Understanding Stomach Tightness During Pregnancy: Causes and Remedies

In the first trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus develops, the uterus expands and grows. During this time the stomach may feel tight. At the same time, if the stomach is feeling tight along with pain, then it can be a sign of miscarriage. This can usually be felt before the 12th week of pregnancy. During this period, symptoms of abortion may or may not be visible. Symptoms of abortion can be as follows -

• Tight Stomach
• Abdominal Tightness Or Cramps
• Lower Back Pain Or Cramps
• Spotting Or Bleeding
• Discharge Of Fluid From Vagina

It is difficult to say clearly about the reasons due to which abortion occurs, but these reasons can definitely be the following -

• Genetic Problems With The Fetus
• Diabetes
• Infection
• Thyroid Disease
• Cervix Problem

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Gas formation is a common problem during pregnancy. It may cause stomach cramps or pain. Apart from this, constipation is also a common complaint in early pregnancy. Both gas and constipation can sometimes make the stomach feel tight. In this situation the pregnant woman does not need to be afraid.

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In the first trimester, the size of the uterus also increases due to the growing fetus. In such a situation, stomach cramps and pain may occur due to stretching in the ligaments and tissues. The stomach may feel tight.

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In the second trimester, as the body accepts pregnancy, tightness in the stomach starts to be felt. During this period, severe pain may also be felt. This is also called round ligament pain. This pain is most common in the second trimester. During this period, the pregnant woman may experience pain in her stomach, hips and waist. Round ligament pain is considered normal, so there is nothing to worry about.

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The stomach may also become tight due to Braxton Hicks contractions in the second trimester. Braxton Hicks contraction is a condition in which the stomach first becomes tight and then becomes normal. This can be experienced in the fourth month of pregnancy. During this time, women feel uncomfortable in their stomach. In some women this pain may be more than in others. This pain is not like labor pain. It gets better after some time. This contraction does not affect the dilation of the cervix.

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In some cases the problem of an irritable uterus arises. In this condition, tightness of the stomach, contraction and pain are felt. This can also be a reason for the stomach getting tight in the second trimester. During this period, tightness in the stomach may occur frequently. This can be dangerous for pregnant women, as it is a sign of preterm labor.

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The stomach can also become tight due to dehydration in the second trimester. Due to this, stomach pain and cramps may also be felt. During this period it is necessary to take a liquid diet. After drinking water, you can get relief from stomach tightness and pain. If repeated contractions or tightness are felt in the second trimester, premature delivery or miscarriage may occur. The best option to avoid this is to stay in touch with the doctor. The doctor may recommend an ultrasound to measure the cervix and tell whether it is labor pain or not.

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Hardness or tightness of the stomach in the third trimester can be a sign of labor pain. Labor pain starts mild, then intensifies and increases. In this situation, immediately inform the doctor or go to the hospital.

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Braxton-Hicks contractions are common even in the third trimester of pregnancy. This contraction can be felt in the last weeks of pregnancy. In this situation the pain is similar to that of labor, but it is different from it.

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If a pregnant woman feels her stomach tight, then she must pay attention to the following things -

• Sometimes the stomach becomes tight due to lack of water in the body. In such a situation, keep yourself hydrated and drink enough water.
• Do not sit in the same position, keep changing your position. This will give relief to the stomach.
• Do not get up from the bed quickly, rather get up and stand slowly, so that the muscles remain relaxed and there is no strain in them.
• Heat pads can be used to reduce abdominal tightness and pain. Take a hot shower, massage your muscles.
• If there are Braxton Hicks contractions, change position. If you are standing, then sit and if you are sitting, then stand.

If the tightness, pain and stiffness in the stomach is mild, then it can be cured by the measures mentioned above. But if such a condition persists for a long time, one should immediately consult a doctor, because in some cases, abdominal tightness can be a sign of miscarriage or preterm delivery. Additionally, if contractions occur more than 4 times in an hour, also consult a doctor.

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