What are the Causes of Upper Abdominal Pain Early Pregnancy and How to Prevent It?

Upper abdominal pain early pregnancy can be worrisome for many women. Most women feel that ectopic pregnancy or a possible miscarriage could be the reasons for their aches, whereas mild pain in these areas is usually normal in many healthy pregnancies.

For most of the times, abdominal pain during early pregnancy is caused by normal physical changes that occur in the body and there is nothing to worry about it. Though the condition doesn’t indicate a serious medical condition and subsides in a short period of time, sometimes the pain becomes persistent or severe.

Here are the possible causes of upper abdominal pain early pregnancy

1. Constipation or Gas: Most women experience constipation problem during their early pregnancy. The increased levels of the pregnancy hormone, progesterone can show a great impact on the gastrointestinal tract. It slows down the system and makes the food to travel much slower than usual. Drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods can help to recover from the condition.
2. Miscarriage: Abdominal pain is the most concerned sign of miscarriage. The unfortunate fact is that 15-20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Apart from abdominal pain, the other symptoms that indicate miscarriage are bleeding and cramping. Cramps sometimes can be rhythmic or sometimes they may resemble menstrual cramps.
3. Gallstones: Gallbladder stones are most common in women, especially if they are overweight. Women who conceived above the age of 35 or a history of stones, they are more susceptible to this problem. Pain resulting from gallstones can be severe and intensive in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen.
4. Preeclampsia: Experiencing high or low blood pressure during pregnancy is most common in many women. This condition is due to the disturbances in vessels. If the blood pressure levels cannot be controlled, then it can affect the brain, liver, kidney, and various other organs of the body. If this condition is not treated, then it can cause stillbirth or abortion. Various other symptoms of preeclampsia include upper abdominal pain, nausea, distorted swelling, and facial swelling.

How to manage upper abdominal pain during pregnancy?

1. Consume small and frequent meals that can help to prevent upper abdominal pain and gas.
2. Practicing relaxation exercises regularly will help you in relieving muscle cramps and even relaxes your stretched muscles. Whenever you feel upper abdominal pain, practicing contracting your muscles in a fetal position and then slowly stretch your body.
3. As constipation is the most common that can result in upper abdominal pain. So try to follow a diet program that helps to reduce constipation. High fiber foods are highly suggestible during this condition.
4. Increase the intake of fluid consumption. Increased fluid consumption can help to reduce constipation as well as bloating. It makes a digestive system to work better and prevents dehydration.
5. Don’t sit or stand for longer hours. Take frequent breaks as it will help to prevent muscle fatigue and cramps so that reducing the chances of getting abdominal pain.