^

Health

Pain in the navel during pregnancy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Gynecologists repeatedly hear complaints of pain in the navel during pregnancy. Naturally stretching the muscles on the stomach can cause uncomfortable sensations of the navel zone. Soreness is also caused by weak muscular structures of the press. A round ligament of the liver (fused umbilical vein) communicates with the navel, which also responds with pain.

Changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman are initially noted at the physical level. The shape and volume of the abdomen changes, but the navel also modifies.

Most women note the bulging of the navel in the second part of the pregnancy. The enlargement of the umbilical ring zone, the similarity with the button - is not a pathology and is more common in slender expectant mothers or with a large belly. After the birth of the baby, the navel acquires the usual condition.

All harassing symptoms should be discussed immediately with the doctor, since the pain of the navel region can be a harbinger of serious illnesses. Waiting for a baby, overshadowed by increased gas production, stool retention with nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse on the background of pain in the navel, indicate the development of umbilical hernia.

Causes of pain in the navel during pregnancy

The detection of the source of pain in the navel during pregnancy is only possible for an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist. The erosion, blurring of the symptoms often complicate the diagnosis and the purpose of treatment.

Causes of pain in the navel during pregnancy: 

  • the process of stretching the skin of the abdomen with the onset of the 13th week of the term often causes pain in the navel during pregnancy. The condition does not require medical assistance; 
  • hernia of the navel - in addition to pain, a dense circular or oblong subcutaneous neoplasm is probed in the navel zone. It is necessary to immediately seek medical help; 
  • infection of the intestine - pain in the navel is accompanied by a temperature, a loose stool, vomiting is not ruled out. Increased intestinal tone due to vomiting and diarrhea affects the uterine tone. The risk of infection of the fetus is great, therefore, along with therapeutic measures, it is mandatory to prevent premature births; 
  • exacerbation of appendicitis - is rare in pregnancy.

A pregnant woman needs to reliably describe all the anxiety symptoms to the treating doctor for the correct diagnosis.

trusted-source[1]

Symptoms of pain in the navel during pregnancy

Any manifestation of pain in the navel zone should be pronounced for consultation with a gynecologist. By nature, intensity, localization and concomitant symptoms, the doctor will be able to establish the cause of the pain syndrome and prescribe adequate treatment.

Aching sensations in the lower back, heaviness in the legs are frequent companions of even a physiologically correct course of pregnancy. When unpleasant factors appear, it is important to clearly understand what is the norm, and what is the pathology.

Too much pain on the background of nausea, vomiting, along with a delay in stools, gases and with increased heart rate, most often mean umbilical hernia.

Reminiscing contractions, symptoms of pain in the navel during pregnancy, accompanied by diarrhea, with nausea or vomiting may indicate intestinal infections. The condition is dangerous for the possibility of miscarriage, so it requires medical attention.

In pregnancy, there is a mixture of internal organs, including an appendix. Inflammation, vveroobrazny process of the cecum, causes pain in the navel, which shifts to the right. The clinical picture of an attack of appendicitis when bearing a fetus may look atypical, which complicates the diagnosis.

Pain near the navel during pregnancy

Pathological changes in internal organs cause pain in the navel during pregnancy of a local nature. Attacks are usually quite intense with dizziness, fever, vomiting, general weakness and stool changes.

Discomforts arise for various reasons. For example, in the summer heat, the soreness of the umbilical region manifests itself due to overheating, when the skin inside the navel is irritated with salts of profuse sweating. Often the pain is a consequence of the change of cosmetics, allergic manifestations or increased emotional sensitivity.

The strongest manifestations of pain near the navel in pregnancy are associated with exacerbation of appendicitis. If the symptomatology is added soreness in the hypochondrium to the right, nausea, vomiting, urgently call for emergency medical attention.

Pain near the navel in pregnancy

Diseases of an infectious nature and poisoning - often occur in the bearing of a child.

Pain near the navel during pregnancy is inherent in gastroenteritis, inflammatory processes of the intestine or stomach as a result of poisoning or infection. The pain of the umbilical zone is observed against a background of bloating, rumbling of the abdomen. Among the accompanying symptoms of the patient are: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, nausea, weakness, thirst.

Toxins affect the healthy development of the fetus. Violations of the gastroenterological type cause activation of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which increases the uterine tone, leading to premature birth or spontaneous abortion.

Infectious damage, intoxication during pregnancy require immediate treatment.

Pain around the navel in pregnancy

The umbilical hernia often develops before the onset of a joyful event, revealing nothing by itself. With the growth of the tummy, the hernia begins to progress, actively increasing in size at later dates. Such hernias are not infringed by the fact that it is the uterus, and not the intestine, that is attached to the wall of the peritoneum. The pain centers in the umbilical region.

Women who had a large hernia before pregnancy, should be afraid of its infringement in any period of gestation. Always sudden, acute pain around the navel during pregnancy in this condition is often paroxysmal. The condition is aggravated by vomiting, swelling with constipation. The onset of the disease takes place without temperature.

Infringement of a hernia is a dangerous phenomenon requiring medical attention, regardless of the number of weeks. Operative intervention should be conducted in the first six hours after the detection of signs of impairment, as the possible threat to the life of the mother and child is the development of bowel necrosis.

