28/07/2025
Where’s Your Stomach Pain During Pregnancy? Here's What It Might Mean Based on Location
Pregnancy comes with many changes — and abdominal pain is one of the most common (and confusing) symptoms. But where you feel the pain can say a lot about what’s causing it. Here’s a quick breakdown of what your body might be telling you:
🔺 Upper Abdominal Pain:
Morning Sickness: Nausea and discomfort, especially early in pregnancy.
Heartburn: Burning in the chest or upper stomach after eating.
Preeclampsia: Sharp pain under the ribs (often on the right), usually after 20 weeks, often with swelling or high blood pressure. Seek medical help immediately if suspected.
◀️ Left Side Pain:
Growing Uterus: As your womb expands, ligaments stretch and shift — causing mild cramping or aching.
Digestive Issues: Constipation or trapped gas can cause sharp pain or bloating.
Ectopic Pregnancy (rare): If the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, pain may be sharp and one-sided. Urgent attention needed.
▶️ Right Side Pain:
Gallstones: Pain after fatty meals, nausea, or vomiting.
Appendicitis: Sharp pain near the belly button moving to the lower right side. Often with fever or nausea. Emergency alert.
Round Ligament Pain: Quick, sharp pain when you move or stretch — especially in the second trimester.
🔻 Lower Abdominal Pain:
Miscarriage: Cramping with bleeding in early pregnancy.
Preterm Labor: Pain and pressure in the lower belly before 37 weeks, often with contractions.
Round Ligament Pain: Also felt low and to the sides, especially during quick movement or standing up.
Constipation/Bloating: Lower belly discomfort from slowed digestion.
IMPORTANT: If pain is severe, persistent, or comes with bleeding, fever, dizziness, or vision changes — call your doctor immediately.
Your body is doing big things. Don’t ignore its signals.
Follow ‘HER STRUGGLE’ for more pregnancy symptom guides, real-mom tips, and health awareness.