Hard and soft belly during pregnancy - normal and pathological

Hard belly during pregnancy

Analysis of this condition of a pregnant woman is possible only with a full understanding of the components of the process. The uterus is a hollow internal organ.

Muscle fibers act as the outer and inner shells that conceal the cavity. During pregnancy, the organ is forced to grow due to stretching of the muscle tissue.

So, by 12 weeks, you can detect a significant shift of the uterus, with exit from the womb.

The growth status is the main factor in which a hard lower abdomen can be observed during pregnancy. However, there are other factors, the anamnesis of which reveals variable root causes of a hard abdomen during pregnancy.

Causes of a hard belly during pregnancy

First of all, it should be noted that a hard belly during early pregnancy is rather the norm due to accelerated growth. It is necessary to identify a framework that will separate conditions from critical conditions that require contact with specialists.

The norm will be:

• periodic tension that does not cause physical discomfort;
• absence of any vaginal discharge;
• quick relief of tension during rest.

Important!!! Another answer to the question why the stomach becomes hard during pregnancy is the phrase “training contractions.” By creating tone caused by changes in the state of the organ, the body produces the necessary tension, which is expressed by a hard belly during pregnancy.

Pathology of the condition when the stomach becomes hard during pregnancy

Among other reasons, there are a number that separate the general processes of training contractions and growth contractions from conditions of a different nature. So, sometimes the reason why the stomach becomes hard during pregnancy may be the following factors:

• underdevelopment of reproductive organs;
• stress;
• excessive physical activity;
• lack of rest;
• improper (unbalanced) nutrition;
• flood;
• increased dimensions of the fetus;
• multiple pregnancies;
• medical manipulations performed on the cervix;
• surgical interventions.

Elimination of the condition will be directly proportional to the cause of its occurrence. If stress is eliminated by stopping its source, lack of rest - by introducing it in large quantities, then other conditions can be solved only by using certain drugs.

Interesting fact!!! Today, gynecologists have both relaxants that eliminate excessive tone and anti-stress drugs, the work of which has a cumulative effect.

Contrary to popular belief, these groups of drugs do not have a negative effect on pregnancy and its course in general.

Thus, when the stomach becomes hard during pregnancy, the problem can be solved with medication.

The effect of a hard or very hard belly during pregnancy on fetal development

Each state of the body has a certain influence on the processes occurring in it. Thus, uterine hypertonicity, at different times, can have the following consequences. In the first trimester:

• the appearance of a threat of miscarriage;
• deterioration of blood supply;
• fetal hypoxia;
• bleeding.

The lack of necessary space in the cavity leads to limitation of many vital functions. Thus, a compressed blood supply can completely deprive the fetus of the ability to live.

After 12 weeks:

• possibility of miscarriage;
• pathogenic effect on fetal development;
• decreased motor development;
• significant deterioration in the general condition of the pregnant woman.

At this stage, the lack of necessary space, as well as constant force on the immature fetus, can cause many changes in the developmental structure.

Last trimester:

• threat of premature birth;
• lack of proper preparation of the body.

Excessive tension creates conditions from which the only way out is the expulsion of the fetus. Pressure, which increases damage to internal processes, is dangerous both for the condition of the child and for the mother in labor.

The body’s natural reaction will be to try to get rid of the cause of such a change in condition.

The condition of a very hard belly during pregnancy should always be thoroughly investigated.

Diagnostics, or how to determine the condition of the abdomen during pregnancy (hard or soft)

For a woman who is encountering a similar problem for the first time, self-diagnosis can be difficult. It is recommended to visit a specialist who will identify the causes of the condition and also prescribe methods of disposal that are safe for you and the child.

If any suspicion arises, determining the condition of the abdomen in pregnant women (soft or hard) occurs as follows:

1. primary anamnesis of the condition, compiled from oral complaints;
2. palpation;
3. conclusion.

Primary history should be understood as a set of information compiled through a survey. It includes information regarding any procedures related to the pelvic organs, as well as data on the current status. It may be necessary to collect additional tests that will be attached to the final result.

Palpation is carried out as follows:

1. the patient lies on the right side;
2. legs bend;
3. with calm and deep breathing, the doctor analyzes the state of uterine muscle tone.

