When pregnant, every woman should listen to the signals of her body. Some of them may indicate serious violations of women's health.
What causes a hard stomach?
With the normal course of this "interesting" physiological process, the tummy of the expectant mother is soft. Light squeezing in any of its places should not be accompanied by painful sensations. If the stomach becomes hard during pregnancy, it means that spasms of the muscle tissue of the uterus (hypertonicity) occur. In some cases, when spasms do not stop and the uterus is constantly in good shape, placental circulation is disturbed.
This is a symptom of detachment of the child's place, this happens in the last month of pregnancy. The worst thing that can happen is the threat of premature birth or miscarriage. Gynecologists distinguish two factors that bring the uterus into tone - physical and pathological. The muscles of the uterus harden due to the fact that a full bladder presses on it. And so that it does not go beyond, the uterine muscles signal this.
Reasons why the tummy hardens:
How to behave during hardening of the abdomen?
Having found such a symptom, the expectant mother should not worry. You need to immediately lie down, relax and listen to the sensations. Analyze what went wrong. If this is a simple overwork, you need to lie down and continue to limit heavy loads. Another reason is that training bouts may begin. Already from the second month, the body begins to prepare the uterus for childbirth, but this is an exclusively individual process and does not apply to every pregnant woman.
Attention!
When during pregnancy the tummy hardens at a later date and the muscles begin to contract at the same time interval, it means that premature birth begins.
If hypertonicity is in a chronic form, treatment is indispensable here. The doctor may prescribe sedatives, hormonal pills. It is very important to observe bed rest. In any case, at the slightest violation in the body, a woman expecting a child is simply obliged to immediately seek help from a doctor.
Why does the stomach harden in the first trimester?
The first trimester of the "interesting position" is the most dangerous. Any pathology of the fetus or abnormalities in the uterus will be detected precisely at this time. Physical activity can lead to premature termination of pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is now a very common occurrence among expectant mothers. Even from the first weeks after conception, the girls begin and. You need to be very attentive to your feelings, in some cases they may indicate a fading fetus and miscarriage.
Hypertonicity also happens during. Then, from the first days, pain in the abdomen, back, is felt. It is worth taking care of your health with special care and responsibility. It is necessary to lead a calm lifestyle, not to be nervous and to rest more. Get positive emotions and eat right. If possible, exercise and swim.
In the last trimester, the tummy hardens, why?
In most cases, malnutrition is the cause of discomfort in the "belly". In search of food that they constantly want, mothers often eat anything. Therefore, when the lower abdomen hardened during pregnancy, it means that gases accumulated there, dysbacteriosis or colic began. Perhaps the food was not quite fresh, or mommy ate a lot. Frequent gas formation occurs when a woman moves very little and eats a lot.
No need to completely refuse food, it will harm the expectant mother and baby. You need to eat often, 5-7 times a day. Reduce portions, drink water and spend time outdoors. During the movement of the baby, the stomach hardens on one side or the other. Such sensations may remain until the very birth. When a woman quickly walked or lay down in one position for a long time, hypertonicity is also possible. Need to change position or rest after walking. At this time, you need to rest not only at night, but also during the day.
A hard belly during pregnancy appears when the uterus and all its muscles tense up. If muscle tension continues for a very long period of time, then circulatory disturbance in the placenta is possible, the child's place will gradually exfoliate, which as a result can lead to the loss of the child.
A hard belly during pregnancy can cause both physiological and pathological processes in the female body. It is very important to know why the muscles of the uterus began to contract actively. When specialists receive an answer to this question, then attempts are made that eventually allow you to gradually relax all the uterine muscles. To keep the belly of a pregnant woman soft, sometimes ordinary rest will be enough. But very often there are situations when you may need the help of qualified specialists.
Why does the stomach stiffen during pregnancy
A tight stomach in a woman who is in position indicates that the muscles of the uterine tissue are strongly spasmodic, because of this, the tone of the reproductive organ will be significantly increased. This may not be very safe for the health of the woman and her unborn child. As a result of the fact that the muscles are actively contracting, the process of blood circulation in the placenta is disrupted. This will adversely affect the health of the fetus, because in such a situation it does not receive enough oxygen.
