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Understanding stomach pain during pregnancy

Dec 08, 2025

What stomach pain can include

In pregnancy, “stomach pain” might be a burning high in the upper belly after meals, brief sharp tugs on either lower side, crampy aches with gas, or a heavy pressure low in the pelvis. Some causes are body changes that are uncomfortable but harmless; others need prompt review. Describing where it hurts and when it starts (with movement, after food, at rest, rhythmically) helps sort the likely reason.

Common body changes that often explain pain

Gas and bloating are frequent because the gut slows down; therefore the intestines stretch and cramp now and then. Constipation adds lower-belly discomfort for the same reason.
In the second trimester, round-ligament pain is very typical: a brief, stabbing pull on one or both lower sides when turning, coughing, or standing quickly—because the ligaments that hold the uterus are being stretched.
From mid-pregnancy onward, Braxton Hicks tightenings can make the bump go firm and then relax; these are “practice” tightenings, not labour, when they ease with rest.
Heartburn/reflux causes a burning high in the abdomen or chest after meals. These patterns are usually linked to position or activity, so they fluctuate rather than build steadily.

Causes that need assessment (grouped by area)

High middle or right-upper abdomen

Acid irritation or reflux: burning with meals or on an empty stomach.
Gallbladder irritation or stones: steady right-sided pain, sometimes to the back—because pregnancy hormones slow gallbladder emptying.
Liver involvement with high blood pressure disorders (later pregnancy): high abdominal pain plus headache, swelling, or visual flickers—therefore urgent review is warranted.

Central abdomen with vomiting

Stomach virus/food poisoning: crampy pain with fever or diarrhoea.
Pancreatitis: upper pain to the back with persistent vomiting—needs tests.

Right-lower or left-lower abdomen

Round-ligament pain (2nd trimester focus): seconds to minutes, after movement.
Appendicitis: pain position can shift upward in pregnancy, so location alone can mislead.
Kidney/ureter stones: waves of flank-to-groin pain, sometimes with burning urine or blood.
Ovarian torsion (twist): sudden one-sided severe pain with nausea.

Low central abdomen / pelvis

Urinary infection: lower pain with burning or urgency.
Fibroid “red degeneration” (if fibroids present): constant, local tenderness with low-grade fever.
Early pregnancy: ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage (first trimester).
Later pregnancy: preterm labour (regular tightenings + backache), placental abruption (constant pain with or without bleeding) — therefore same-day care is important.

Second-trimester spotlight

Rapid growth of the uterus stretches supporting tissues; therefore round-ligament pain is common in the second trimester. It is sharp, brief, movement-linked, and eases with rest. Gas, constipation, and early reflux also peak for many at this time, so meal timing, fibre, fluids, and gentle activity matter.
But persistent one-sided pain, repeated vomiting, fever, burning when passing urine, leakage of fluid, or rhythmic pains that build and repeat suggest more than ligament stretch—therefore assessment is appropriate.

What clinicians may check—and why

History and exam focus on site, duration, triggers, bowel and urine changes, fever, because these patterns narrow the list. A urine test looks for infection or blood (stones). Blood tests may check inflammation, liver, and pancreas when upper pain dominates. Ultrasound can view gallbladder, kidneys, appendix area, uterus, placenta, and cervix as needed; therefore treatment can be targeted. In later pregnancy, fetal well-being checks may be added.

Relief for common, non-serious causes

Gas, bloating, constipation: Smaller, more frequent meals; steady fibre from whole grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables; enough water; and gentle walking reduce bowel stretch; therefore cramping eases. If changes are not enough, clinicians may suggest a pregnancy-safe bulk fibre or a mild stool softener. Heartburn/acid: Earlier dinners, raising the head of the bed, and avoiding trigger foods often help. If symptoms persist, antacids or acid-reducers considered safe in pregnancy may be recommended, because lowering acid calms the burn. Round-ligament pain: Slower position changes, brief rest after sudden tugs, light stretches, and a soft support band may be advised; therefore sharp pulls lessen. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) may be suggested short-term when discomfort limits activity, but dosing and duration are individualized. Medicines like ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory tablets are generally avoided in pregnancy unless a specialist advises them—because they can affect the baby’s circulation and kidney function, especially later on.

Red-flag patterns for prompt review

Constant, worsening pain (not on-off twinges).
Pain with fever, repeated vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down.
Pain with vaginal bleeding, leakage of fluid, or regular tightenings (for example, every 10–15 minutes).
High-abdominal pain with headache, visual changes, or swelling of face/hands.
Burning urine, blood in urine, flank pain, or very low back pain.

These patterns point to problems that benefit from early tests and treatment; therefore same-day contact with the care team is sensible.

Take-home points

The term “stomach pain during pregnancy” covers many sensations; because location and timing guide cause, therefore describing both speeds care.
In the second trimester, round-ligament pain is common, but persistent or system-wide symptoms need assessment.
For everyday causes, posture and meal changes often help; therefore many pains settle without strong medicines. When medicines are used, pregnancy-safe options are chosen carefully.
Care at BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals combines symptom patterns with focused tests, so the right cause is found and treated without delay.

FAQs

What is a safe first plan for gas, bloating, or constipation?
Smaller frequent meals, steady fibre (whole grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables), good fluids, and gentle walking help because they reduce bowel stretch; therefore cramping eases. If this is not enough, a bulk fibre or mild stool softener may be suggested in pregnancy—doses are individualized.

Heartburn keeps coming back—what usually helps and what medicines are considered safe?
Earlier dinners, raising the head of the bed, and avoiding personal trigger foods help because less acid reaches the oesophagus; therefore burning falls. If symptoms persist, antacids or acid-reducers considered safe in pregnancy may be recommended; ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatories are generally avoided.

How do I tell Braxton Hicks from preterm labour?
Braxton Hicks are irregular, often ease with rest or fluids, and do not get closer together. Because true labour tightenings become regular, stronger, and closer, therefore a rhythm like every 10–15 minutes—especially with backache, pressure, or discharge/bleeding—needs prompt review.

Which urinary or kidney signs mean I should call sooner?
Burning or urgency when passing urine, blood in urine, fever, or flank-to-groin waves of pain suggest UTI or stones. Because these can worsen quickly in pregnancy, therefore a urine test and targeted treatment are useful even when belly pain is mild.

Disclaimer: The information above is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace an in-person evaluation or your clinician’s recommendations.

Categories

Understanding stomach pain during pregnancy

What stomach pain can include

Common body changes that often explain pain