Why pulls the lower abdomen at 6 weeks of pregnancy and what to do?

A pulling pain in the lower abdomen at 6 weeks of pregnancy is a common symptom of many gynecological pathologies that pose a potential danger to the child. But you should not always worry, in some cases this is a normal phenomenon for a pregnant woman, especially if it is the first pregnancy. But you need to know other clinical symptoms that are characteristic of the threat of miscarriage in order to contact a doctor in time.

Epidemiology

The epidemiology of miscarriage, especially during the first pregnancy, makes it necessary to look for the causes and prevent this pathology. In comparison with women who gave birth ten years earlier, today, due to the environmental situation and the decline in women's health, the problem of miscarriage comes to the fore. In 35% of cases of couple infertility, the cause is habitual miscarriage. As for the symptoms, only 12% of pulling pains in the lower abdomen are caused by physiological reasons. About 40% of cases of such symptoms in the 6th week of pregnancy are caused by the threat of miscarriage, and the same number are caused by an ectopic pregnancy. This proves the need for proper diagnosis and treatment of such conditions in pregnant women.

Causes 6-weeks-pregnancy lower abdominal pain

A nagging pain in the abdomen during pregnancy can always be a potential sign of a threatened miscarriage. But it is necessary to remember other causes of such pain in order to pay attention to other symptoms in time. Often, unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen are caused by the normal process of pregnancy and simple stretching of the uterus. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the pathogenesis of pain, which has a physiological and pathological nature.

The uterus is a muscular organ that grows and increases in size together with the fetus. Together with the uterus, the abdominal muscles also stretch - this leads to the lengthening of the muscle fibers of the pelvic floor, the abdominal press. In the first trimester of pregnancy, progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, begins to be actively synthesized. It is what ensures the stretching of muscle fibers. In addition, it acts on the pubic junction of the pubic bone, namely on the ligaments, which begin to diverge slightly. This is necessary in order to prepare the birth canal for the passage of the wide part of the fetus. Therefore, the cause of pulling sensations in the lower abdomen may be the action of progesterone in the early stages, that is, in the sixth week of pregnancy. Sometimes a woman may not yet know that she is pregnant, but such sensations appear. This is considered a physiological phenomenon that does not require treatment, since the cause is not a disease or a threat to the life of the child.

Among the reasons that need to be excluded first of all when such sensations appear in the 6th week of pregnancy, the first place is occupied by a miscarriage. If a woman is pregnant for the first time, then it is necessary to accurately determine all the symptoms that she has in addition to such pain. If we are talking about a woman who has been diagnosed with habitual miscarriage, then the cause of such sensations is most likely the threat of miscarriage. The reason for the appearance of such pulling sensations precisely in the 6th week is due to the fact that during this period of development the fetus is most vulnerable, and if any pathological factor acts, it easily causes premature birth (miscarriage). The uterus begins to contract rhythmically, which causes the gradual detachment of the ovum and its exit.

The second most common etiological factor for the development of nagging pain in the early stages is an ectopic pregnancy. Under normal conditions, on the seventh day after fertilization of the egg, the embryo moves along the fallopian tube and is implanted in the uterine cavity, where it then develops. When, for certain reasons, the embryo cannot reach the uterus, it is implanted in the tube or comes out of it and gets on the ovary or into the abdominal cavity, this is an ectopic pregnancy. Over time, the embryo grows and there is little space, which leads to stretching of the tube and the appearance of such symptoms. It is in the sixth week that the size of the ovum no longer allows it to grow further in the tube, which leads to its rupture or to a tubal abortion. Therefore, an ectopic tubal pregnancy manifests itself at this time.

Pregnancy can develop against the background of a woman having an inflammatory or other pathology of the ovary. This can happen if the pregnancy was unplanned, and the woman was not examined and did not treat chronic diseases. Often, a woman may not know about the presence of an ovarian cyst or chronic adnexitis, since these diseases can be asymptomatic. Therefore, one of the reasons for the appearance of pulling sensations in the 6th week of pregnancy may be an exacerbation of chronic adnexitis. Another pathology that causes a similar clinic may be a rupture or suppuration of an ovarian cyst, which also requires careful and timely diagnosis. In the first trimester, the immunity of a pregnant woman decreases, so she is vulnerable to an exacerbation of all previous diseases. Therefore, these reasons should not be excluded, despite the pregnancy.