The injured hernia can be determined by the characteristic protrusion of the navel zone.

Pain above the umbilicus during pregnancy

Gastric disturbances, liver and pancreatic dysfunction cause pain above the navel during pregnancy.

The chronic course of gastroduodenitis, dyskinesia of the bile ducts causes soreness of the abdominal area above the navel. The existing pathologies in the digestive system with the onset of pregnancy are often complicated, because the stomach and intestines have to adapt to new working conditions. Pain appears more often after a meal. Of the unpleasant consequences can be allocated heartburn, a feeling of nausea. The exacerbation of the disease is not tied to the period of gestation. Pathological processes are identified at any stage.

You should follow a diet and consult a specialist without self-medication.

Pain below the umbilicus during pregnancy

To obstetric disorders include pain below the umbilicus during pregnancy, pulling unpleasant sensations of the lumbar region, vaginal discharge and increased uterine tone. Painful lower abdominal syndromes are dangerous due to arbitrary termination of pregnancy, so it is important to contact a obstetrician-gynecologist in a timely manner.

Discomforts below the umbilical area with unpleasant symptoms during urination and frequent toilet rides are signs of cystitis or other problems of urination. Cystitis is manifested by drawing pains, a feeling of overflow of the bladder and portioning of urine. The condition requires expert advice.

Pain in the navel during pregnancy can indicate a pathological development of the pregnancy itself.

Pain under the navel during pregnancy

The pulling pains of the lower abdomen at the beginning of pregnancy testify to normal changes in the body. The action of hormones causes softening of the tissues of the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus. Some future mothers do not notice such processes at all. The pain syndrome in this case is not crampy and permanent.

Pain under the navel during pregnancy causes muscle stretching, a change in the position of the internal organs with the growth of the abdomen. The second part of bearing the fetus is characterized by a decrease in intestinal peristalsis, as a result - slowing the progress of food and pain of the pulling / stitching type. Such changes do not need treatment. It is required to eat properly and not overload the intestines.

Diagnosis of pain in the navel during pregnancy

Diseases of the internal organs of the peritoneum cause pain during pregnancy. Pathological processes are characterized by strong recurrent, increasing attacks, which can threaten the termination of pregnancy. Harvesting, cramping pains are the harbingers of miscarriage. The state is characterized by secretions from the genitals, increased urination, pain in the sacral region. The second stage of pregnancy with various diseases determines the uterine tension, the "hardening" of the abdomen.

Along with palpation for diagnosing anxiety symptoms during pregnancy, ultrasound is used. This study allows you to determine the strengthening of the tone of the uterus, detachment of the fetal egg and the placenta. Diagnosis of pain in the navel during pregnancy at a later date is carried out by the method of cardiotocography (CTG), which makes it possible to assess the condition of the fetus and check the cramping contractions of the uterus.

trusted-source[2], [3]

Treatment of pain in the navel during pregnancy

Pain in the navel during pregnancy, not requiring treatment: 

  • increased skin sensitivity in the process of enlarging the abdomen (this includes the protrusion of the navel, the pain associated with this condition when in contact with clothing); 
  • stretching the muscles of the abdominal region; 
  • Pressing sensation in the navel due to the growth of the uterus.

The described discomforts go by themselves, they will have to endure.

If any disease of the peritoneal organs is detected, the pathological course of the pregnancy itself requires the use of therapeutic or emergency measures. Conditions such as: navel hernia, intestinal infections, urinary disorders, appendicitis should be diagnosed in a timely manner.

Treatment of pain in the navel during pregnancy is prescribed only by a doctor based on the results of the examination, the underlying cause and the general condition of the patient. When the appendicitis is aggravated, the hernia is infringed by urgent surgical intervention.

Independently you can take activated charcoal or no-shpu, but do not delay to visit the obstetrician-gynecologist.

How to prevent a pain in the navel during pregnancy?

The best prevention of pain in the process of bearing a child is early preparation for conception. The future mother should, even before the onset of the long-awaited event, determine the state of her health, when problems are found, be cured of existing diseases. It is enough to consult a gynecologist, visit a therapist, pass a number of tests and the navel pain during pregnancy will not bother you with your presence. If discomfort appears, it will disappear without a trace in a short period of time.

As for changes in intestinal peristalsis, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules in nutrition. In order to improve digestion, enrich the diet with fiber, which is contained in raw vegetables and fruits. If desired, eat them in a steaming form. To avoid flatulence, refrain from legumes, onions, cabbage, radishes, etc. Use dried apricots / prunes to facilitate peristalsis. It is required to drink enough water, which will favorably affect the process of digestion and urination. With fatty, sweet food and "gifts" fast food is better to wait.

Physical exercise is the prevention of pain in the navel during pregnancy, as well as an excellent opportunity to always be in shape and improve the digestive system. Choose what you prefer: swimming, water aerobics, yoga. The main thing is that the load is evenly distributed across all muscle groups.

Pain in the navel during pregnancy can mean the need to relax, relax. If there are no obvious pathologies, as confirmed by the gynecologist, walk more, enjoy yourself and the world around you. After all, the time of bearing a child is not only a physiological process, but an opportunity to discover new talents.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.