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Published on: 4/7/2025

What Are Common Causes of Stomach Ache During Pregnancy?

Most stomach aches during pregnancy are caused by common changes in your body, like gas, constipation, and stretching ligaments. More serious issues are rare but should be checked by a doctor if pain becomes severe.

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Explanation

During pregnancy, many women feel stomach aches because your body is changing. One common cause is digestive changes. Your slower digestion might lead to gas, bloating, or constipation, which can make your stomach hurt. Hormone changes can also lead to heartburn or indigestion, causing discomfort. As your baby grows, your uterus stretches, and this can pull on muscles and ligaments in your tummy and lower back, often called round ligament pain. These causes are usually normal and just part of being pregnant. In most cases, these aches do not mean there is something seriously wrong. However, sometimes a stomach ache might be a sign of something more important, like an infection or another medical issue. If you experience very strong pain, have a fever, notice bleeding, have multiple vomiting episdes, or feel very unwell, it is important to see a doctor right away. Always share your symptoms with your healthcare provider so they can check and help you feel safe and well during your pregnancy.

(References)

  • Klufio CA, Amoa AB, Rageau O. Abdominal pain in pregnancy. P N G Med J. 1993 Dec;36(4):342-52. PMID: 7941766.

  • Nathan L, Huddleston JF. Acute abdominal pain in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 1995 Mar;22(1):55-68. PMID: 7784041.

  • Dhamecha R, Pajai S, Bhasin T. Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management. Cureus. 2023 Jun 20;15(6):e40679. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40679. PMID: 37485109; PMCID: PMC10357893.

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