Other causes of such pain may not be related to pregnancy itself. Often, inflammatory processes of the urinary tract, such as cystitis, can cause the same clinical picture.

Risk factors

Considering all the possible causes of nagging pains in the 6th week, it is necessary to highlight the risk factors that women need to consider and monitor. These factors include:

1. women with habitual miscarriage - they have a potential risk that this pregnancy, which is accompanied by such symptoms, may have a risk of another miscarriage;
2. chronic adnexitis in women;
3. ovarian cyst;
4. frequent surgical interventions on the uterus or abortions;
5. Stress or physical exertion during pregnancy can be a risk factor for early miscarriage.

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Symptoms 6-weeks-pregnancy lower abdominal pain

Symptoms of pulling pains in the lower abdomen at 6 weeks of pregnancy are physiological muscle contraction, if there are no other symptoms. This symptom is the only one and it is not constant. It does not disturb the general condition of the woman and does not entail any problems. If such pain is not accompanied by urinary disorders, headache, dizziness, vaginal discharge, then you can simply consult a doctor by phone about this. But if there are any other disorders of the condition, then you need to carefully differentiate them from each other.

The first problem is the threat of miscarriage, which is a very pressing issue at 6 weeks of pregnancy. The first signs of miscarriage begin with spasmodic pains in the lower abdomen. They can be provoked by physical exertion or stress. Then rhythmic contractions appear, which are accompanied by an increase in the tone of the uterus. In this case, the pain is quite severe and can even lead to loss of consciousness. If there is also bloody discharge, then we are talking about a miscarriage in progress, and then it is very difficult to save the child.

The clinic of an ectopic pregnancy can also begin with a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen. If an ectopic pregnancy is interrupted by a tubal abortion, then the fertilized egg comes out into the pelvic cavity and irritates the peritoneum. This causes severe pain, which can be the first sign of this condition. If a rupture of the fallopian tube occurs, this is accompanied by bleeding from the vagina, abdominal pain and a sharp drop in pressure. Therefore, a woman with complete health can feel dizzy, she can faint and only then will there be a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen.

Inflammatory diseases of the appendages during pregnancy can be activated if the woman had chronic adnexitis. In this case, a pulling sensation appears in the lower abdomen, which can be accompanied by purulent discharge from the vagina, or simply unpleasant discharge and discomfort. Intoxication syndrome is also expressed - headache and muscle pain, increased body temperature. If there are any similar symptoms, then you need to think about the inflammatory process.

Cystitis is a common disease in pregnant women due to compression of the bladder. If the pulling sensations in the 6th week are expressed precisely during urination, then most likely it is an inflammation of the lower urinary tract. At the same time, there is also a burning sensation, frequent urination and frequent urges. This must be taken into account when identifying the cause of pain, because sometimes a woman, due to concerns for the child, may not pay attention to the fact that the nature of urination has changed, but focuses on pain in the lower abdomen.

Thus, a nagging pain in the lower abdomen is only one symptom, and to fully characterize the condition, it is necessary to evaluate others in order to provide timely assistance.

Complications and consequences

The consequences of pulling sensations in the 6th week of pregnancy can be very serious, since the fetus is most vulnerable during this period. All the internal organs of the child are being laid and developed, and if something is wrong, this causes such symptoms. If there is a threat of miscarriage, complications can develop very quickly and a few minutes can already harm the child. If we are talking about an ectopic pregnancy, then the consequence of this condition can be a rupture of the tube and severe bleeding, threatening the life of the mother. Speaking of inflammatory diseases, untimely treatment of such processes can cause an intrauterine infection and lead to further complications - chorioamnionitis, congenital pneumonia of the fetus, congenital defects. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to such pulling pains in a timely manner, especially at such an early stage.

Diagnostics 6-weeks-pregnancy lower abdominal pain

Sometimes, diagnosing a woman's condition is complicated because she may not even know that she is pregnant. Therefore, it is important to establish anamnesis data, it is necessary to clarify the possibility of pregnancy and the date of the last menstruation. Next, it is necessary to diagnose whether these are physiological changes in the uterus or a serious organic disease. Sometimes the fact that the pain goes away after rest may indicate its physiological nature. It is important to clarify whether the nature of the discharge has changed and whether the body temperature has increased. After this, it is necessary to begin examining the woman.