Oxygen starvation can cause intrauterine hypoxia. Also, tension in the muscles of the uterus contributes to the detachment of the fetal egg or even the placenta itself, which will cause the loss of a child or a premature birth process.
To date, it is not possible to establish the exact reasons why the lower abdomen becomes hard. But the following factors may accompany this process:
- Strong physical activity and stress.
- Too strong negative or positive emotions of a pregnant woman.
- Constantly full bladder.
- Various infectious and inflammatory diseases that can manifest themselves in the genitourinary system.
- Viral disease. Most often, it refers to the flu during pregnancy.
- Improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which may result in flatulence, colitis and dysbacteriosis.
- Very large fetus.
- Large volume of amniotic fluid.
- The small size of the uterus of a pregnant woman.
- Pathological diseases in the pelvic organs.
- Bad habits that include smoking, drinking alcohol and not following the right diet.
A hard stomach can very often be the result of a woman being in one position for a long time.
In such a situation, a hard stomach will be in the morning or late in the evening. It is during these periods of time that a pregnant woman most often occupies a horizontal position of the body.
It is very important to know that when the gestational age becomes more than 20 weeks, most experts categorically forbid a woman to sleep on her stomach. After all, this can negatively affect the condition of the fetus and the well-being of the expectant mother.
Not each of the reasons listed above can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. But if suddenly you notice that the stomach has become hard, it is best to seek the advice of your doctor. This will prematurely prevent the negative consequences of such a situation.
Hard belly during early pregnancy
When a woman finds out that she will soon become a mother, the first weeks of pregnancy become the most dangerous for her. After all, most often it is at the initial stages that the body can independently decide on a spontaneous termination of pregnancy.
If a woman feels some discomfort in the first weeks or her health changes for the worse, then it is best to urgently seek help from a specialist. He will be able to identify the causes of malaise.
It is also necessary in the first weeks of pregnancy to avoid various physical activities, stressful situations, to devote more time to rest. It is best to do some kind of home hobby that will bring a lot of joy and pleasure.
When a hard stomach constantly worries a woman in the early stages, while bleeding from the vagina is observed, then you should not postpone a visit to the doctor. This may be the first signal that the pregnancy is in danger of failing.
If the stomach becomes hard in the later stages of pregnancy
When the baby has already reached a certain size and mommy can feel all his movements very well, the stomach will tense up very often. And this is due to the active motor activity of the baby.
If the child moves the handle and exposes the leg on the right side, then firmness in the abdomen will be felt in this place. Thus, you can feel the baby's butt. At these times, the stomach will be almost constantly hard. But if stiffness begins to bother a pregnant woman, then this is not a very good sign. In such cases, experts recommend urgently seeking medical help.
If during pregnancy the stomach is very swollen, then this can be the reason for the use of the wrong foods. It is very important in such a situation to reconsider your diet. It is necessary to stop eating foods that contain a lot of gases. In addition, experts recommend eating very small portions of food, but several times a day.
It is important for every pregnant woman to know that with the start of the second trimester, she may suddenly experience training contractions. Thus, the body prepares the expectant mother for the upcoming birth. Because of such contractions, the stomach may become stiff, and spasms in its lower part will become more frequent. Usually these feelings don't last very long. A woman practically does not notice the moment when unpleasant spasms pass by themselves.
When there is a short period of time before the birth process, then, for example, at a period of 37 to 40 weeks, abdominal hardness may indicate that a woman is ready to give birth to a child in the near future. At such times, such symptoms are considered normal.
What measures should be taken in case of a hard stomach during pregnancy?
The petrification of the abdomen during the course of pregnancy does not mean anything good, but also not in every case it can lead to negative consequences. If a woman rarely feels firmness, while pain symptoms are not felt, then this is not a cause for concern. Do not panic if the stomach becomes hard after a woman has taken a long walk in the fresh air. In this situation, stiffness will cause physical exertion.
In order to get rid of this unpleasant sensation, you need to lie on the sofa and take the most comfortable position for relaxation. You need to try to relax all the muscles. And after a few minutes, all unpleasant symptoms will disappear. If this is repeated after each walk, then the duration of the festivities must be reduced. The best option in such a situation would be regular rest and peace.
