Pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy is most often a sign of normal changes in its course, related to the stretching and growth of the uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. However, sometimes it may indicate obstetric or non-obstetric gynecological diseases or diseases of the digestive or urinary system. What are the causes of pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy? What diseases can it indicate?

Lower abdominal painis a common symptom ofin early pregnancy . Most often it is associated with the enlargement of the fetus, and with it also the uterus, which results in an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. As a result, there is cramping or burning pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back. However, sometimes the causes of lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy can be more complicated and indicate obstetric, gynecological, non-obstetric or non-gynecological conditions.

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Pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy - obstetric diseases

  • Spontaneous miscarriage(threatening, dead, incomplete, complete, stopped or missed) is the most common obstetric cause of lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy. The miscarriage is manifested by spasmodic diffuse pain in the abdomen. Vaginal bleeding also occurs frequently. In spontaneous miscarriage, the external cervical opening may be open or closed (depending on the type of miscarriage).
  • Ectopic pregnancy is the most serious cause of abdominal and pelvic pain (usually sudden, localized, and constant, i.e. non-spasmodic) with or without vaginal bleeding ). The external cervix is ​​closed and the fetal heart is absent at the same time. With rupture of an ectopic pregnancy, haemodynamic instability (decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, symptoms of pulmonary congestion) is possible, leading to loss of consciousness or fainting.
  • Septic miscarriagecan also cause lower abdominal pain early in pregnancy. Septic miscarriage with symptoms of inflammation of the reproductive organ, i.e. fever, chills, constantabdominal or pelvic pain with purulent discharge from the vagina. Septic miscarriages often occur in patients who have undergone uterine surgery or induced (intentionally induced) miscarriage.

Pain in the lower abdomen at the beginning of pregnancy - non-obstetric gynecological diseases

  • Degeneration of uterine myomais manifested by sudden onset pelvic pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting or a fever. Sometimes vaginal bleeding occurs.
  • Appendicular (ovarian) torsionis a common disease during pregnancy because the corpus luteum causes enlargement of the ovary and increases the risk of ovarian torsion around the stalk. Sudden pelvic pain is characteristic of this condition: colic or mild (if the torsion is self-limiting). Nausea and vomiting are also common.
  • A ruptured corpus luteum cystis manifested by localized pain in the abdomen or pelvis, sometimes like twisting of the appendages, and by bleeding from the genital tract. The onset of symptoms is usually sudden.
  • Chronic pelvic inflammationrarely occurs during pregnancy. Then it manifests itself with discharge from the cervix and a significant tenderness of the appendages.
Important

Pain in the pelvis in late pregnancy may result from the commencement of labor or one of the many non-obstetric causes.

Pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy - non-gynecological diseases

Common non-gynecological causes include various diseases of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract:

  • viral inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroenteritis), which manifests itself, inter alia, in diarrhea and vomiting
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • appendicitis - usually manifested by constant pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. Possible atypical location of pain (e.g. upper right square) or its quality (milder, cramping, no peritoneal symptoms) compared to pain in non-pregnant patients
  • inflammatory bowel diseases - various pains (cramping or constant) without a fixed location, often with diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or blood
  • bowel obstruction is manifested by colic pain, vomiting, lack of bowel movement or gas, abdomen is bloated, tummy

Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy may also be associated with dysfunction of the urinary system. Within it, inflammation may appear, which is manifested by discomfort over the pubic symphysis. Then, bladder symptoms often appear (e.g. burning, pollakiuria, urgency).

Important

Haemodynamic instability (hypoxia, tachycardia), loss of consciousness or fainting, peritoneal symptoms (stiffness, muscle defense), fever, chills, purulent vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding are alarming symptoms. Then it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Category:

Pregnancy