On the chair in the mirrors you can see the signs of pregnancy itself, and if there is nothing threatening, then the discharge will be normal and the tone of the uterus is not increased. If there is pathology of the ovary, then there will be pain in its projection or you can palpate a volumetric formation in the presence of a cyst.

The tests should exclude a pathological condition, and therefore general tests are sufficient for general diagnostics. A general blood test helps to exclude an inflammatory process, otherwise, there will be leukocytosis and a shift in the formula to the left. A general urine test helps to establish the function of the kidneys and urinary tract. Any increase in leukocytes or protein may indicate inflammation and possible cystitis, which in the early stages of pregnancy very often causes pain to radiate to the lower abdomen.

Instrumental diagnostics must be carried out in order to exclude acute conditions. Ultrasound examination allows you to accurately determine the condition of the fetus, the localization of the ovum, and you can accurately exclude this or that condition. If there is a threat of miscarriage, then you can see a small detachment of the ovum, which causes contraction of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy at an early stage is perfectly diagnosed using ultrasound, then you can see that in the projection of the tube there is an echogenic formation, which is the ovum.

Other methods of instrumental examination can be used for the purpose of differential diagnostics. If necessary, a Doppler study is performed to study the blood circulation in the uterus.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics of such pains at 6 weeks should first of all exclude miscarriage. In this case, the tone of the uterus increases and it contracts rhythmically, during examination the internal os may be open. If there is discharge, then we are talking about an abortion that has already begun.

An ectopic pregnancy is also accompanied by discharge, but upon examination and palpation there is no fertilized egg in the uterine cavity, but there is only pain in the projection of the tubes. This is the main diagnostic sign that distinguishes tubal pregnancy.

Considering the many causes of nagging pain and the need to maintain pregnancy at an early stage, it is necessary to fully examine the woman to be sure of the treatment tactics.

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Treatment 6-weeks-pregnancy lower abdominal pain

Treatment of pulling sensations in the lower abdomen at 6 weeks of pregnancy should be carried out only after diagnosis. It is very important to determine the exact cause of such symptoms, and only then carry out treatment. If the cause of such pain is the threat of miscarriage, then medications are used that prolong pregnancy. In this case, the treatment tactics are as follows:

1. Partusisten is a drug from the group of selective sympathomimetics, the active substance of which is fenoterol. The drug acts by binding to uterine receptors, which leads to relaxation of muscle fibers. Therefore, the drug can be used to stop uncomplicated premature labor, which is accompanied by an increase in uterine tone and rhythmic contractions. The method of administration of the drug is intravenous, which allows you to quickly achieve the effect. Dosage - 10 micrograms of the drug should be administered slowly, and then switch to infusion use. Side effects are palpitations, heart rhythm disturbances, headache, feeling of heat, increased pressure, tremor, diarrhea. Precautions - the dosage of the drug should be carried out under the control of the condition of the fetus, its heartbeat and uterine tone.
2. Ginipral is a drug from the group of selective sympathomimetics, the active substance of which is hecoprenaline. The drug is used in case of threatened miscarriage, which is accompanied by increased uterine tone and rhythmic contractions. The method of administration of the drug is intravenous, which allows for a quick effect. Dosage - 10 micrograms of the drug should be administered slowly, and then switch to infusion use. The use of a specific drug for tocolytic therapy is determined in each case individually.
3. Drotaverine is a myotropic antispasmodic that reduces the tone and motor activity of the smooth muscles of the uterus. Due to this, an analgesic effect occurs, so drugs of this group are widely used in the treatment of threatened miscarriage in complex tocolytic therapy. Method of administration - 120-240 mg / day in 2-3 doses. Side effects that may be - skin hyperemia, fever, chills, increased body temperature, weakness, increased heart rate, arterial hypotension headache, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, constipation, vomiting, local reactions at the injection site. Precautions - do not use in congenital pathologies - malabsorption and lactose intolerance.
4. Lutein is a hormonal drug used for further treatment of the threat of miscarriage, after the elimination of the acute condition. Hormonal imbalances are often the cause of the threat of miscarriage in the 6th week of pregnancy, so progesterone therapy is mandatory after the elimination of symptoms. Lutein contains progesterone, a natural hormone that stabilizes the activity of the muscle fibers of the uterus and reduces its tone. The drug helps to normalize fetal trophism and improves uteroplacental blood circulation. It helps to prolong pregnancy by increasing the level of natural progesterone. The dosage of the drug is determined individually. Method of administration - 50 milligrams per capsule every day or every other day. Side effects - dizziness, drowsiness, pain in the mammary gland, itching of the skin, vomiting, fluid retention with the formation of edema. Precautions - a week after use, you need to monitor the effect and the correctness of the selected dose.
5. Inflammatory diseases of the ovaries can also be a common cause of pulling sensations in the lower abdomen during pregnancy. Therefore, to prevent infection of the fetus, such infectious diseases require treatment with antibiotics. They use drugs that are not harmful to the fetus at 6 weeks, because this is the period of formation of the child's internal organs. Such drugs include cephalosporin antibiotics.

