Stomach pain in pregnancy

Identifying stomach pains during pregnancy

Stomach pains during pregnancy are not unusual. And on their own, they are not normally anything to worry about, but occasionally, abdominal pain or stomach cramps can be a sign of something serious, especially if you’re experiencing other symptoms at the same time.

Common causes of stomach pain

• Indigestion or heartburn – stomach pain sometimes with nausea
• Ligaments around your uterus stretching as your baby grows – this can cause mild stomach cramps
• Feeling tense – this can cause stomach cramps or period type pain.

More serious causes of stomach pain

Sometimes, stomach pain could point to something serious, so if you do experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical advice immediately.

• Miscarriage – stomach cramps with vaginal bleeding.
• Ectopic pregnancy – stomach pain that moves across your tummy, often with pain in your shoulders or across your shoulder blades.
• Pre-eclampsia - stomach pain with other symptoms, for instance raised blood pressure or high levels of protein in your urine.
• Premature labour – between the 24^th and 36^th week, stomach pain or cramps with diarrhoea, back pain and contractions.

Pregnancy pains are common and usually nothing to worry about. But you know your body better than anyone, so if any aches or pains are worrying you, make sure you talk to your midwife. Even if it does turn out to be indigestion, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.