Pulling Sensation in the Abdomen During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, even minor pains can cause concern for the expectant mother. It is important to note that this concern is not always unwarranted. In some cases, pulling pains in the lower abdomen may indicate danger. Let’s explore when these “cases” occur and when there is no cause for worry.

Causes of pulling pains

Pains in the lower abdomen occur in almost every pregnant woman. It is practically impossible to avoid discomfort during this magical period. The pains can vary in intensity, subjective perception, and localization. Moreover, these pains can arise both during walking, physical exertion, and while at rest.

The most common cause of pulling pain is the stretching of the uterus muscles and ligaments due to its growth. This same factor affects the positioning of internal organs, the migration of which can also cause pain.

But how to distinguish normal physiological pain from pathologies that are dangerous for an ongoing pregnancy. 

Are pulling pains dangerous during pregnancy

The danger of pulling pains is related to their causes. If these are physiological processes described above, they pose no danger to either the child or the mother. Moreover, pulling pains do not require pain relief, medical intervention, etc. However, in some cases, pains can indeed be dangerous. Let’s examine these cases.

When pulling pains during pregnancy are dangerous

Severe pulling pains may signal the onset of serious problems during pregnancy. Among them:

1. Threat of miscarriage.
2. Missed miscarriage.
3. Ectopic pregnancy.
4. Increased uterine tone, which requires correction.
5. False contractions. Occur in late-term pregnancies. This is how the uterus prepares for the approaching birth.

To understand if the pains a woman is experiencing are dangerous, an evaluation is necessary. 

Additional characteristics of painful sensations will indicate whether there is a reason to urgently see a doctor. So, pulling pains are dangerous if:

1. They radiate to other areas. If after experiencing lower abdominal pain, the lower back starts to ache, and there is pain in the genital tract — it is worth consulting a doctor.
2. Did bloody discharge appear? — call an ambulance. This may indicate a threat of miscarriage.
3. A pulling sensation in the abdomen during pregnancy is accompanied by a lack of response from the baby (if the pregnancy is in the second or third trimester).
4. The pain intensifies and does not subside when changing positions.
5. During pregnancy, pulling pains are accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and fainting.

There can also be non-obstetric pulling pains that require attention but are not a pathology during pregnancy.

Causes of Pathological Pains

Among abdominal pains during pregnancy, a number of pathological causes can be identified. Pathological pulling pains are characterized by a change in pain impulse perception. They can occur for various reasons. 

1. Pathology of the digestive system.

Throughout almost the entire period of pregnancy, a woman experiences discomfort associated with the digestive system. Hormonal imbalances, physical displacement of internal organs, pressure on the intestines, decreased contractile ability. All this leads to pathological pains and the sensation of abdominal pulling during pregnancy.

2. Surgical pathology.

Pathologies may require surgical intervention. The most common among them is appendicitis. Pulling pains appear suddenly and intensify, temperature rises, nausea and vomiting occur. It is worth noting that surgical removal of appendicitis is performed while preserving the pregnancy. However, it is very important to quickly consult specialists.

3. Gynecological pathologies.

We have already described above the gynecological causes of pulling pains during pregnancy. Among them are miscarriage, missed pregnancy, etc. To distinguish normal pains from pathological pulling pains that require urgent intervention, pay attention to their dynamics, as well as the presence of bloody discharge.

What pains are not related to pregnancy

There are a number of pains not associated with pregnancy. These also require treatment as they can lead to a general deterioration in well-being and progression, which is completely unnecessary during pregnancy.

1. Inflammatory processes in the body.

Modern research has proven that a reduced immune system in pregnant women contributes to the activation of previously present inflammatory processes. Inflammation of the pelvic systems often occurs during pregnancy, causing dragging belly pains during pregnancy.

2. Diseases of other organs.

The cause of the dragging pain may be hidden in the disease of other organs. The urinary tract, kidneys, pancreas. These are just part of the body systems that undergo increased stress, resulting in abdominal pain.

3. Cystitis.

During pregnancy, it can cause pulling pains of a strong nature, burning during urination, even a false sensation of miscarriage. 

4. Poisoning.

You may have eaten stale food, food that is difficult to digest, etc. As a result of poisoning, a woman feels nausea, fever, general weakness, and pulling in the abdomen during pregnancy.

5. Physical exertion.

The cause of the pain may also lie in increased physical exertion. If you’ve had a hectic day, pulling pains may occur by evening. You should rest and monitor the dynamics of the pain.

Another reason for the appearance of pain can be noted – stress. Worries, negative emotions, being in an unpleasant environment. All this can trigger sharp abdominal pains. 

Prevention and elimination of pulling pains during pregnancy

You can relieve pulling pains during pregnancy at home, provided that their origin is not pathological and is not related to a possible miscarriage.

1. First, if you have abdominal pain, find a comfortable position. Try to distribute the load evenly. Relieve pressure from the abdomen.
2. Ensure access to fresh air. Open a window for ventilation, or go outside. It’s important to ensure safety and consider the possibility of fainting.

3. Make sure you do not have a fever and that there is no bloody discharge. These signs may indicate a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. In this case, the only thing to do is to call an ambulance or get to a clinic on your own (it is strictly not recommended to drive).
4. Take a pain reliever prescribed by your doctor. It is important to take only the medications prescribed by your doctor. They must not only be approved for use by the pharmaceutical company but also suitable for your individual pregnancy management plan.
5. Drink a cup of warm herbal tea. Check the ingredients of the tea. Some herbs, when used long-term, can provoke premature labor, raise blood pressure, and have a negative effect on the fetus.

Pain of a non-pathological nature can be avoided. To do this, it’s worth changing your approach to completing daily tasks. As a preventive measure, the following actions should be taken:

1. Wear a support band suitable for your pregnancy term. It will help support the belly, reduce its pressure on the digestive and urinary organs, and alleviate the spine.
2. Avoid hard-to-digest foods. During pregnancy, it’s generally wise to reconsider your diet. It’s best not to consume too many fresh fruits, and to avoid spicy foods, convenience foods, etc.
3. Wear only comfortable shoes and clothing.
4. Limit lifting heavy objects and choose an appropriate type of sport.
5. Try not to worry. Stress can be one of the reasons for pulling pains during pregnancy.

By taking care of your health daily, you significantly reduce the risk of unpleasant sensations and the manifestation of pathological conditions.

When to consult specialists

Sometimes, it’s important to see a doctor immediately or arrange for a consultation at your next visit. Urgent attention is required if pulling pains intensify, discharge with blood appears, the condition is accompanied by fever and other symptoms. In such cases, you should call an ambulance and undergo a complete examination.

If there is a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, but the pains are not acute and there are no accompanying symptoms, it’s worth discussing the discomfort with your gynecologist at the next visit. The doctor can prescribe the appropriate painkillers and give recommendations based on your individual needs.