Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They're usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked. It's probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind. But if you have stomach pains and are worried, call your midwife or maternity hospital. Harmless stomach pains, which can be dull or sharp, may be caused by: Urgent advice: Call your midwife immediately if you have stomach pain and:
Any of these could be the symptoms of something that needs to be checked or treated urgently. Possible causes of serious stomach painSome conditions that can cause stomach pain need to be checked urgently. Ectopic pregnancyThis is when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, for example in a fallopian tube. The pregnancy cannot survive and needs to be removed with medicine or surgery. Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and can include:
Find out more about ectopic pregnancy MiscarriageCramping pains and bleeding before 24 weeks of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of miscarriage or threatened miscarriage (when you bleed but the pregnancy normally continues). Pre-eclampsiaPain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy due to the growing baby and uterus pushing up under the ribs. But if this pain is bad or persistent, particularly on the right side, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy) which affects some pregnant women. It usually starts after 20 weeks or just after the baby is born. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:
You'll need to be monitored in hospital. Find out more about pre-eclampsia Premature labourIf you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and are having regular abdominal cramps or tightenings, call your midwife. This could be a sign of premature labour, and you'll need to be monitored in hospital. Placental abruptionThis is when the placenta starts to come away from the wall of the womb, usually causing bleeding and constant severe pain that does not come and go like a contraction pain. It's sometimes an emergency because it means the placenta may not be able to support your baby properly. You should go to the hospital so you and your baby can be checked. Find out more about placental abruption UTI (urinary tract infection)UTIs are common in pregnancy and can usually be easily treated. They can cause tummy pain and sometimes, but not always, pain when you pee. Find out more about UTIs We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Overview Bloating occurs when the abdomen fills with air or gas. This can make your abdomen appear larger and feel tight or hard to the touch. It can also cause feelings of discomfort and pain, which may be felt toward your back. The back acts as a support and stabilizing system for your body. It’s vulnerable to injury and strain, so it’s not uncommon to feel back pain along with abdominal bloating. The pain can vary in severity and type, from sharp and stabbing, to dull and aching. Here are 14 possible causes for abdominal bloating and back pain. Menstruation occurs when the uterus sheds its lining once a month. Some pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstrual periods is normal. Read more about reasons for painful menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle, generally just before her menses. Read more about PMS symptoms. The symptoms of endometriosis vary. Some women experience mild symptoms, but others can have moderate to severe symptoms. Read more about assessing your risk of endometriosis. Some of the most notable signs of early pregnancy include fatigue, nausea (also called morning sickness), swollen or tender breasts, and constipation. Some women may also experience cramps and light bleeding. Read more about things to keep in mind during pregnancy. A syndrome is a collection of symptoms that often occur together. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common syndrome that causes many individuals to seek medical help. Read more about IBS triggers. Many people have gallstones and never know it. Gallstones are hard deposits in your gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile, which is a digestive fluid made in the liver. Read more about the risk factors of gallstones. Kidney stones usually originate in your kidneys, but can develop anywhere along your urinary tract. Read more about kidney stones. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Bacteria cause the vast majority of UTIs. Read more about preventing UTIs. Sometimes, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst will develop on one of the ovaries. Many women will develop at least one cyst during their lifetime. Read more about types of ovarian cysts. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg doesn’t attach to the uterus. Instead, it may attach to the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix. This can be a medical emergency. Read more about ectopic pregnancies. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Celiac disease symptoms usually involve the intestines and digestive system, but they can also affect other parts of the body. Read more about foods to avoid. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a long-term or chronic disorder. It’s associated with widespread pain in the muscles and bones, areas of tenderness, and general fatigue. Read more about fibromyalgia. Ovarian cancer can occur in several different parts of the ovary. Read more about ovarian cancer symptoms. Polio (also known as poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Read more about polio and post-polio treatment. The cause of your abdominal bloating and back pain may depend on which symptom came first. If back pain is your primary symptom, click here to read about the causes of back pain. If your primary symptom is abdominal bloating, read on. Abdominal bloating is commonly caused by gas and air in the gastrointestinal tract. When your body breaks down undigested food, gas builds up in the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the large intestine. You can also swallow air. It’s possible to swallow more air than normal by:
Burping and flatulence are two ways swallowed air leaves the body. Delayed emptying of the stomach (slow gas transport) in addition to gas accumulation can also cause bloating and abdominal distension. Abdominal bloating and back pain typically resolve with time. If your abdominal bloating and back pain persist, make an appointment with your doctor. You may need medical attention if your symptoms are caused by infection or other severe or chronic illness. These conditions may include:
Seek immediate medical attention if:
You should also seek immediate attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than 24 hours:
If you don’t already have a primary care provider, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Treatments for abdominal bloating and back pain depend on the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend basic blood tests or imaging to find the cause of your symptoms before recommending treatment. Most of the time abdominal bloating and back pain will resolve itself, but there are steps you can take at home to manage any discomfort. To reduce bloating:
Everyone’s body is unique, so certain foods that may cause a lot of gas and bloating in one person may not do the same in another. Treatments for back pain:
In addition to avoiding foods known to cause abdominal bloating, there are other lifestyle changes that can prevent symptoms. These include:
While you cannot always prevent back pain, employing proper lifting techniques and avoiding long periods of sitting can help you find some relief. Can early pregnancy cause bloating and back pain?A person's body goes through many changes throughout pregnancy. These include physical and hormonal changes that can cause excess gas. Gas pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain throughout the abdomen, back, and chest. A person may also notice bloating and stomach or intestinal cramps.
Is it normal to have lower back and abdominal pain in early pregnancy?It is very common to get backache or back pain during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain.
Why does my lower back hurt and my stomach feel bloated?Back pain often occurs because some people who are experiencing stress tense their muscles unconsciously. Stomach pain and bloating are more common in people who have stress as well as an underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What does early pregnancy bloat feel like?Clothes feeling tight across the middle, abdominal distension feeling worse in the evenings. Some women feel that they visibly appear to have a 'bump' in early pregnancy, but this is often due to bloating. This is one of the less pleasant symptoms that may occur in early pregnancy.
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