sharp pain in lower abdomen during late pregnancy

Sharp Pain in Lower Abdomen during Late Pregnancy

If you are experiencing sharp pain in lower abdomen during late pregnancy, it is very important for you to diagnose what exactly must be causing these pains. While some reasons that lead to this pain are perfectly normal, sometimes these pains might lead to conditions that need immediate medical attention. Find out more about these sharp abdominal pains during late pregnancy in the article below.

A woman and her body goes through a lot of changes during the magical phase of pregnancy. There are changes taking place every hour, every minute and every second. Though some of the changes are easily dealt with, when it comes to lower abdominal pain during pregnancy, women get tensed easily. This tension is easily understood given the emotional state they are in when they are pregnant. Abdominal pains are normal in both early and late pregnancy. However, sharp pains can be a problem in most cases. Many pregnant women experience sharp pain in their lower abdomen during pregnancy, and wonder whether it is something they should worry about or whether it's perfectly normal to experience these. There are times when these pains can normal but sometimes, quick medical attention/consultation is required. Causes that lead to such situations are discussed below. What Causes Sharp Pain in Lower Abdomen during Late Pregnancy? Abdominal pain during pregnancy might related to the pregnancy itself or might comprise completely different factors such as food poisoning, pancreatitis, kidney stones, bowel obstruction, stomach virus and fibroids. All these can be detected only by your practitioner and thus it is important you go pay him/her a visit if the pain prevails for longer than a few minutes. Mentioned below are few more causes that lead to this pain. Take a look!
  • Urinary Tract Infections: One of the most common reasons for lower abdominal pain during pregnancy is an urinary tract infection. This pain might also be accompanied by discomfort in the pelvic region. We know that during pregnancy, there is a frequent urge to urinate at all times. However, if infection with an urinary tract infection, you might feel the urge to pee time and again even when there hardly any urine in the bladder. Along with the abdominal pain, you might also feel an uncomfortable sensation while urinating. These infections lead to pain right above the pubic bone.
  • Preterm Labor: It is said that only 5-6% of women deliver on the due dates predicted by their doctors. This means that we have babies that are born prematurely and those born after the due dates (a common situation for a first time mother). When labor is induced naturally before the due date, it might lead to sharp pain in lower abdomen. The best way to determine whether the sharp pain is in fact labor is to time the pain. If the pain increases at specific intervals, you might have gone in labor and you need to call your doctor immediately.
  • Round Ligament Pain: Most pregnant women are aware of round ligament pain during pregnancy and almost all of them experience this anytime in their late second trimester to the third trimester. Ligaments are present inside the belly to support the growing uterus. These ligaments stretch during pregnancy and might sometimes lead to sharp pain. One of the most common causes, these are usually felt when the pregnant mother changes her position or coughs. Even though these pains are sharp, they should fade away in a few seconds to maximum a few minutes.
  • Placental Abruption: This is an uncommon happening but the chances of its occurrence cannot be neglected. Placental abruption is when the placenta separates itself from the uterus. This can either happen partially or entirely and in both situations, the results can be life-threatening. More than continuous pain, you might experience a sharp pain resembling a cramp that doesn't budge or even reduce in intensity. If you also notice reduction in your child's activities, consult a doctor immediately.
  • Appendicitis: According to the American Pregnancy Association, appendicitis is the most common extrauterine surgical complication that occurs during pregnancy. There are a lot of chances that this might be diagnosed as kidney infection which makes it important for you to opt for scanning. Common symptoms of appendicitis include vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite. Chances of an average fever also exist.
Now that we know these causes of sharp pain in lower abdomen during late pregnancy, you can reduce the tension a little bit. As an expecting mother, you need to understand the difference between abdominal pain and sharp pains. Continuous sharp lower abdominal pain in women need immediate medical consultation most of the time. If you observe brown or red or dark orange discharge, the situation might be more worse than you think it is and urgent visit to the doctor is advised. Diagnosing yourself is strictly not recommended.

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