The assessment is made by comparison with a table that reflects all the gradations of the possible state of the muscles. The perception of pressure is taken into account, as well as the degree of pain, both during palpation and in a free state. The condition of the abdomen during pregnancy (hard or soft) can also indicate a woman’s lifestyle in general.

Thus, a hard belly can be either normal or a condition that requires additional evaluation by a specialist. It is noteworthy that there are folk ways to overcome hypertonicity. Some women find classical music helpful. Others prefer watching their favorite movies to help take their mind off stress.

Share your ways that helped you during pregnancy. Your experience can be extremely valuable for moms who are currently pregnant!

Source: https://oTomKak.ru/tverdiy-zhivot-pri-beremennosti/

Alarming symptoms

The expectant mother should seek help if there are any unpleasant signs. Increased tone of the uterus will be indicated by discomfort in the pelvic area, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, and increased hardness of the abdominal wall. The localization of discomfort will depend on the duration. In the first weeks of pregnancy, discomfort is felt closer to the pubic bone. As the uterus grows, the area of ​​pain will increase.

Starting in the middle of the second trimester, the hard uterus can be easily felt through the abdominal wall. Against the background of organ compaction, expectant mothers have an increased urge to urinate or defecate. Fetal movements may also increase. The child feels uncomfortable in the contracted womb.

The pain threshold for all women is different. Therefore, unpleasant sensations with uterine tone are not always observed. Sometimes a woman does not pay attention to a slight tingling sensation in the pubic bone. As a result, a slight tone develops into a threat of termination of pregnancy.

Hospitalization is needed if:

Hard belly during late pregnancy causes

A hard belly in a pregnant girl is associated with increasing tension in the muscles of the reproductive organ of the uterus. The fact is that a constant increase in uterine tone affects the imbalance of placental circulation. In addition, a hard belly indicates the beginning of separation of the baby's place. But the most serious diagnosis that doctors make is the threat of miscarriage.

Among the most common causes of the formation of a hard belly are pathological and physical factors occurring in the body of a pregnant woman.

Due to what exactly could provoke an improvement in the tone of the uterus, doctors select ways to relax it.

In most cases, in order for the stomach to finally become softer, a woman needs to relax and lie down, but sometimes she needs urgent medical attention.

Causes of a hard belly during pregnancy

Doctors say that the “hardening” of the abdomen occurs due to the filling of the bladder. The fact is that an uncontrolled volume of urine can put pressure on the uterus, which increases muscle tone.

This natural process occurs due to the fact that the bubble does not go “beyond the boundaries” of the fetus. And in such a case, if you move around, you may feel pain in your stomach.

However, after a few minutes, the uterus loses its tone and as a result becomes soft.

What causes abdominal hardness during pregnancy:

• Pathology of the pelvis.
• Infection of the genital organs.
• A sharp release of the hormone during stress or fear.
• Increased physical activity. If your stomach suddenly becomes hard, you need to stop exercising and then take a horizontal position.
• Smoking and frequent drinking of alcohol.
• Malignant tumors formed in the pelvis.
• Pathologies in the genital organs.
• Colds (FLU, ARVI)

Should you be worried about a hard belly?

In the event that a hard stomach is chronic hypertonicity, then it is necessary to resort to special inpatient treatment. In some cases, in order to relieve symptoms, doctors prescribe sedatives and hormonal drugs. In addition, the expectant mother should adhere to the pastel regime.

Doctors are convinced that a hard belly can cause training contractions, because by the 2nd month the body begins to prepare for childbirth. If you notice that your stomach begins to hurt after regular intervals, this indicates that premature birth is approaching.

Hard belly in early pregnancy

Very often, expectant mothers complain that their stomach and lower back begin to hurt in the early stages. Such signs must be treated most carefully, because they are a signal for miscarriage.

If the pain is intense and intensified, then in this case you should immediately contact your doctor. Often the stomach becomes hard in the first days of pregnancy.

This is a symptom that indicates an ectopic pregnancy.

Hard belly in later pregnancy

Most often, a hard belly in later stages means that you are not eating properly, which is accompanied by systematic spasms in the digestive system and pain in the lower abdomen. In addition, a hard stomach can be due to dysbiosis or colitis.

The main reasons also include eating stale food or a heavy dinner, which is accompanied by excessive gas formation. The abdomen becomes soft immediately after the digestion process is completed, but if the diet is not followed, a relapse occurs.

In this case, it is necessary to eat properly and sparingly.

