in the process are similar to those appearing before menstruation;
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders - since progesterone helps to relax not only the uterus, but also other smooth muscle organs (including the intestine), food does not have time to digest in time, which creates stagnation leading to drawing pains and flatulence. Usually this feeling disappears after defecation, but only for a short period of time;
  • Such pain can also appear as a result of the influx of blood into the uterine region (because blood circulation begins to increase in it).

Normal is also considered to be a pulling sensation due to swelling of the ligament of the uterus. This is a natural process, because they are stretched together with the increasing uterus.

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Symptoms

Drawing pain in this case is often a sign of pregnancy, so it is not considered dangerous for the mother's organism and the health of her child. But, since this symptom is sometimes a signal of some pathology, it is necessary to consult with your doctor when he appears.

Pulls in the abdomen at an early pregnancy

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

  • The fertilized egg is separated from the uterine wall, resulting in spontaneous miscarriage. Such a threat exists during the entire 1st trimester of pregnancy;
  • Various infectious diseases (including sexually transmitted diseases) that worsen during pregnancy, which causes pain and discomfort. Therefore, when the registration is made in gynecology, a woman undergoes a full examination and tests to identify possible latent infections;
  • The condition of the so-called frozen pregnancy, during which the development of the embryo ceases. Also in this state, the increase in hCG in the blood stops, and examination through ultrasound does not determine the heartbeat of the fetus.

Pulls the abdomen to the right on early pregnancy

The pulling sensation, appearing on the right in the abdomen, is usually a sign of an inflammation of the appendix that started or a disease of the internal genital organs (right ovary, right uterine tube). In addition, this symptomatology may be a manifestation of the development of renal dysfunction or an inflammatory process in the iliac or cecum.

Pulls the abdomen to the left in the early stages of pregnancy

The pain developing in the left side of the abdomen, mainly accompany the disorder in the functioning of the large intestine. In this case, one can hear rumblings in the stomach and the escape of gases, but the uterine tension is not felt.

Also at an early stage of bearing a child, the drawing pain results from the fact that in some cases the embryo is fixed in the wrong place (in the tube of the uterus) - this phenomenon is called an ectopic pregnancy. Because only one of the pipes is affected in this situation, it will be in it - to the right or to the left.

Constantly pulls the stomach in the early stages of pregnancy

If a woman feels a constant pulling feeling in the abdomen, and this discomfort does not disappear 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 constancy, such pain is quite intense.

Diagnostics of the pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy

Diagnosis of pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy

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

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Analyzes

To find out the nature of the onset of symptoms, the patient must take urine and blood for a general blood test, a laboratory study is performed on the hormonal profile (progesterone, chorionic gonadotropin). In some cases, in order to exclude diabetes, a laboratory test for glucose with glucose stimulation may be performed.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Also immediately performed ultrasound to exclude ectopic pregnancy and any possible complications. Having received the information on the results of instrumental diagnostics, the doctors determine the further actions.

Treatment of the pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy

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

If the problem concerns the GI tract and you often have constipation, then you need to start eating right and lead a more active life. In the daily diet should be introduced sour-milk products (in particular it will be useful to eat yogurt home-made (Narine)), fresh fruits and vegetables. But from onions, legumes, as well as black bread will have to be abandoned, because they cause flatulence. Also, you should move more actively - exercise 3-4 times a week, lightweight exercises for pregnant women, and also go for easy evening walks and swim in the pool.

Medications

When the stomach pulls in early pregnancy, it is possible that this is an increased tone of the uterus. To reduce it, you can use Papaverin suppository or take a No-shpa pill as a first aid. But then you need to go to the doctor for an examination.

Vitamins

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

Alternative treatment and herbal treatment

If the arising pulling sensations are not connected with any pathology in the development of the baby, and also there are no smearings from the vagina, heavy bleeding or a sharp pain syndrome, but only flatulence is felt due to malnutrition, it can be removed with herbal tinctures.

Ingredients: boiling water and 1 tsp. Coriander, which must be cut. After this, pour it with hot water (1 stack.) And boil for several minutes. Then drain the broth and drink regularly before eating.

Drawing pain effectively cleans also a decoction made from the leaves of the watch. It is prepared in this way: pour hot water on the cut leaves of the watch (2 tablespoons), then insist at least 1 hour. Next, strain and drink several times a day. This tincture is suitable for people with low acidity of the stomach, constipation or gastritis.

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Operative treatment

Surgical treatment for pulling pain can be prescribed in the case of development of ectopic pregnancy, or diseases such as appendicitis and pancreatitis.

Complications and consequences

The main complication of this condition is a possible miscarriage.

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Prevention

The methods of prevention depend on the consequence of which at the early stage of pregnancy there was a drawing pain in the abdomen. If the discomfort is due to unlimited food intake or the stomach has started to reject certain foods, it is necessary to stop using them and slightly restrict oneself in eating. You need to adjust your diet and choose the right diet - you should do it with the help of a specialist.

If you are aware of the presence of chronic diseases that worsen during pregnancy, you need to consult with the doctor in advance to find the right methods for preventive treatment.

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Forecast

If you pull the stomach in the early stages of pregnancy, it can be a natural physiological sign - under such conditions, the forecast is completely favorable. If the cause is any pathology, the prognosis will depend on the timeliness and effectiveness of the treatment.

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