Any pains when you're pregnant can be a bit scary, and we've noticed in our forum quite a few mums chatting about having stabbing pains in their lower abdomen in the very early stages of their pregnancy.
For example, smudgesmith, nearly 5 weeks pregnant says: "Had a bit of a worry today at work when all of a sudden got shooting/stabbing pains in my lower tummy - was really quite sore.
"I called the midwife and she said hopefully just stretching pains but to go straight to a&e if start bleeding heavily or it gets severe.
"It eased off after about an hour and half, however every time I go to the toilet and (sorry tmi) strain (to see if it's wind etc) it feels really tender in my lower stomach is sore for a minute or two after."
Kelby1978 is in a similar situation, revealing: "I'm nearly 10 weeks and I've been getting sharp stabbing pains down the front of my tummy that go up inside me, is this normal?
"I've had an ectopic pregnancy and 3 miscarriages but never got this far before, I'm also on aspirin this time round, I'm trying not to panic!!"
So, what's going on? And if you get similar pains - what should you do?
What's likely to be causing lower abdominal pains in early pregnancy?
We spoke to our consultant GP, Dr Philippa Kaye, who advises that it's quite common for there to be some pain in the lower tummy in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
This is because pregnancy hormones kick in early and cause the ligaments and tissues around the uterus to start to stretch, which can cause discomfort.
"Another cause in early pregnancy is related to the corpus luteum in the ovary," she says, explaining:
"Normally when you release an egg from a follicle in the ovary and it isn't fertilised the corpus luteum which is left behind breaks down.
"But when you are pregnant the corpus luteum stays and produces hormones to help support the pregnancy up until about week 10 when the placenta takes over.
"A corpus luteum cyst can occur which can cause pain."
When should you see a doctor with lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy?
Another common cause includes a urinary tract infection. So, if you feel stinging/burning when urinating or are going for a wee more frequently than usual, then Philippa advises seeing a doctor.
She adds that although having some discomfort is common and can be normal, it's also worth seeing a doctor if:
- you are having bleeding with the pain, even if it is light
- the pain is more on one side or the other rather than central
- it is severe pain
- you feel dizzy/lightheaded.
Docs will then (most likely) arrange a scan to check for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Dr Philippa Kaye is a London GP who has written several books on pregnancy and childcare including The First Five Years. Visit her official site or follow on Twitter.
Image: Getty Images
Read more:
- Should I get an early pregnancy scan?
- Stomach cramps in early pregnancy
- Early pregnancy symptoms: why are my breasts sore?
Braxton Hicks contractions are a bit more common in the afternoon or evening, and they can spring up after physical activity (including sex), according to the Mayo Clinic. They also tend to get a little more intense (and more frequent) as you get closer to your due date, the Mayo Clinic explains. There are a few things you might try to get rid of these contractions. If you’ve been standing, try sitting or lying down. If you’ve been sitting, get up and walk around, the ACOG recommends. You might also consider whether or not you’re hydrated. Often, drinking a few glasses of water and resting might alleviate your pain, the ACOG says.
If none of the above techniques work, or if your contractions last for longer than two minutes at a time and seem to get closer together over time, you may be going into labor and should call your doctor, the ACOG explains.
If you feel any of these pregnancy pains, you should give your doctor a call:
1. Sudden sharp, dull or achy pain in your right abdomen
This could signal appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). Surprisingly, besides pregnancy complications, appendicitis is the most common reason for emergency surgery during pregnancy, Dr. Clark tells SELF. Around 0.1% of pregnant people will experience appendicitis during pregnancy, and it’s most common in the second trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic. “The pain may be sudden and may be sharp or dull and achy,” says Dr. Clark. “It is typically associated with fever, inability to eat, nausea, and vomiting.” See your doctor right away if you’re in pain and suspect something is wrong.
It can be difficult to diagnose appendicitis (signs like nausea and vomiting aren’t that different from pregnancy symptoms), but if your doctor understands your history and conducts a thorough examination, it’s a very treatable condition, the Mayo Clinic says. First, doctors will perform a series of tests and scans to confirm that you have appendicitis, SELF previously reported. From there, they might determine whether surgery is the best option. In cases where your provider decides that surgery isn’t right for you, they might prescribe antibiotics to treat infection and remove your appendix at a later time.
2. Sharp and intense pain in the upper right abdomen
Slowed-down digestion also slows the emptying of the gallbladder, which can lead to gallstones. Gallstones are often associated with pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, the Mayo Clinic explains. In addition to upper right abdomen pain, you might experience pain in the center of your abdomen, back pain between your shoulder blades, pain in your right shoulder, nausea, and vomiting, the Mayo Clinic says.
“If it isn’t too severe a case, gallstones can be managed conservatively with dietary modification including avoiding fatty, fried foods,” Dr. Jones says. Occasionally, some patients will need surgery, but in most cases, removal can wait until after delivery, she adds. In some cases, the gallstone can cause cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, the Mayo Clinic says. The symptoms of cholecystitis include fever and increased pain that won’t go away. In this case, surgery may be necessary.
3. Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen, paired with nausea
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition that involves a sudden increase in blood pressure and some kind of damage to other organs (usually the kidneys and liver), according to the Mayo Clinic. It usually occurs in the third trimester, but some pregnant people with certain risk factors are monitored for it earlier than that. More specifically, risk factors include having a family history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, as well as factors like age and race (Black women have higher rates of the condition than women of other races), the Mayo Clinic explains.