If you experience discomfort in the abdominal area, you should immediately contact a specialist to avoid irreparable consequences.

The stomach gets hard during pregnancy - why? For all

Many expectant mothers are faced with the fact that during pregnancy, the stomach hardens at different stages, which naturally causes concern. What kind of state is this in a pregnant woman’s body when her stomach gets hard?

This condition is called increased tone or hypertonicity of the uterus . The uterus is a muscular organ that is normally relaxed, but when the muscles contract, for various reasons, it becomes tense.

What factors can cause this condition?

Stressful situations, physical activity, physiological processes in the body, as well as hormonal changes can lead to increased tone.

During what periods of pregnancy can hypertension occur, and what are the consequences?

The uterus can be in good shape at any stage of pregnancy - there is nothing wrong with this phenomenon, because any muscles in the body contract.

In the first half of pregnancy, the uterus rarely comes into tone; tension occurs for a couple of minutes, and then releases. If there is no pain and no discharge (especially bloody), then there is no cause for great concern.

In this case, you need to reconsider your daily routine, be less nervous, and rest more.

There are sources that say that if you relax the facial and neck muscles, then the muscles of the uterus will return to normal.

An exercise in which you should get on all fours, then raise your head and bend your lower back for a few seconds, maintaining even breathing, and then lower your head and arch your back up for 5 seconds can also help to relax the uterus.

You should also avoid poses or movements that will automatically cause abdominal muscle contractions. For example, you should not sleep on your back, or when you roll over onto your back, bend your knees.

Please note that indigestion, in particular constipation, standing for long periods of time, or sedentary work, can cause similar symptoms.

If there is increased tone, the doctor may prescribe Ginipral ; it can be taken without fear, but only from 12 to 37 weeks of pregnancy.

If your stomach becomes hard during pregnancy, the pain is severe and discharge appears, be sure to contact your gynecologist, as this may be a threat of miscarriage and emergency measures must be taken.

In the second half of pregnancy, the uterus can tone more often than in the first half of the term, up to 10 times a day; this condition is called Braxton Hicks contractions, or training contractions. They also should not cause you to panic unless they are accompanied by pain or discharge.

If your stomach becomes hard during pregnancy, and your doctor diagnoses uterine hypertonicity, then you have the power to choose how to cope with this condition - yourself or with the help of doctors. The main thing is not to hang your nose and think about beautiful things.

Why is your stomach hard during pregnancy?

Should the belly be normal during pregnancy, hard or soft? What can be considered a deviation and how dangerous is it for the child?

The baby develops in its mother’s uterus for 9 months. This is a muscular organ, which means it can contract. Doctors call these contractions increased tone; this is the diagnosis doctors give to women whose stomach becomes hard during pregnancy. Why is he scary? It is believed that such tension in the uterus can provoke dilatation of its cervix.

This means it can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. However, if you think logically, only long-term and strong tone can lead to such consequences. After all, even the strongest labor pains last several hours, and only then the child is born.

In European countries, a hard belly during early pregnancy, and this phenomenon is very common, is not considered a reason to diagnose “threatened miscarriage.”

What to do if the uterus is tense

If you don’t feel pain, just try to relax. You can take a shower. I need some kind of distraction. Usually it “releases” literally after a few seconds. Thus, a hard belly during late pregnancy may simply be a reaction to the baby’s movements or the expectant mother taking an uncomfortable position.

In some cases, especially if this happens repeatedly and causes anxiety, you can discuss with your doctor the use of antispasmodics - No-shpa tablets or papaverine hydrochloride rectal suppositories.

When to act

If there is bleeding. This is already a direct threat of termination of pregnancy, as it signals detachment of the chorion or placenta.

In addition to the fact that this condition causes acute hypoxia of the fetus, which means it can lead to its rapid death, bleeding, especially during advanced pregnancy, can be very profuse and life-threatening for the mother. This is a reason to call an ambulance.

Painful uterine tone may also be a relative indication for receiving urgent medical care. Irregular and painless tension of the uterus is considered normal. If contractions appear after a certain period of time, and are quite noticeable, this can be regarded as contractions.

Some people believe that a hard belly is a sign of pregnancy - we are talking about the very beginning of the journey. In fact, tension at such early stages is often felt not in the uterus, but in the intestines. Flatulence is a common problem for expectant mothers.