Cefpodox is a third-generation beta-lactam antibiotic, especially effective against aerobic flora. The drug has a bactericidal effect on possible pathogens of chronic and acute infections, so it can also be used for cystitis. The dosage of the drug is 200 milligrams twice a day, for at least ten days. Side effects are possible when affecting the stomach - colitis or dysbacteriosis develops, which is manifested by bloating, stool disorders.

Physiotherapeutic treatment of pulling sensations in the lower abdomen at 6 weeks can be widely used if such pain is caused by muscle strain or weakness. Electrophoresis with papaverine and dimexide, as well as thermal procedures are used for this. It is necessary to undergo at least ten sessions if there are no undesirable effects of such treatment.

Vitamins can be used in complex treatment, especially nicotinic acid throughout the first trimester.

Surgical treatment at 6 weeks is mandatory if the pregnancy is ectopic. Then, even in the absence of clinical signs, but with the diagnosis of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, surgery is performed. Its scope may vary. If the tube has not yet ruptured, then there may only be a small sectoral resection. But when there is a rupture of the tube, then the scope of the operation is the removal of the tube. When it comes to miscarriage in progress, then surgical intervention is also used. Then they resort to surgical removal of the fertilized egg by scraping the uterine cavity. This reduces the risk of further complications in the mother's health, so it is considered the preferred method of treatment at such an early stage of pregnancy.

Traditional methods of treatment

There are many folk methods of treatment that can prolong pregnancy. If a woman cannot get pregnant for a long time, there are also many methods that prepare the uterus and normalize the hormonal background. They can be used in the early stages of pregnancy to prolong it.

1. Since the times of Ancient Greece, the ficus has been considered a sacred plant, which is used to normalize the aura in the house where they want to have a child. Therefore, it is recommended to keep this plant in the bedroom, and also to take care of it during the entire pregnancy by the pregnant woman. It passes on its beneficial properties to her.
2. Tincture of meadowsweet leaves has a very pronounced tocolytic property, and in addition, it also has the ability to normalize hormonal levels. Therefore, if there is a threat of miscarriage, you need to take medicine from this plant to further normalize the condition. To prepare a medicinal tea, you need to take meadowsweet leaves, pour half a liter of water over them, and then, after it has been infused for twenty minutes, strain and drink. Dosage - about a liter of tea should be drunk per day.
3. Birch buds are used to prolong pregnancy. To do this, take them fresh, wash them and pour fresh liquid honey over them. This medicine should be infused for at least two weeks, and then strained before taking. The dosage is half a teaspoon in the morning and evening.
4. A herbal infusion is highly effective in treating chronic infectious processes in the ovaries, which can also cause a pulling sensation. To prepare it, you need coltsfoot, chamomile and string leaves. All ingredients should be poured with water and boiled. You should wash yourself with warm water twice a day.

Using herbs and herbal teas also helps to reduce uterine tone and normalize hormonal imbalances.

