Upper abdominal pain during pregnancy
introduction
Abdominal pain in pregnancy are anything but a rare problem. Almost every pregnant woman becomes in the course of her pregnancy get acquainted with it.
The causes can be from harmless child movements up to the rare life threatening HELLP syndrome everything that is why the pain should always be clarified by the doctor.
Upper abdominal pain is pain in the upper half of the abdomen.
One uses one to describe places on or on the abdominal wall Division into 4 quadrants:You draw an imaginary line vertically and horizontally through the belly button and thus divides the stomach into one upper right and left as well as one lower right and left quadrant.
The pain can even extend into that Ribs drag, especially during the second half of pregnancy. The growing child takes up more and more space and the abdominal muscles that attach to the ribs are stretched.
In addition to the two upper quadrants, the Epigastric region (Epigastrium) differentiated.
Please note the indication of right and left. These indications are used everywhere in medicine from the patient's point of view made. The heart is in medical terminology on the left in Rib cageeven if it is the right side for the doctor when he is facing the patient. At first glance, this seems complicated, but it makes communication between doctors easier, as there can be no ambiguity if the perspective is firmly determined.
Often one can already make a first guess at the cause based on the place where the pain is perceived. Mostly the pain lies harmless causes fundamentally.
They are annoying in the early phase of pregnancy hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother, above all Gastrointestinal tract.
That will come later ever growing child in the womb as the cause of the complaints. The growing uterus With the unborn child, the organs in the mother's abdominal cavity are increasingly constricted and displaced from their usual positions in the abdomen, and the child itself can often cause pain for the mother through its movements and kicks.
This then has to be endured until the child changes his position again.
The widening of the uterus also increases Retaining straps the abdominal organs are increasingly stressed. This also affects the mother through abdominal pain, especially when to cough, Get up and Sit down occur when the ligaments are most stressed.
Even if the symptoms are mostly harmless, a doctor should be consulted when they occur, because despite a pregnancy all other causes of Stomach cramps how Inflammation of the stomach lining, Abdominal influenza, Biliary colic, Shingles or one Inflammation of the pancreas should be considered, because they can always be the cause of such complaints, even despite pregnancy.
Especially if there are symptoms like the pain a headache, fever, Bleeding, Water retention, high blood pressure, dizziness or chills come or if the pain is persistent and increasingly intense, a doctor should be consulted urgently to rule out serious causes.
Figure Upper abdominal pain during pregnancy
Upper abdominal pain
during pregnancy
- Duodenal ulcer -
Duodenal ulcer
(central upper abdomen) - Gallbladder stones -
Cholecystolithiasis
(right upper abdomen) - Inflammation of the liver -
hepatitis
(right upper abdomen) - HELLP -
(Pregnancy month 6-9)
Haemolisys -
Elevated
Liver enzyme -
Low
Platelet count
(Liver dysfunction, higher
Blood pressure, headache,
Water retention,
foaming urine) - Spleen swelling
(left upper abdomen) - Stomach inflammation,
Gastric ulcer - Gastritis,
Gastric ulcer (central upper abdomen) - Pancreatic disorders -
pancreas (central upper abdomen)
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
causes
Upper abdominal painthat can arise during pregnancy different causes to have.
Very often upper abdominal pain is pressure-related pain that is triggered by the child. So take it growing child place and thereby shifts the mother's organsthat adapt quickly to the new situation, but can also hurt as a result.
Are in pregnancy Flatulence, which also provide air in the lower abdomen relatively often. The distended intestinal loops but can push up and thereby also Pain in the upper abdomen trigger.
Organs that are located in the upper abdomen and that can lead to pain include the Gallbladder and the pancreas. A Inflammation of the pancreas in pregnancy is rather rare.
Gallbladder stones are a little more common. Often times the presence of one is Gallstone already known. During pregnancy, the changed pressure conditions can also mobilize the stone, which then leads to colicky upper abdominal pain would lead.
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa can also trigger upper abdominal pain. In the Pregnancy is also reflux disease (Heartburn) common. Here, too, the different pressure and position conditions that were triggered by the child are responsible.
If there is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa behind the upper abdominal pain, it should first be through a fat-free and gentle diet trying to heal the stomach. Drinking soothing teas or still water as well as eating non-bloating foods should also relieve the gastrointestinal tract.
