Why can your left side hurt during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, significant changes occur in the expectant mother's body. Blood flow to the pelvic organs increases, individual muscle groups relax, and the hormonal balance is completely rebuilt. Such changes cause a feeling of discomfort and cause pain.
The left side of the abdomen contains important organs such as:
- stomach;
- diaphragm;
- spleen;
- intestines;
- uterus and left ovary;
- pancreas.
Deviations in the functioning of all of these organs can provoke pain in the left side during pregnancy. However, it can be physiological in nature or be a symptom of serious internal diseases.
The physiological causes of pain are:
- toxicosis;
- gastritis of early pregnancy;
- weakening of the muscles of the digestive organs;
- binge eating;
- decreased intestinal motility;
- constipation;
- compression of some organs by the uterus.
To eliminate unpleasant sensations, you should give preference to easily digestible foods . You need to eat in small portions and drink enough liquid.
A woman’s immune system weakens while raising a child, so during this period the body is especially vulnerable and can easily catch inflammation. And pain can become a symptom of such an inflammatory process. In this case we are already talking about pathology.
Pathological causes of pain in the left side of the abdomen in pregnant women include :
- ectopic pregnancy;
- exacerbation of stomach ulcers;
- acute and chronic gastritis;
- spleen diseases;
- pancreatitis;
- hiatal hernia;
- stomach pinching;
- internal infection;
- inflammation of the kidneys, ovaries;
- intestinal diseases.
Why does the left lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy?
There are many reasons why girls in this position experience pain or discomfort. This will make the expectant mother think about possible pregnancy pathologies, threatening miscarriage or organ disease.
Unpleasant, tingling or aching pain below the navel is a sign of problems with:
- Left ovary;
- Uterus;
- Intestines.
To understand the main cause of the ailment and answer the question of why the left lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, you need to realize that this is a special place. A new life is born here, which causes stress on the vital organs located in this part of the body.
When the fetus compresses the abdominal cavity and organs located on the side and slightly higher above the uterus, the doctor determines the inflamed pancreas or spleen. Diet and changes in food intake will help control this process.
Pain and discomfort can be caused by a tumor of the pelvic organs, ovarian cysts and various types of infections. When the left lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, gynecologists diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. It is important to make this diagnosis on time, since irreversible consequences are very dangerous for a woman’s life. This situation requires urgent hospitalization and urgent surgical intervention.
To save the child and improve the general condition of the patient, an urgent consultation with a qualified, experienced specialist with an excellent reputation will be required. It is worth noting that you should not take painkillers uncontrollably, thereby getting rid of the symptoms of the pathology. Sharp and nagging pains often cause serious deviations in the development of the unborn child and affect the outcome of delivery.
Signs and diagnosis of pain in the left side during pregnancy
Based on the signs of pain, you can determine the cause of its occurrence.
The nagging nature of the pain indicates the following diseases:
- indigestion;
- neoplasms in the stomach;
- pyelonephritis;
- pneumonia;
- inflammation of the ovaries.
Stitching pain occurs due to:
- intestinal problems;
- spleen diseases;
- excess physical activity.
Acute and severe pain is associated with conditions such as:
- stomach ulcer;
- acute gastritis;
- strangulation of the stomach;
- colic of the digestive system;
- splenic rupture or cyst.
It is impossible to establish a diagnosis based on symptoms of pain. To identify the exact cause, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis.
Diagnostic measures for pain in the left side of the abdomen in pregnant women include:
- medical examination by palpation;
- conducting a general blood test;
- laboratory testing of liver enzymes, amylase and lipase;
- passing a general urine test;
- performing ultrasound (ultrasound examination).
Pain in the left lower abdomen during pregnancy
Perhaps the pain occurs periodically and can be wave-like - repeated on the left and right. Discomfort comes in different forms:
- If these are sensations that can be tolerated and not change the usual rhythm of life. The pain appears periodically and does not cause deterioration in health, fever or bleeding. This signals the growth of the child and the uterus, squeezing the internal organs;
- If the pain is cramping, increases and causes an unpleasant feeling and fever, among other symptoms, blood appears on the underwear, vomiting, dizziness and loss of consciousness - the patient needs urgent hospitalization.