It is very important to seek medical help in the following situations:
- The abdomen is hard for a long period of time, it does not become soft. The state of health is gradually deteriorating.
- The abdomen is not only hard, but also painful.
- The abdomen may be tight, while the woman will feel pain, as during menstruation. Pain can spread to the lower back, coccyx and rectal area.
- There is a red or brown discharge from the vagina.
- Frequent fainting began, severe nausea, vomiting.
- It will always seem that you want to go to the toilet “in a big way”.
In any case, do not forget to contact your doctor in a timely manner, who will accurately indicate the cause of a hard stomach during pregnancy.
Why does the upper abdomen sometimes harden during pregnancy, a frequently asked question to a gynecologist. There are many reasons for this condition: from the tone of the uterus to the usual overwork. The problem of abdominal petrification is faced by many women who are waiting for replenishment. This state manifests itself in all periods of an interesting situation and can occur at any time.
Why does the stomach harden during pregnancy
A hard stomach during pregnancy can be a sign of uterine hypertonicity: the muscles of the organ contract, as a result of which the stomach becomes stony. There are many reasons for the development of hypertonicity and, as a result, hardening of the abdomen. The main experts include: changes in the hormonal background, problems in the endocrine system, lack of vitamins in the mother's body, problems with immunity, pathology of the uterus. By gynecological standards, the state of the uterus in good shape refers to a pathological pregnancy, however, competent treatment, compliance with the recommendations of doctors helps to level the disease.At times, the stomach becomes stiff during pregnancy in stressful situations, fear, nervous exhaustion. The lower abdomen hardens with active movements, fast walking, during certain physical exercises. There is a petrification of the belly when urinating, after it.
At the end of the waiting period for the baby, when the size of the baby is impressive, the stomach periodically hardens in the supine position, so doctors advise mothers to get used to sleeping on their side with the onset of fertilization.
It is necessary to focus attention and immediately inform the doctor if:
- constantly dense stomach at 36-38 weeks and is accompanied by pain;
- bloody whites from the vagina are noticed;
- strong pressure in the lower abdomen, accompanied by spasms, pain in the lower back, a powerful onslaught on the rectum with a false urge to defecate.
Hard belly during early pregnancy
In the early stages, a dense, hard lower abdomen during pregnancy is often caused by compression of the uterus and plunges it into tone. Uterine contraction at the beginning of gestation is fraught with a decrease in blood circulation in the placenta, a lack of oxygen inside the womb, which leads to embryo hypoxia.At the beginning of pregnancy, the uterus is very sensitive, so even small spasms can provoke detachment of the placenta, fetal egg, or cause early labor. As a result, with regular compaction of the abdomen in early pregnancy, you should consult a doctor in order to prevent complications.
In addition to uterine hypertonicity, there are circumstances that explain why during pregnancy the stomach hardens in the early stages:
- insufficient intake of vitamins;
- viral / infectious diseases;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- endometriosis;
- small uterus;
- bloating, early toxicosis;
- nervous tension, stress;
- physical fatigue;
- sexual intercourse, orgasm;
- alcohol, drugs, smoking;
Hard belly during late pregnancy
In the later stages, a hard stomach during pregnancy is due to the same tone of the uterus. Experts note that in the second and third trimesters, hypertonicity occurs more often and this trend is due to certain aspects that are characteristic of this stage of gestation:- low water;
- too large fruit;
- violation of the digestive tract;
- heartburn;
- viral/infectious diseases;
- problematic gestation;
- multiple pregnancy;
- increased fatigue;
- stressful moments, depression.
A hard belly during late pregnancy happens during training contractionswhen the muscles of the uterus are exercising for the birth of the baby. You can relieve discomfort in the abdomen through breathing exercises, some yoga exercises (“Cat”). During the hardening of the womb, doctors recommend lying on your side and fixing a small pillow or roller between your bent legs. A visit to the pool, exercises on a gymnastic ball smooth out pain and prepare the body for childbearing.
It should be noted that if the rigidity of the abdomen is accompanied by severe prolonged pain, bleeding, fainting, you should immediately call an ambulance. Similar symptoms are characteristic of preterm birth.