If the lower abdomen suddenly became hard during pregnancy. At the same time, the volume of the uterus increased, this became visually noticeable. The skin on my stomach tightened. Perhaps the reason is polyhydramnios. This is also a reason to visit a doctor unscheduled and find out why the stomach is hard during pregnancy, as well as other symptoms.

Interesting: Is it possible to do an ultrasound on the first day of a delay?

If the doctor suggests that you be observed in a hospital, do not worry, they will not “heal” you there. But doctors will be able to regularly monitor your and your child’s well-being and take timely measures if necessary.

Hard belly during pregnancy

As soon as she learns that she is pregnant, a woman immediately changes her attitude towards her own body. The expectant mother listens carefully to any signals from within, and often they alarm her or even frighten her.

It happens that women's stomach becomes hard during pregnancy, becomes hard and tense. If other unpleasant sensations are added to this, the pregnant woman begins to wonder if this is normal.

And rightly so, because a hard belly during pregnancy often warns of increased risks in terms of pregnancy.

Why a hard belly during pregnancy: reasons

The hardness of the abdomen during pregnancy indicates that the muscle tissue of the uterus is spasming, which leads to an increase in the tone of the reproductive organ. This comes with several dangers.

Under conditions of uterine hypertonicity, uteroplacental circulation deteriorates significantly, as a result of which the fetus may experience oxygen starvation and intrauterine hypoxia.

In addition, the risk of abruption of the ovum or placenta, miscarriage or premature birth increases significantly.

It is difficult to determine exactly what exactly became the root cause of uterine hypertonicity, but various factors can lead to this:

• physical stress;
• pathologies in the pelvic organs;
• smoking and drinking alcohol, etc.

In addition, the tummy can become hard when staying in one position for a long time. For this reason, the belly becomes hard more often in the mornings or evenings, when mommy lies on her side or on her back. By the way, keep in mind that after 20 weeks of pregnancy, doctors do not recommend sleeping on your stomach (although, most likely, this will already be impossible or difficult).

Not all reasons are equally dangerous, but if you feel that you have a hard belly during pregnancy, then you should pay attention to this and exercise extra caution.

Hard belly during early pregnancy

The first weeks of pregnancy are associated with increased risks. It is in the early stages that spontaneous abortion most often occurs.

Therefore, at the slightest ailment or discomfort from your body, it is better to consult a doctor.

Now you should take care, reduce physical activity, rest more, learn to relax and find a source of positive emotions.

If the hard abdomen tenses strongly and regularly in the early stages, and especially if it hurts, and bloody discharge from the vagina is observed, then it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

Hard belly in late pregnancy, before childbirth

When the baby is growing up enough and the mother clearly hears his movements, the stomach tenses more often, which is also associated with the motor activity of the baby.

Sometimes a hard belly can be felt on one side if the baby, for example, puts his butt or knee forward. But the threat of increased uterine tone does not disappear until the very end of pregnancy.

And if your stomach tenses very often, then this should certainly be an alarm bell.

If your stomach is bloated and hard during pregnancy, then you should reconsider your eating habits and preferences. Flatulence and bloating can be a consequence of poor nutrition: exclude gas-forming foods from your menu and eat small portions, but more often.

Source: https://rojaismelo.ru/retsepty-dlya-detej/tverdyj-zhivot-pri-beremennosti-na-pozdnih-srokah-prichiny

Pregnancy 33 weeks: fetal development and woman’s sensations

The baby is already well formed: the adrenal cortex secretes its own hormones to maintain water-salt balance, the cardiovascular and digestive systems are also normal, but this does not mean that development is over. During the 33rd week of embryonic development (also the 35th week of obstetric period), the child gains, on average, 220 grams. Height 47 cm, weight - 2400 g. or more (as we remember, everything is individual, otherwise why did we need an ultrasound in the later stages, Doppler sonography and, in general, these endless tests?). His shoulders are rounded, the main set of adipose tissue falls on the upper part of the body. Boys born at this time may have “natural circumcision,” that is, the absence of the foreskin (this even helps with hygiene in the future). Girls may have their labia open, then they will close.

As for a pregnant woman, shortness of breath reaches its peak this week: the stomach has not yet dropped, but has already gained such volume that it puts pressure on the lungs. The expectant mother is in excited anticipation. Frequent trips to the toilet for minor needs, anxiety... many suffer from insomnia and other sleep problems.