When the pain syndrome first appears, an unpleasant feeling causes weakness, nausea, and at the same time the condition worsens - you must not hesitate, this can lead to termination of pregnancy and subsequent pathologies, causing the inability to bear and give birth to a healthy child.
The pain may recur once or twice a day at certain times of the day after conception. This is due to hormonal imbalance and is not a pathology. When abdominal discomfort excludes a connection with the birth of a new life and does not affect pregnancy and fetal development, it is necessary to monitor the general health of the pregnant woman.
To exclude spontaneous abortion and make an accurate diagnosis, in case of pain of any localization in the expectant mother, an urgent examination by a doctor and study of test results is required. A timely examination and regular visits to a gynecologist at the antenatal clinic will eliminate serious and irreparable complications during pregnancy and will protect the woman and child in the event of a threat of miscarriage.
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In what cases should you urgently consult a doctor?
Any pain that appears during pregnancy is a reason to contact a gynecologist. It cannot be ignored or left unattended, as it may be a symptom of a serious illness.
Only a doctor will be able to determine whether pain is a physiological feature of pregnancy or is pathological in nature.
If the physiological nature of the pain is established, you can rest easy and you won’t have to worry in vain, which is so important for women preparing to become mothers. And if symptoms of pathology are detected, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist, therapist, infectious disease specialist or surgeon.
It is especially dangerous to ignore piercing, sharp and sudden pain that lasts more than 30 minutes. It may be symptoms of a ruptured spleen, ovary or fallopian tubes. You should consult a doctor immediately if the pain is accompanied by fever, vomiting or bleeding.
The nature of pain on the left side during pregnancy
The pain on the left side can be of a different nature, be weak, acute, intense. Based on the nature of the pain, as well as the presence of additional symptoms, we can assume the cause of its occurrence.
If it pulls in the left side
Nagging pain in the side can occur with left-sided pyelonephritis, pleurisy, left-sided pneumonia, indigestion, inflammation of the left appendages of the uterus, stomach cancer. If the pain is accompanied by an increase in temperature, it is most likely caused by infectious diseases.
If there is colitis under the left rib
Stitching pains of varying intensity appear with pathologies of the spleen, problems with the intestines, as well as intense physical activity.
If you are experiencing severe and acute pain
Often speaks of an acute course of the disease, occurs with severe damage to stomach tissue (perforation of an ulcer, acute gastritis), rupture of the spleen, strangulation of the stomach, left-sided renal colic, rupture of a cyst of the left ovary or the ovary itself, rupture of the fallopian tube during ectopic pregnancy, volvulus. is always accompanied by a host of additional symptoms and always requires emergency medical care .
Please read what pain on the right side may indicate during pregnancy. Also, information about acute toothache during pregnancy, in more detail, will be important. Relevant for expectant mothers. When carrying a child, a woman's immunity weakens; such simple things as a cold can easily overtake almost any woman. And if you have a sore throat during pregnancy, please read this information
What to do for pain in the left side
If the pain is physiological, you can take steps to relieve it at home. As a rule, simple and at the same time effective rules allow you to quickly eliminate pain.
- Eat right and rationally. You should eat often, but in small portions. This will reduce the load on the stomach and improve digestion.
- It is necessary to include fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, dried fruits and wholemeal bread products in the diet.
- You should relax your muscles every day by taking a knee-elbow position. This exercise reduces pressure on internal organs.
- Physical activity gives the body strength and strengthens muscles.
- You need to rest more and walk in the fresh air.
If the pain is a pathology, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment . The choice of drugs and the determination of the treatment regimen depend entirely on the cause of the pain. Most often, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are prescribed, which have no contraindications for use during pregnancy.