Is the root cause from epigastric pain not clear, should definitely be a Ultrasound examination of the abdomen. In the rarest of cases, upper abdominal pain during pregnancy has a serious or even dangerous background.
Often also help General measureslike a hot water bottle. However, if the symptoms do not go away with general treatments, a Consulted a doctor become. It should also be taken into account how severe the upper abdominal discomfort is. Very severe, unprecedented abdominal pain should be presented to a doctor as soon as possible. With increasing pregnancy, the incidence and occurrence of upper abdominal pain also increases. In most cases, however, the cause is only harmless and the symptoms subside after a few hours.
Concomitant symptoms
Upper abdominal pain during pregnancy can with different Concomitant symptoms go hand in hand, depending on what the exact cause of the discomfort is.
Is it a infection, there are often additional malaise, fever, body aches and a general feeling of weakness. Lymph node swelling can also occur.
As always with upper abdominal pain during pregnancy serious illnesses as the HELLP syndrome need to be considered, it is important to pay particular attention to symptoms associated with one. In addition to epigastric pain, this includes Water retention (Edema in pregnancy), Visual disturbances, nausea, one Yellowing of the skin (Jaundice) from impaired liver function as well as diarrhea and / or vomiting. Liver enzymes are often increased in the blood and there is more protein in the urine of the pregnant woman. In addition, the blood platelets are reduced, which causes an increased tendency to bleed. The Concomitant symptoms with upper abdominal pain during pregnancy can therefore provide important informationthe cause of the pregnant woman's complaints. The attending physician should therefore be informed in detail of all symptoms observed in order to facilitate the diagnosis.
Epigastric pain
There can be several unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy behind epigastric pain. Above all heartburn and Stomach cramps.
In early pregnancy, stomach cramps are usually avoided hormonal changes triggered later in the course of the growing unbornthat tightens the stomach in its usual position. Besides pain in the upper abdomen, heartburn makes burning very clearly Pain behind the sternum.
It is very troublesome extreme form of pregnancy sickness (= Hyperemesis gravidarum), which causes symptoms especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. There is upper abdominal pain caused by nausea and persistent Vomit are accompanied. The nausea occurs throughout the day and often leads to uninterrupted vomiting even at night.
Of course, all causes, regardless of the pregnancy can be considered, because even a pregnant woman can of one Inflammation of the stomach lining up to one Gastrointestinal flu have everything that non-pregnant women can have.
Also read our topic: Stomach pain in pregnancy
Pain in the upper right abdomen
Pain in the right upper abdomen makes you think of the liver first, even in pregnant women and in non-pregnant women. The same causes can be present in pregnant women as in non-pregnant women. It can also be here Biliary tract infections and Gallstone disease be the cause. Have this pain wavy character and come in regular bursts and then disappear again for a short time. The pain often radiates into them right shoulder or the Heart region out. They are often accompanied by nausea and Vomit and Sweats.
Also can Ulcers of the small intestine or small Intestinal protuberances (= Diverticulum) be the cause.
Also Kidney disease make right-sided pain.
Classically show up too Liver disease with pain in the right upper abdomen. That's where it lies liver namely below the Diaphragmwhere it is surrounded by a pain sensitive capsule. Of course, there must also be causes such as one in pregnant women hepatitis (= Inflammation of the liver), Thrombosis (= Constipation due to blood clot formation) or the many other diseases of the liver should be considered.
A very dreaded complication, but the pregnancy is due and also manifests itself with upper abdominal pain, especially on the right side, is the so-called HELLP syndrome, a clinical picture that usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy (= SSW) occurs and affects around 10% of pregnant women. The HELLP syndrome is a special form of the more well-known pre-eclampsia. This clinical picture is marked by a headache and Eye flicker, one to high blood pressure, general malaise such as Water retention in the tissue, especially the legs (= Edema). Another noticeable feature in this situation is foamy urinecaused by protein admixture. In the case of HELLP syndrome, there is also that Blood clotting system disturbed. The main symptom of the HELLP syndrome is here Right upper abdominal pain accompanied by the other symptoms of preeclampsia, which can then be more or less pronounced. The pain can also be in the Radiate back and be accompanied by vomiting and nausea. For the child, the HELLP syndrome means an undersupply by one Worsening placental blood flow. It is important to check this clinical picture early on Coagulation and liver values to recognize.