What does a hard belly mean during pregnancy?

A hard belly appears during pregnancy at least once during the entire period. This means that the uterus is in good shape. If the first symptoms appear, you should definitely call a doctor and wait for him in a supine position.

In general, after the 23rd week of pregnancy, the activity of the uterine muscles becomes normal, because the fetus is growing and the woman’s body needs to adapt to it.

But if other suspicious symptoms additionally occur, then you need to go to the hospital.

Hard belly in early and late pregnancy

The first weeks of pregnancy are a lot of stress for every woman, because she is very nervous about any reason. Fear activates any symptoms that will be alarming in the early stages.

In addition, they should not be present at this stage. You should definitely consult a doctor.

Either the specialist will reassure the expectant mother or prescribe appropriate therapy to treat various abnormalities, which will help prevent miscarriage.

If pain in the abdominal area appears in the early or late stages, or there is bleeding, you should urgently consult a specialist, since such symptoms, together with the hardness of the abdomen, indicate pathologies in the development of the fetus. The baby will be in danger, especially if it is 39 weeks of pregnancy. Don't underestimate situations.

In this case, the complication will be a miscarriage or premature pregnancy. In such a situation, the doctor most often prescribes surgery. You will need medications to help relieve discomfort and relieve pressure in the uterus.

If your stomach becomes hard at 37 weeks of pregnancy, you should urgently go to a gynecologist-obstetrician.

You need to lie down more and take care of yourself.

After 23 weeks of fetal development, contractions may appear in the uterus. If at 35 weeks of pregnancy pain does not appear with such movements of the uterine muscles, then these physiological symptoms can be considered normal.

Such cramps after the 23rd week, as well as at the 35th week of pregnancy, do not pose a danger to the baby. This is due to the growth and development of the fetus, so that it becomes limited in space.

As a result, the uterus begins to adapt to the size of the fetus.

Hypertonicity itself is a risk of miscarriage or birth not as planned. Diagnosis must begin with an interview with a doctor. He should clarify whether the lower abdomen has hurt before, what complaints and symptoms there are.

In 60 percent of all cases, pain in the lower abdomen is the main symptom. There is pain in the sacrum or lower back. During the examination, the palpation method is used. When relaxed, the uterus should be soft.

Hypertonicity is diagnosed when the abdomen becomes tense and hard. Palpation should be carried out with the woman lying on her back. Legs should be bent at the knees and pelvis. This way the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall will not involuntarily tense.

This will make it possible to palpate the abdomen, organs in the abdominal area, the uterus, and even determine the location of the fetus inside. It is especially important to palpate the abdomen to determine the baby's presentation in the last weeks of pregnancy.

The second method that helps confirm the presence or absence of uterine hypertonicity is ultrasound. Using an ultrasound study, it will be possible to determine general or local compaction of the myometrium (this is the muscular layer of the entire uterus). With a local type of thickening, a woman may not even feel it at all.

With general compaction of the myometrium, the abdomen is completely hard, so the woman is unlikely to notice it. If an ultrasound confirmed the presence of increased muscle tone in the uterus in those places where the chorion (or placenta) is fixed, which is possible in the early stages of pregnancy, then the risk of placental abruption increases.

Additionally, tonuometry is performed. For this purpose, special equipment is used that determines the tone of the uterus. To do this, you need to attach a sensor to your stomach.

Causes of abdominal hardness during pregnancy

Many women worry why their stomach sometimes becomes hard during pregnancy. Firstly, this may be due to uterine structural changes. For example, fibroids develop in the uterus.

This is a tumor formation that is benign in nature. The cause may be endometriosis. At the same time, tissue begins to grow on the endometrium (inner layer of the uterus), which is not typical for this area.

Inflammatory processes on the appendages and in the area of ​​the uterus itself are also dangerous due to such consequences, especially if the inflammation develops during pregnancy or it has already begun to form before conception.

Any inflammatory processes in the uterine area make it defective, as a result of which it will not be able to bear a fetus. In addition, inflammatory processes in the ovaries generally lead to changes in hormonal levels.

Secondly, there are many different reasons that are not related to hormonal levels and changes in the structure of the uterus.

Why does my stomach get hard? The reason may be that the uterus is overstretched, which occurs during pregnancy with several fetuses, polyhydramnios, or 1 fetus, but a very large one.