Non-gynecological reasons
Intestinal spasm, constipation, abnormalities in the functioning of the spleen, pancreas, left kidney or intestines, etc. are also reasons to consult a specialist. So why does the left side hurt during pregnancy, which is not associated with it? Most often, improper functioning of internal organs is associated with changes in a woman’s hormonal levels.
It is the pregnancy hormone, progesterone, that can influence the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. And attacks of stabbing, cutting, pulling pain in the abdomen may become more frequent during this period. However, it should be understood that, as a rule, this condition is not pathological and goes away on its own over time.
Constipation
A pathological condition in which fecal retention occurs for 2 or more days. During pregnancy, every third woman faces the problem of constipation.
The cause of this condition may be:
- production of progesterone, which slows down intestinal motility;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- insufficient fluid intake;
- over a long period of time, compression of neighboring organs by the uterus occurs;
- some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is simply necessary to treat this condition, since feces, while in the intestines, over time begin to poison not only the woman’s body, but also the unborn baby. In addition, there is a high risk of premature birth, inflammation of the rectum and sigmoid colon, colitis and anal fissures.
Intestinal colic
Cramping pain caused by excessive swelling and tension of the muscles of the colon. Many women experience intestinal spasms during pregnancy. In almost every woman it appears during the implantation of a fertilized egg into the walls of the uterus. Some feel slight discomfort at this time, others do not experience anything.
Another cause of spasm may be rapid growth of the uterus, a stabbing sensation in the lower abdomen, or poor nutrition. To get rid of colic, you can take Espumisan or No-shpa, but only with the permission of your doctor.
Pancreatitis
A disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis during pregnancy can occur due to: damage to the pancreas by viruses or bacteria, uncontrolled intake of certain vitamins, high standing of the uterine fundus, which compresses the bile ducts, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
Expert advice
Advice from experienced and competent specialists is always in demand. It is especially important to listen to them during pregnancy to prevent adverse consequences. So, if a woman is bothered by pain in her left side, doctors advise:
- Wear a maternity bandage. It tightens and fixes the abdomen, thereby reducing the load on the organs of the digestive system.
- Take vitamin complexes for pregnant women. They improve immunity, and the body better fights inflammation and infections.
- Improve bowel function. You should consume dairy products and limit starchy foods to avoid constipation. If the intestinal microflora is disturbed, bifidobacteria can be used. They are safe to take during pregnancy.
- Perform specially designed exercises for expectant mothers.
Pain in the left side can appear in every woman preparing to become a mother. The body undergoes a major restructuring, and all efforts are directed toward maintaining and developing pregnancy. Internal changes affect the functioning of organs and systems.
The growing belly puts pressure on the intestines, bladder, and props up the stomach. All this entails the appearance of pain. In such cases, they do not pose a danger and can be alleviated. But the risk of developing a serious illness cannot be ruled out. Therefore, if you experience pain in your left side, you should consult a doctor.
Pain in the upper abdomen
To accurately determine the risk of illness in a pregnant woman, it is necessary to visually divide the stomach into squares. Pain in the right side above may mean that there is an inflammatory process in the gallbladder, liver, intestines or on the right side of the diaphragm. With symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, the specialist pays special attention to the pancreas. Since the pancreas is responsible for many very important processes in the body, especially for the production of the hormone insulin, which is extremely important for the body of a pregnant woman, the doctor removes additional stress from this organ. Such inflammation can lead to various pathologies and complications during childbirth. After proper treatment, the pain in the right side stops.
Often pregnant women have pain on their left side. What could this mean? First, it is necessary for the patient to accurately show the location of the pain; it is necessary to conduct a detailed survey of how the pain is characterized? Colitis or tugging, does it only hurt on the left side or has the pain spread to the right?
