It is quite normal to experience a certain amount of abdominal pain or discomfort during pregnancy. But severe or persistent pain may indicate something more serious and therefore requires a consultation with your obstetrician.
Serious complications that can lead to abdominal pain during pregnancy:
• Ectopic pregnancy: This is a serious and life-threatening problem in which the fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tubes outside the uterus. Cramps, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, bleeding, tenderness, etc. are the most common symptoms. The pain is often worse when coughing or doing physical activity. If there is heavy bleeding along with fainting spells or dizziness, call 911.
• Miscarriage: This is another condition that occurs during the early stages of pregnancy, that is, in the first 20 weeks. Initially, you may only notice vaginal spotting or bleeding that will soon be followed by abdominal pain. Bleeding may be light or heavy, and pain may be mild and crampy or severe and persistent. Either way, you should see your obstetrician right away, especially if your bleeding is heavy.
• Preterm labor: Preterm or premature labor is another case in which a woman experiences abnormal abdominal pain. Preterm labor occurs when the cervix dilates or contractions begin before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. Some of the symptoms include abdominal pain along with contractions, back pain, and increased pressure in the pelvic region, vaginal spotting or bleeding, or increased vaginal discharge.
• Placental abruption: This is another life-threatening condition in which the pregnant woman will experience abdominal pain. In this condition, the placenta separates, partially or completely, from the uterus even before the baby is born. Sometimes there is only spotting, but in most cases, the bleeding is obvious and heavy. In addition to abdominal pain, the person will also experience persistent cramps or contractions, back pain, and uterine tenderness. This is an emergency and immediate medical assistance is essential.
• Preeclampsia: This is another serious complication that is diagnosed if you have high blood pressure and have excess protein in your urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This disorder can affect every organ in your body and can also be life-threatening for your baby. Some of the symptoms associated with this disorder include excessive swelling in the face, hands, legs, and ankles, as well as swelling around the eyes, severe pain and tenderness in the upper abdominal region, headache, vomiting, and visual disturbances. See your obstetrician right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
• Urinary tract infection: This is a common and less serious condition in which a pregnant woman may experience abdominal pain. Other symptoms include a burning sensation, pain or discomfort when urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent urination, and sometimes bloody urine. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed that will cure the infection. But if left untreated, a bladder infection can affect the kidneys and lead to premature labor.