At the 38th week of pregnancy, abdominal tightening may be one of the signs of the onset of the birth of a baby. Therefore, at the end of pregnancy, girls need to be vigilant for discomfort in the abdomen.
Stomach hardens during pregnancy without pain
At times, the stomach hardens during pregnancy without pain, without being accompanied by any unpleasant sensations. Painless abdominal petrification may be characteristic of training contractions of Bextron-Higs. Similar contractions, as a rule, begin from the 20th week, and, importantly, do not contribute to the opening of the cervix, but only prepare the mother's body for the birth process. In the minutes when the stomach hardens without pain, some manipulations should be done:- sit down or lie down;
- to relax;
- take a few deep breaths through the stomach, stretching it.
Experienced mothers share their experience, report that with painless hardening of the abdomen during pregnancy, during training fights, it is not necessary to “knock down” uterine contraction with medications. This practice will lead to the fact that in the process of real childbirth, the contractions will be sluggish and this will lead to weak labor activity.
A tight, elastic and slightly soft belly is natural during pregnancy. Starting from 20, and sometimes from 35 or 36 weeks, it can harden a little, which is also a variant of the norm if this does not happen so often and painlessly. If the walls of the abdominal cavity become stony, the woman feels discomfort in the lower back when walking, in a sitting position or lying down, and additional symptoms appear, and one cannot do without the help of doctors.
Causes of abdominal hardness in early and late pregnancy
During pregnancy, this often happens due to uterine hypertonicity. A similar symptom indicates violations in the female body that cannot be ignored.
Increased uterine tone is a spontaneous contraction of the genital organs, often occurring at 35-36 weeks of gestation, that is, about a month before childbirth. Much less often this phenomenon is observed in women a few weeks after conception.
The reasons for the increased tone of the uterus can be:
- disorders of the thyroid gland;
- malfunctions of the immune system;
- somatic diseases;
- previous surgeries, such as abortion;
- maternal anxiety and depression.
With an increase in uterine tone, a woman may be disturbed not only by a hard stomach, but also by a feeling of tension in the lower back. Also often there are pains and itching in the pubic area and the sensations that the expectant mother experienced during menstruation.
In addition to uterine hypertonicity, there are many other reasons why the stomach can become stone. This is possible during false contractions, which are often observed in women after the 16th week of pregnancy, when wearing tight clothing, physical overexertion, etc.
Physiological causes
If the stomach becomes stony during pregnancy, then various physiological causes, for example, excessive physical exertion, can be provoking factors. During pregnancy, a woman needs to protect herself from sports and other activities that require significant physical effort. The fact is that the load on the body causes not only discomfort in the abdomen, but also unforeseen complications, for example, spontaneous abortion.
Other physiological reasons:
- rare change in body position (sitting or lying down);
- bladder overflow;
- overwork;
- binge eating;
- protective reaction of the body to adverse factors.
As a rule, if the lower abdomen has become tense due to the reasons mentioned, then no treatment is required. It is enough for a woman not to strain the body, and sometimes just to relax in order to eliminate an unpleasant symptom.
Pathological factors
It is a completely different matter if pathological changes in the body affect a hard stomach during pregnancy. In this case, a visit to a specialist is required to diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment.
Pathological reasons why the stomach tenses and stiffens:
- infections of the organs of the reproductive and urinary system (chlamydia, urethritis, trichomoniasis);
- benign tumors in the genital organs (polyp, myoma);
- inflammation of the genitourinary system (colpitis, salpingo-oophoritis);
- uterine malformations (retroflexia, uterine hypoplasia);
- gastrointestinal diseases (constipation, colitis);
- complications of pregnancy (polyhydramnios, fetoplacental insufficiency);
- hormonal disorders associated mainly with a lack of the hormone progesterone.
Why is the sensation of a stone belly dangerous in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters?
The danger of the condition depends on the reasons that caused it. For example, increased uterine tone in the early stages (up to 10-16 weeks) often leads to the threat of abortion and fetal death, in the second trimester it causes miscarriage or premature birth.
