A lot of stomach ache during pregnancy can be normal and is to be expected, since it can be caused to the changes brought about by a pregnancy; physical, hormonal and muscular and even emotional.
Some of the commonest causes of stomach aches during pregnancy could be –
- Implantation Pain, which occurs when the fertilized embryo implants itself in the lining of the uterus, where it will grow into a fetus before emerging as a new young being, is one of the reasons for stomach ache during pregnancy.
- As ligaments and muscles stretch to create space for the expanding uterus, internal organs may actually be rearranged, and this could cause pain, not just in the stomach but lower abdomen, back and even the chest. This could be a sharp, even stabbing pain, which could however be quite normal.
- Stomach ache in pregnancy relating to indigestion. Hormonal changes in pregnancy cause the digestive tract to slow down, causing indigestion, constipation, gas, heartburn, bloating, water retention and other discomforts.
- Sometimes it could be emotional stress relating to pregnancy that may cause stomach ache since anxiety can cause pressure in the abdomen, and thereby pain.
- Sometimes it could be an infection such as a urinary tract infection that could be responsible for stomach ache during pregnancy, when the pain could radiate outward to the flanks and the back as well.
Certain lifestyle alterations can help to control stomach pain in pregnancy –
- Make sure you eat sensibly, with less spicy, fried food that may cause heartburn. Also rather than 3 larger meals have about 6 smaller meals to make it easier for your stomach to digest the food so as to reduce stomach ache during pregnancy.
- Make sure you drink enough fluids; however avoid carbonated, sweetened drinks. Rather drink lots of water.
- Eat yoghurt which has live bacteria, since these bacteria are very useful for the digestive tract and will prevent stomach discomfort. Yoghurt also contains calcium and valuable protein that provides nutrition to the mother as well as the baby.
- Learn a few stress relieving techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises. These can help calm and relax a person reducing stress, and the proper breathing exercises also mean better oxygenation of the blood and body’s organs.
- Practice yoga(pregnancy yoga) to help stretch the muscles so that are better able to cope with the rigors of being pregnant and the impeding delivery as well.
- Do not lie flat on your back; rather lie on your side for less chances of causing stomach ache during pregnancy. Also prop yourself up with plenty of pillows or even a pregnancy pillow to reduce chances of experiencing heart burn or acidity.
- Take a warm, soothing bath, to help the abdominal and pelvic muscles relax and ease stomach ache during pregnancy. For further helping the warm bath de-stress you, add some essential oils of lavender to help with relaxation and better sleep.
- Certain herbal remedies such as Slippery elm could help, so take this if it has been cleared by your doctor.
- Massage by a licensed practitioner experienced in pregnancy massage can also help relieve stomach ache during pregnancy.