Stomach pain during pregnancy: causes and what to do

Stomach pain during pregnancy is a common symptom in the first trimester of pregnancy due to the normal hormonal changes during pregnancy, and is generally caused by morning sickness, which may begin around 2 to 4 weeks after fertilization of the egg, and generally disappear around the 22nd week of pregnancy.

However, stomach pain during pregnancy can also arise due to food poisoning, gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux, and be accompanied by other symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach, diarrhea or excess gas, for example.

Stomach pain during pregnancy does not always require medical treatment and can be relieved with home measures, such as increasing your intake of easily digestible foods, eating every 3 hours or drinking tea. However, it is important to consult an obstetrician to identify the cause of the stomach pain and, if necessary, begin the treatment recommended by the doctor.

Causes of stomach pain during pregnancy

The main causes of stomach pain during pregnancy are:

1. Morning sickness

Morning sickness is very common in the first weeks of pregnancy, and may begin around the 2nd to 4th week after fertilization of the egg, due to the production of the hormone beta-HCG, in addition to other hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, which allow the creation of conditions for the baby to develop inside the uterus.

These nauseas are more common in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, but they can last throughout the pregnancy, and can also cause vomiting or difficulty for the woman to eat.

What to do: you should avoid strong smells, stay hydrated, rest and eat small meals frequently throughout the day, giving preference to dry, easily digestible foods, such as sautéed salad, white meat, fish, fruit, wholemeal bread and cookies without filling. Additionally, you can drink ginger tea once a day for a maximum of 3 days in a row. Check out the main home remedies for nausea.

2. Hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of vomiting during pregnancy, in which the woman vomits several times throughout the day, for weeks, causing nausea that does not improve, stomach pain during pregnancy, frequent vomiting, fatigue and loss of appetite, which can lead to compromised nutritional status or dehydration.

This condition is more common in women who have a family history of hyperemesis gravidarum or twin pregnancies, for example.

What to do: Hyperemesis gravidarum must be treated by an obstetrician, with medicines to reduce vomiting, such as metoclopramide, for example. Furthermore, in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to receive intravenous serum and antiemetic medications. See how hyperemesis gravidarum is treated.

3. Gastritis

Stomach pain during pregnancy can also occur due to gastritis, and is usually accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn or a burning sensation in the stomach, nausea and vomiting.

Gastritis during pregnancy can arise due to normal hormonal changes during pregnancy, and the increase in stress and anxiety that are normal at this stage.

What to do: eating in small amounts and not lying down after meals can help alleviate discomfort. Another important measure is to avoid drinking liquids during meals and avoid eating fried foods, spicy or highly seasoned foods. See other tips on how to relieve heartburn during pregnancy.

4. Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux can cause stomach pain and symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, excess gas, and, in some cases, an itchy throat and a scratchy sensation in the throat.

Gastroesophageal reflux during pregnancy is more common after the 24th week of pregnancy, as the growing uterus can press the stomach upwards, causing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.

Furthermore, digestion can become slower and food stays in the stomach longer, which also contributes to the return of food from the stomach to the mouth and heartburn.

What to do: eating in small amounts at intervals of less than 2 to 3 hours, avoiding fried foods, spicy or highly seasoned foods and eating large meals can help alleviate this discomfort. Furthermore, in some cases, the obstetrician may recommend antacid medications, such as milk of magnesia, for example, and it is important that the woman only uses medications if recommended by the doctor. See how reflux is treated during pregnancy.

5. Food poisoning

Food poisoning can appear after consuming food contaminated by toxins, produced by fungi or bacteria, causing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, weakness, fever and even dehydration.

Food poisoning is most likely to occur due to consumption of foods that have been poorly stored, are out of date or have not been prepared following good hygiene practices, for example.

What to do: increase fluid consumption and eat a light, easily digestible diet, as this will help eliminate toxins through urine. Furthermore, the obstetrician may recommend antibiotics if the poisoning was caused by bacteria, and in more serious cases or cases of dehydration, hospitalization to receive intravenous serum and other medications. See how food poisoning is treated.

Does stomach pain during pregnancy harm the baby?

Stomach pain during pregnancy does not harm the baby and is a common symptom during pregnancy. However, if stomach pain is frequent, causes severe nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fever or diarrhea, it can compromise the woman’s nutritional status and the supply of nutrients to the baby, or lead to dehydration and harm the development of the baby. baby.

Therefore, it is important that pregnant women attend prenatal consultations regularly as advised by the obstetrician, and consult the doctor whenever stomach pain appears, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

When to go to the doctor

It is important to consult a doctor whenever stomach pain appears or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting that does not improve;
• Intense vomiting;
• Dehydration;
• Diarrhea;
• Excessive tiredness;
• Loss of appetite;
• Weight loss;
• Fever;
• Headache;
• Muscle pain;
• Dark or bloody stools.

Furthermore, during pregnancy, prenatal consultations should be carried out regularly, as advised by the obstetrician, to obtain guidance during pregnancy, carry out the tests requested by the doctor and ensure the health of the woman and the healthy development of the baby. See how prenatal consultations should be carried out.