Malfunctions in the uterus can occur due to the fact that the processes that the organ itself supports have been disrupted (in other words, the reason lies in the central nervous system). This can happen due to constant stress and physical activity. Sometimes this phenomenon is caused by acute infectious diseases (influenza, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, and even a normal increase in body temperature).

Thirdly, the reason is hormonal levels. If it is disrupted in the reproductive system, then in the early stages of pregnancy a woman’s stomach becomes hard. Most often, the cause lies in progesterone deficiency. If because of this the tone of the uterine muscles has increased, then the risk of spontaneous abortion increases sharply.

Treatment of uterine hypertonicity

As soon as a woman feels that her stomach has become hard and dense, she needs to do several things at once. First, you need to lie down and try to relax.

When you feel a little better, you should definitely visit a doctor and not ignore this condition.

If not only the stomach becomes hard, but this phenomenon is accompanied by severe pain and sometimes bleeding, then you need to call emergency medical help immediately. You should wait for doctors in a horizontal position.

You can try to prevent the appearance of this pathology both in the early and late stages. Preventive measures should begin before conception.

It is imperative to undergo additional examination to identify all possible diseases, especially those affecting the pelvic organs. You should definitely consult an endocrinologist and gynecologist.

It is recommended to visit a psychotherapist to learn how to relax, rest and eliminate unnecessary stress. In addition, doctors recommend avoiding any stress, not only physical, but also psychological.

Treatment of a hard abdomen during pregnancy is symptomatic.

Special pharmacological drugs are prescribed to help eliminate the symptoms. In addition, therapy must be carried out depending on the etiology of the disease. If hypertension was caused by a deficiency of endogenous progesterone, then in the early stages treatment will be carried out with medications that contain this hormone.

Almost all gynecologists prescribe Dufastan, which is also known as Dydrogesterone. It is an artificial analogue of progesterone, a female hormone that helps maintain pregnancy, even if there is a risk of miscarriage. The standard daily dose is 20 mg.

However, this drug has side effects: headaches, abdominal discomfort and bleeding in the uterus may occur.

If the patient has a hard stomach during pregnancy, then medications are prescribed that relieve cramps. Antispasmodics will help relieve pain. For example, most often gynecologists prescribe No-shpu. This medicine is well absorbed, and side effects are extremely rare, so the medicine is safe for young mothers.

What else applies?

If hardness in the abdomen is caused by a lack of magnesium, medications that contain this trace element are prescribed. By the way, during late and early pregnancy, there is often a shortage of this particular element. This leads to increased excitability of cellular structures, which is reflected in spasms and convulsions.

Magnesium will help restore electrolyte balance in smooth muscles. It reduces the excitability of neurons and stabilizes the transport of impulses throughout the human nervous system. If you take medications that contain magnesium at 4-5 and 24-25 weeks, the risk of miscarriage is reduced by 60 percent.

At the same time, the risk of premature birth will decrease by 30 percent.

However, sometimes magnesium supplements are prescribed up to 30 weeks. Widespread use of magnesia and magnesium sulfate. The dosage and duration of use are determined only by the doctor. Magnesium gluconate, citrate, lactate or orotate are suitable. If you have kidney failure, it is better not to use such drugs.

Magne B6 is also suitable for relieving hypertension. At 38 weeks of pregnancy you need to take it very carefully. Side effects manifest themselves in the form of nausea and vomiting, pain and flatulence. It is imperative to take into account that magnesium interferes with the absorption of iron, so this will lead to anemia.

When you are 9 months old, you need to be especially careful.

If uterine hypertonicity often appears during pregnancy, then, in order to preserve the fetus, it is forbidden to overexert yourself physically.

Even everyday issues will not be resolved. Lifting heavy objects is also prohibited. Walking constantly is also not recommended. You cannot stand for a long time, especially if you are already 34 weeks pregnant or later. Long road trips will not be beneficial. It is prohibited to fly on airplanes. You should not take baths, especially with hot water. Sexual intercourse is also prohibited, because sex and uterine hypertonicity are generally incompatible, even in the early stages. This is due to the fact that during sexual intercourse the muscles of the uterus will contract, which will lead to termination of pregnancy.

As a conclusion

Every woman had a hard belly during pregnancy at least once during the entire period. Of course, sometimes this phenomenon is completely normal, but you should always tell your doctor about it.