If localization occurs in the upper left side, then first of all there is a suspicion of an inflammatory process in the spleen, since this organ, located quite close to the surface of the body, is more traumatic and susceptible to negative influences. It is responsible for removing red blood cells from the blood. This organ has been practically unstudied and is therefore unpredictable. And importantly, the spleen is responsible for producing blood in the fetus. If it doesn't work properly, it can cause developmental defects in the child. Inflammation of this organ does not occur on its own, but as a consequence of inflammatory processes in nearby organs. The spleen itself can become inflamed due to allergic reactions of the body.
Pain in the left side can also signal stomach diseases, such as gastritis, but we should not forget about more terrible diseases, stomach ulcers and, no matter how terrible it is to think about it, cancer.
Along with the above diseases, the symptoms of which in pregnant women are pain in the left and right side, there is also a rather rare disease - diaphragmatic hernia. In another way, this disease can be called a hiatal hernia. This hernia occurs for a number of reasons, such as overeating, chronic cough, obesity.
The symptoms of this disease are so similar to those of other diseases that it is often very difficult to diagnose it correctly. Pregnant women are sometimes bothered by the right side, but in most cases, the pain is on the left. If all examinations are carried out correctly and such a diagnosis is established for a pregnant woman, then she is prescribed a special diet.
It is strictly forbidden to consume sour drinks, smoked foods, fresh bread, fermented milk products, peas, and carbonated drinks. You should not eat large portions, as overeating provokes this disease. You need to eat little, but often. Immediately after eating, you should not take a horizontal position. Under no circumstances should you be constipated. Drinking special mineral water and following the recommendations described above is all that the doctor prescribes for a diaphragmatic hernia.
It happens that a pregnant woman is bothered by pain in the lower right side; it is worth paying special attention to this symptom, since not only appendicitis manifests itself in this way. Sexually transmitted infections, tumors and cysts can also cause pain in this area. With an ectopic pregnancy, in the early stages, pain in the right side is also noted.
In pregnant women, it hurts in the lower left side for the same reasons that the right side hurts. Pregnant patients may complain that the left side not only hurts, but also colitis. The only difference between the left and right sides in this regard is that with pain in the left side, appendicitis can be completely ruled out.
The uterus of a pregnant woman grows and enlarges, putting pressure on all organs, which can disrupt the process of bile separation. This phenomenon is called biliary dyskinesia. This is a disease that cannot be called harmless, since due to the inflammatory process gallstones can form. To prevent a miscarriage, the body of a pregnant woman produces a hormone such as progesterone in large quantities; it is this hormone that relaxes the uterus along with other organs, including the gallbladder. The work of this organ is disrupted and bile stagnates. With proper ultrasound diagnosis, this disease is easily detected and treatable.
In very early stages of pregnancy, pain in both the right and left sides can be a harbinger of miscarriage, so special attention should be paid to them at the beginning of pregnancy. Also, a growing uterus can cause pain in the left and right sides, this is absolutely not dangerous. But only a doctor can identify the real cause of these pains in women in an interesting position.
Diagnosis for pain
When abdominal pain appears on the left, a pregnant woman should be very attentive to her condition and try to assess the nature of the discomfort. If these are physiological pain sensations during pregnancy, then they are usually short-term and not very pronounced. Otherwise, pathology should be suspected.
Some diseases can be recognized independently. For example, with gastritis (especially if it is chronic), discomfort will appear after eating, and the pain will be aching, accompanied by nausea and belching. Other pathologies can only be diagnosed by a doctor based on existing symptoms and additional examinations.
A pregnant woman must inform her gynecologist about any discomfort in the left side, describing in detail the accompanying symptoms. He will understand the situation and, if necessary, refer the woman for a consultation with a specialist: a surgeon or gastroenterologist. Further examination will be scheduled depending on the suspected diagnosis. For example, if you suspect pyelonephritis, you will need a urine test and an ultrasound of the kidneys. FGDS (fibrogastroduodenoscopy of the stomach) can confirm or exclude the presence of gastritis. In case of pancreatitis, a blood test for diastase will be indicative (determines the level of a biological enzyme necessary for digesting food).
Depending on the expected diagnosis, doctors prescribe additional examinations for the pregnant woman.