You can find out more about this topic on our website: HELLP syndrome
Pain in the left upper abdomen
Pain in the left upper abdomen is typical of pain spleen, of the pancreas or the left kidney.
Cause of Kidney pain are either again Movements of the childthat hit the very painful kidney capsule or even one Pelvic inflammationwhich then of violent Painful urination to be accompanied. A simple urine test by the doctor can confirm or dispel this suspicion. Also Kidney stones cause severe pain in this area. They then resemble the Labor pains as strong pain that recurs in waves.
Pain of spleen mostly radiate into the left shoulder.
Diseases of the large intestine or the main artery, such as a Aortic aneurysm.
In summary, it should be noted that abdominal pain is a very common phenomenon during pregnancy. The abdominal pain is not always related to the offspring, but concern about them is almost inevitable with abdominal pain. The causes are mostly harmless and caused by the physical changes during pregnancy.
At the latest when there are warning signs, a doctor should be consulted so that threatening causes can be excluded or treated and nothing stands in the way of a joyful pregnancy.
You might also be interested in: Upper abdominal pain on the left side
Upper abdominal pain after eating
Almost every woman gets by at times during pregnancy Upper abdominal pain plagued.
There can be a multitude of causes for the development of this upper abdominal pain during pregnancy. It is therefore particularly important for affected women to know that upper abdominal pain during pregnancy is in most cases completely harmless.
At the beginning of pregnancy there is an enormous change in the hormonal balance in the woman's body. This hormonal change can affect the psyche as well as internal organs.
The is particularly often affected Gastrointestinal tract. Various hormonal influences can affect the performance of important glands, for example the pancreas, or the Gallbladder be temporarily restricted. For this reason, large amounts of food are less easy to digest.
As a result, affected women suffer from early pregnancy (see also: first trimester) to epigastric pain after eating.
In most cases, these complaints can be avoided by in small meals at regular intervals be taken. In this way, the gastrointestinal tract is spared and the digestive processes can run smoothly.
As the pregnancy progresses it will be Upper abdominal pain after eating usually caused by a different mechanism. Affected women should be aware that the internal abdominal organs are pressed steadily towards the chest as the child grows. In this way, both the intestinal loops and the stomach are increasingly compressed. If large meals are now consumed, the compressed abdominal organs are severely irritated. Upper abdominal pain that occurs immediately after eating is often the result. Even with this cause of upper abdominal pain after eating, it is considered helpful to eat the smallest possible meals at regular intervals.
Meals at later times during pregnancy should be avoided. In addition to the upper abdominal pain that occurs afterwards, you can have a restless night. If you want to know more about this topic,
- excessive stress
- bacterial infections (Helicobacter pylorie)
- various drug or
- a increased gastric acid secretion be evoked.
In addition, the so-called Irritable bowel syndrome one of the most common diseases that can lead to upper abdominal pain after eating, regardless of the pregnancy.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract for which there is basically no direct cause. In women who suffer from this disease, hypersensitivity of the nerve fibers of the intestine can be demonstrated.
In such cases, a change in diet can help to relieve the symptoms effectively. Antispasmodic drugs can also be used.
Due to the present pregnancy, however, the possible risks and benefits of these drugs must be carefully weighed against each other.
Upper abdominal pain with nausea during pregnancy
Upper abdominal pain during pregnancy can from nausea (Nausea in pregnancy) be accompanied.
Often the causes are harmless. So through the increasing pressure in the abdomen by the growing child too Pressure on the stomach be exercised. As a result, the pregnant woman develops a feeling of fullness more quickly after eating and can also feel pain and nausea. In addition, the increased pressure also favors the Gastric acid reflux in the esophagus what heartburn triggers. This is perceived by some women as upper abdominal pain.
In addition to such anatomically determined causes, there must also be serious diseases like that HELLP syndrome be considered. This can manifest itself as sudden epigastric pain and nausea.
Finally, epigastric pain and nausea in pregnancy can also affect one Inflammation of the stomach lining Clues. This is often caused by an imbalance between stomach acid and the protective mucus on the stomach walls. With increased acid production or bacterial colonization, the mucous membrane can become inflamed and cause such symptoms. Ultimately, only a medical examination can determine the exact cause of the symptoms. Therefore, it should be carried out if symptoms persist.
