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Is Upper Stomach Pain Normal During Pregnancy
Upper stomach pain is actually very common, especially in the second and third trimesters. Your body is going through a lot of changes. The ligaments that hold your uterus are stretching, your organs are shifting to make room for your growing baby, and hormones like progesterone are relaxing the muscles in your digestive system. All of this can make your upper stomach feel sore or uncomfortable at times.Usually, this pain comes and goes, and improves when you rest or change your position. In most cases, it is nothing to worry about.
What Causes Upper Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
These are the everyday reasons you might feel discomfort in the upper part of your tummy:- Gas and bloating: Progesterone relaxes your intestines, so food moves more slowly and gas can build up. By the later months, your growing uterus adds extra pressure, which can make things worse. You might feel sharp pains or a bloated, full feeling that shifts around.
- Constipation: Many pregnant people get constipated because of hormones, iron tablets, low fibre, or not drinking enough water. When stools build up, you can feel fullness or cramping high in the abdomen.
- Heartburn and acid reflux: Progesterone also loosens the valve between your stomach and food pipe. Combined with a growing uterus pushing upwards, this can cause burning pain that spreads from the chest to the upper abdomen. It often gets worse after meals or when lying flat.
- Round ligament stretching and skin tightness: As your bump grows quickly in the second trimester, the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch and your skin pulls tight. This can cause a dull ache or sharp twinges under your ribs, particularly when you move suddenly.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: These “practice” contractions can start in the second trimester but are more noticeable later. They often feel like a tightening across the upper abdomen that comes and goes.
- Muscle strain: Carrying extra weight shifts your posture and can strain your abdominal and back muscles, leading to a sore, achy feeling in the upper abdomen.
More Serious Causes of Upper Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
Sometimes, upper stomach pain signals something that needs urgent treatment:- Gallstones or gallbladder problems: Pregnancy hormones and slower bile flow make gallstones more common. Pain usually appears on the right side under the ribs and may come in waves, often with nausea.
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (cholestasis): This happens when bile flow from the liver slows down. The main symptom is intense itching, especially on your palms and soles. But some people also notice upper abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, or jaundice.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause dull upper abdominal pain, along with nausea and fatigue.
- Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome: These conditions usually occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Severe pain under the right ribs may appear along with high blood pressure, swelling in the hands or face, headaches, or changes in vision.
- Placental abruption: It happens when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery. This can cause sudden, severe upper abdominal pain during pregnancy, a constant feeling of tightness, back pain, or reduced baby movements.
- Preterm labour: This occurs when contractions start before 37 weeks of pregnancy. If these contractions become regular, painful, and start from the top of the uterus, they may indicate preterm labour.
- Ectopic pregnancy: This happens when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Pain is typically severe and one-sided, and there may be vaginal bleeding.
How to Ease Upper Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
Most everyday upper stomach pains can improve with a few gentle lifestyle changes:- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones. This can reduce pressure on your stomach and help with digestion.
- Sit upright while eating and try to stay upright for at least an hour afterwards. This helps prevent acid from flowing back into the food pipe.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger discomfort, such as spicy, oily, or fried foods, acidic items, caffeine, chocolate, and fizzy drinks.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Include fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help prevent constipation, which often causes upper abdominal discomfort.
- Move gently every day. Walking or pregnancy-safe exercises help digestion and reduce muscle tension.
- Sleep with your head and upper body slightly raised to prevent heartburn.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t press on your tummy.
- A warm (not hot) compress, relaxing bath, or gentle belly massage can relieve tight muscles and ligaments.
- Try maternity support bands if your belly feels heavy. They can take some pressure off your abdominal muscles and ligaments.
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FAQs on The Real Reasons Behind Upper Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
- Can exercise affect upper abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Yes, certain exercises can strain the upper abdominal muscles, especially if they involve twisting or sudden movements. - Does sleeping position affect upper stomach pain during pregnancy?
Yes, some sleeping positions can place extra pressure on the upper abdomen and make the area feel sore. Try sleeping on your left side to stay comfortable.