1. Willow leaves are a well-known remedy for improving the condition of a pregnant woman, especially with severe gestosis, which can also be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. For treatment, you can simply drink tea from dried willow leaves or prepare a special tincture. To do this, take 50 grams of willow leaves, pour in three hundred milliliters of warm liquid honey and mix thoroughly. This tincture should be kept in a dark place for five days, then take a teaspoon in the morning and evening. This tincture has a general immunomodulatory effect and normalizes the tone of the nervous system of a pregnant woman.
2. An infusion of marigold and St. John's wort is known for its beneficial effect on blood circulation in the uterus, so this remedy can be used for physiological nagging pain. The infusion can be made by boiling the herbal leaves in hot water for ten minutes, and then after it cools down, take a shot of the solution twice a day.
3. You need to take 100 grams of dry herb of the orthilia secunda and plantain, make tea from a liter of water and drink a tablespoon three times a day. The course of treatment is four weeks. This is an excellent remedy for normalizing the trophism of the fertilized egg and in case of a threat, such tea restores the tone of the uterus well.
4. Yarrow herb infused with alcohol also helps well with the threat of miscarriage. To prepare, you just need to pour alcohol over fresh leaves and let it brew. Take two drops in the morning on an empty stomach.

Homeopathy is a broad area of medicine that is actively used in gynecology. Women take a lot of medications before pregnancy and in the early stages for normal development of the child and prevention of miscarriage. This applies to women from the risk group. Taking homeopathic medicines is also possible for the purpose of normalizing the level of progesterone, which also ensures a normal pregnancy.

1. Aconite is a plant used to treat the threat of miscarriage at 6 weeks, which is caused by a strong stress factor. The drug is especially effective in treating women with a strong temperament, with a rapid pulse and heartbeat. The method of administration of the drug is parenteral and the dosage begins with three granules every three hours on the first day, then you need to take three granules every six hours the next day, and from the third day, three granules twice a day. Side effects may be on the first day of taking in the form of increased nagging pain in the lower abdomen, which passes after a few hours.
2. Echinacea is a homeopathic herbal remedy that is effective in treating pulling sensations in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy if they are caused by chronic ovarian inflammation. The drug has very strong antiseptic properties and is used in the form of a tincture. The dosage is three drops every day. The course of treatment can be started immediately after the onset of complaints, and before childbirth, you can stop taking the drug. Side effects can manifest themselves in bowel dysfunction.
3. Plumbum is a homeopathic preparation from the group of inorganic preparations. It is used to treat miscarriage with severe spasmodic abdominal pain. The method of using the preparation depends on the form. The dosage for drops is one drop per year of life, and for capsules - two capsules three times a day. Side effects are possible in the form of hyperemia of the skin of the hands and feet, as well as a feeling of heat. Precautions - do not use if the body temperature rises.
4. Zincum valerianicum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat a threat caused by hormonal deficiency or hyperestrogenism. The drug increases the synthesis of progesterone, which normalizes the tone of the uterus and the condition of the fetus. The medicine is dosed four drops in the morning and evening, the method of application - you need to dissolve the drops in a large amount of water. Side effects can occur at a high dose - dizziness, headache, general weakness appear.
5. Apis is the most effective remedy in the first trimester at 6 weeks, when nagging pains are associated with a hormonal or inflammatory process in the ovary. This homeopathic medicine acts specifically on the ovaries and improves their function. It is available in the form of drops and is used in a dosage of three drops per dose. How to use - the solution should be diluted with boiled water and drunk after meals. The course of treatment is two drops twice a day, and then after a month you can increase the dose to three drops, as the pregnancy period increases. Side effects are rare, allergic skin reactions are possible.

Traditional methods can be used for a long time, which has its advantages.

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Prevention

Prevention of complications that cause pulling sensations during pregnancy can be non-specific and it consists of normalizing the pregnant woman's regimen to avoid possible factors of miscarriage. A woman should not have heavy physical activity, rest during the day should be at least two hours, and sleep - at least eight. Nutrition should take into account the needs of a woman, with the calculation of sufficient consumption of kilocalories and vitamins. A very important element of prevention of ectopic pregnancy is the avoidance of frequent abortions and surgical interventions, timely treatment of inflammatory processes.

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Forecast

The prognosis for the development of a normal pregnancy can be favorable if you seek help in a timely manner. The prognosis for an ectopic pregnancy is unfortunately unfavorable, since the only treatment is surgical.

Pulling in the lower abdomen at 6 weeks of pregnancy is a serious cause for concern, since it is not only about the mother's health, but also about the life of the baby. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account all the symptoms of the disease and consult a doctor in time. Treatment of such a pathology depends on the cause, and conservative treatment may not always be possible. Therefore, for a pregnant woman, especially in the early stages, it is necessary to adhere to an appropriate daily routine and take care of her health.