Upper abdominal pain during pregnancy and diarrhea
Upper abdominal pain during pregnancy that is accompanied by diarrhea can have various causes. On the one hand, a gastrointestinal infection should be considered. Various bacteria and viruses can trigger such symptoms. The illness is usually over after a few days. In addition, upper abdominal pain and diarrhea can also indicate food intolerance. This possibility should be considered, especially if the symptoms occur in connection with meals. Careful observation of what was eaten before the symptoms began can help narrow down the problem.
Since women prefer constipation during pregnancy, some pregnant women take magnesium. In the event of an overdose, this can also trigger diarrhea. If magnesium tablets are taken and diarrhea occurs, the preparation should be temporarily discontinued. The symptoms then often improve on their own. Persistent upper abdominal pain and diarrhea should definitely be clarified by a doctor. For example, a stool test can help identify possible pathogens.
Further information on this topic can be found at: Diarrhea in pregnancy
Upper abdominal pain as a sign of pregnancy poisoning
Under the term "Poisoning during pregnancy"(Technical terms: Gestous, hypertensive pregnancy diseases) one understands a variety of diseases that occur during pregnancy and with a Increase in blood pressure accompanied. Many forms of pregnancy poisoning make themselves felt in the affected women by the occurrence of severe upper abdominal pain, which often increases in intensity immediately after eating.
The most important forms of pregnancy poisoning include:
- pre-eclampsia
- Eclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
Particularly problematic here is the fact that the causes of pregnancy poisoning have not yet been clearly clarified.
In general, however, it is assumed that various processes in the placenta are involved in the development of pregnancy poisoning.
It is also assumed that women have a tendency to Vascular cramps (so-called vasospasm) and immunological overreactions are particularly at risk.
The symptoms that can occur in the presence of pregnancy poisoning differ from form to form. Especially the most severe type of pregnancy poisoning (so-called Eclampsia) can lead to seizures and changes in consciousness in affected women during pregnancy.
In addition, epigastric pain, which intensifies immediately after eating, is one of the typical symptoms of this form of pregnancy poisoning.
Affected women often begin late in pregnancy (usually not before the 20th week of pregnancy) with more pronounced nausea, Upper abdominal pain and Vomit to suffer. In addition, neurological symptoms, for example a headache or Visual disturbancesbe observed frequently. In order to avoid damaging the mother-to-be and / or the unborn child, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics must be consulted immediately if the symptoms appear. In addition, the so-called HELLP syndrome is one of the most common causes of upper abdominal pain during pregnancy, which increases in intensity immediately after eating. In this form of pregnancy poisoning, the symptoms are mainly localized in the area of the right upper abdomen. In addition to upper abdominal pain, women who develop HELLP syndrome during pregnancy typically experience the following symptoms:
- H - Hemolysis (Destruction of red blood cells)
- Tbsp - Increase in liver enzymes
- LP - Drop in platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
This form of pregnancy poisoning is an emergency. A presentation to the gynecologist should take place as soon as possible. Will the presence of the HELLP syndrome confirmed, the woman concerned must be hospitalized and monitored. Since this form of pregnancy poisoning usually occurs in relapses, the pregnancy can usually continue for a few weeks.
However, if the platelets drop too much, the unborn child must use a Caesarean section to be delivered. Since the HELLP syndrome usually occurs quite early (on average between the 23rd and 30th week of pregnancy), the premature child usually requires intensive medical treatment. If the pregnancy is continued despite the steadily decreasing number of blood platelets, it can lead to severe blood loss and even death of the mother.
Upper abdominal pain as an indication of a miscarriage?
Upper abdominal pain during pregnancy is more likely rarely a hint for one Miscarriage. Kicking in a miscarriage more labor-like pains in the lower abdomen and vaginal bleeding. However, an impending miscarriage can go hand in hand without vaginal bleeding.
Therefore should Abdominal pain in pregnancythat last for a long time always give rise to one medical presentation give.
Since the female body has to give the growing baby more and more space in the course of pregnancy, they are stomach pain most often due to the anatomical conditions. The baby becomes more and more demanding Space in the mother's stomach, presses on their organs and can thereby temporarily Pain trigger. In addition, the ligament structures and tissues around the uterus as well as the maternal muscles are stressed. Therefore, occasional abdominal pain is normal and occurs in most pregnant women.