The reasons may be structural changes in the uterus, hormonal imbalance and other factors. Treatment is selected only by a doctor, depending on what caused the hardening of the abdomen.

Source: https://MoePuziko.ru/beremennost/tverdyj-zhivot.html

When tone is dangerous

Regardless of whether the belly is soft or hard in the early stages of pregnancy, you need to register in a timely manner. The doctor will examine the expectant mother, rule out possible pathologies, and prescribe tests. You can’t put off a visit to the gynecologist if you have pain in your lower abdomen and a pregnancy test shows two lines. Timely seeking help will help prevent miscarriage.

In a healthy woman, uterine tension is observed only periodically. If the stomach is constantly toned, this can lead to disruption of the blood supply to the fetus, premature placental abruption, and spontaneous abortion.

Unfortunately, increased uterine tone is a common pathology of pregnant women. This diagnosis is made in 65% of cases. The likelihood of developing pathology in women over 35 years of age increases significantly. Expectant mothers who work in hazardous industries, eat poorly, and do not follow a daily routine are at risk.

Physiological reasons (for example, sexual intercourse) can provoke contraction of the muscles of the uterus. Therefore, with the development of uterine tone, a woman is advised to avoid excessive physical activity and sexual intercourse.

The tone of the reproductive organ in early and late pregnancy often increases due to hormonal imbalance. The problem often occurs in women with high androgen levels and progesterone deficiency.

Compression of muscle fibers will be observed against the background of overstretching of the walls of the uterus. The organ rapidly enlarges, the muscles begin to contract reflexively. This condition is observed in women with multiple pregnancies or polyhydramnios. Anomalies in the structure of the organ can also provoke the development of a pathological process.

Hard belly during pregnancy

If a woman has a hard belly while carrying a baby, this may directly indicate that she has uterine hypertonicity. Hypertonicity of the uterus is a pathology of pregnancy; this condition must be treated, otherwise various kinds of complications may arise that can harm both the unborn baby and the mother herself.

If you have been diagnosed with uterine hypertonicity, then this is still no reason to despair and panic. After all, conditions such as stress and nerves can also affect the condition of the uterus. This problem can now be successfully eliminated thanks to pharmaceutical products and medical technologies.

There is no need to ignore uterine hypertonicity; this condition must be treated. If you detect this pathology in a timely manner and begin treatment, you will be able to avoid bad consequences.

Most often, hypertonicity begins to manifest itself at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy or at the beginning of the third trimester.

Symptoms that may indicate uterine hypertonicity

• Pain in the lumbar region;
• Painful sensations in the abdomen (in the center of the abdomen);
• There is a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen;
• Painful sensations in the sacral area;
• Heaviness occurs in the lower abdomen;
• Sometimes pain in the uterine area makes itself felt.

These symptoms can sometimes simply indicate that you are a little tired. In this case, you should rest. If after rest the condition remains the same, then you need to urgently call a doctor or go to him yourself.

Doctors say that similar symptoms can appear after stressful situations experienced by pregnant women. But if the symptoms appear quite often, then it is still worth contacting a specialist.

With uterine hypertonicity, the uterus begins to contract prematurely. That is, with this condition, a woman has a risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Women who have uterine hypertonicity must be under the strictest supervision of doctors, because they are at risk.

Also, uterine hypertonicity is dangerous because in this condition blood does not reach the placenta well, that is, the baby does not receive the required amount of oxygen. This condition is defined as fetal hypoxia or oxygen starvation.

What to do if the uterus is contracted?

If the above signs of a uterine condition or doubts about health appear, you should consult a gynecologist accompanying your pregnancy. The doctor will conduct an examination, palpate the abdomen, determine the condition of the uterus, and prescribe additional ultrasound examinations. This diagnostic method will provide comprehensive information about the muscles of the uterus and the presence of thickenings. It is also possible to conduct tonuometry - applying a special sensor to the abdominal area of ​​a pregnant woman.

Determination of uterine hypertonicity involves bed rest, the prescription of antispasmodics, sedatives and drugs whose action is aimed at reducing the muscle activity of the organ. In most cases, treatment requires hospitalization “for preservation” in a hospital, where regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels is carried out. In order not to harm the child, to keep him healthy, to carry the pregnancy to term, you need to listen to the doctor and go to the hospital.