Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 8/20/2026

Is it normal to have a stomach ache during pregnancy?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Stomach aches during pregnancy are often normal and can result from common causes like gas, constipation, round ligament pain, or Braxton Hicks contractions. However, abdominal pain can sometimes signal more serious conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, miscarriage, placental abruption, or preterm labor. Knowing when to seek medical advice is essential for protecting both your health and your baby's.

Because pregnancy-related stomach pain has such a wide range of possible causes—some harmless, others urgent—it's smart to get clarity quickly. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you evaluate your symptoms in minutes, understand what might be behind your discomfort, and decide on the best next steps, whether that's home care or contacting your provider right away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

answer background

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people who are pregnant ask Ubie

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

During pregnancy, it is common for women to experience stomach aches or abdominal pain. This can happen for several reasons, including the natural changes your body goes through to accommodate the growing baby. However, it is important to understand when this pain might be a sign of something more serious.

Common Causes:

  1. Growing Uterus: As the baby grows, your uterus stretches and may cause discomfort.
  2. Digestive Changes: Hormonal changes can lead to constipation or gas, which can cause pain.
  3. Round Ligament Pain: This is a sharp pain that occurs as the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch.

When to Seek Help:

  • If the pain is severe or persistent
  • If you have other symptoms like bleeding, fever, or vomiting

It's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about any pain during pregnancy. If you're experiencing symptoms and want quick guidance, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be happening. They can help determine if the pain is normal or if further examination is needed.

(References)

  • Cappell MS, & Friedel D. (2003). Abdominal pain during pregnancy. Gastroenterology clinics of North America, 12635413.

  • Klufio CA, Amoa AB, & Rageau O. (1993). Abdominal pain in pregnancy. Papua and New Guinea medical journal, 7941766.

  • Vaynshtein J, Guetta O, & Replyansky I. (2019). Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy. JAMA surgery, 30383119.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.