Closer to the expected date of birth, at about 35-36 weeks, uterine hypertonicity is not always dangerous. The fact is that by this moment the baby grows significantly, and there is no longer enough space for him in the hollow organ. In this regard, the uterus reacts to the pressure of its walls with an increased tone.
Many pathological factors are dangerous at any time, and not so much for the child as for the expectant mother. Possible appearance:
- severe complications of existing diseases;
- conditions and diseases associated with pregnancy (early toxicosis, late gestosis, anemia, gestational diabetes mellitus);
- intrauterine infection.
What to do if the stomach becomes hard?
If the wall of the abdominal cavity is tense, hard, as if made of stone, while the woman has alarming symptoms, then first of all you need to understand the cause of this condition. To do this, you need to undergo a diagnosis - a doctor's examination and ultrasound.
Additionally, you can take blood tests to check the level of sugar and hormones in the blood, as well as a smear for the presence of infection or inflammation of the genital organs.
Depending on the symptoms, the woman will be assigned:
- drug therapy with antispasmodics, anxiolytics, sympathomimetics, sedative and estrogenic drugs, as well as suppositories, vitamin and mineral complexes;
- preventive measures - bed rest, diet or special exercises to normalize the psychological state.
In minutes when the stomach begins to harden, but pain is not felt, you can do some manipulations that will help overcome discomfort:
- sit in a comfortable chair and rest;
- take a few deep breaths and exhalations, connecting the stomach to the process;
- while sitting or standing, strain the muscles of the arms, legs and pelvis at the same time, and then relax sharply;
- lie down with a hard roller or a small pillow under your feet;
- in a supine position, turn to the other side.
Such simple actions help to calm down, relax and relieve muscle tension. As a rule, after this, the discomfort in the abdominal cavity leaves the woman.
Symptoms that should be alarmed
Hard, like a stone, the belly of a future mother is not always a harbinger of danger. For example, the appearance of such discomfort in the third trimester, a few weeks before the expected birth, may indicate that real contractions begin. In this case, you need to urgently call an ambulance and go to the hospital.
Particular attention should be paid to the symptoms when the stomach is "petrified" in the early stages of pregnancy, up to 16 weeks. Urgent medical attention is required if the following symptoms are observed:
- often the stomach becomes stony and as if it “gets up like a stake” (more than 2-3 times within an hour);
- unnatural discharge appeared (brown, watery or mixed with blood);
- there is tension in the abdomen;
- body temperature rises;
- worried about constant dizziness and migraine;
- there are compressive, cramping pains in the abdominal cavity;
- contractions become more frequent, which are combined with discomfort in the lower spine;
- baby movements in the womb become rare or completely absent.
Is it possible to prevent abdominal tension during pregnancy?
In order not to go to the doctor once again, not to buy expensive medicines, it is enough to prevent the appearance of tension in the abdomen. For this it is recommended:
- Healthy food;
- do not burden the body both physically and emotionally;
- organize a normal mode of work and rest;
- refrain from sexual activity;
- spend more time outdoors
- sleep on the left or right side, not on the back;
- perform any physical exercises only after consultation with the doctor;
- use relaxation techniques to eliminate possible stresses (auto-training, breathing exercises, meditation);
- timely treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system, to prevent complications.
If you follow such simple preventive measures and do everything that the doctor recommends, then you will not have to worry about your health and the condition of the child. More than 50% of women have a hard stomach during pregnancy, but in many cases, most of them successfully give birth to children.
R analysis of this state of a pregnant woman is possible only with a full understanding of the components of the process. The uterus is an internal organ of a hollow type. Muscle fibers act as an outer and inner shell that hides the cavity. During the course of pregnancy, the body is forced to grow due to the stretching of muscle tissue. So, by 12 weeks, you can find a significant shift of the uterus, with the exit from the womb.
The state of growth is the main factor in which one can observe a hard lower abdomen during pregnancy. However, there are other factors, the anamnesis of which reveals variable underlying causes of a hard abdomen 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 the framework that will separate the condition from the critical one, which requires contact with specialists.
The norm will be:
- periodic tension that does not cause physical discomfort;
- absence of any vaginal discharge;
- rapid elimination of stress during rest.
Important!!! Another answer to the question of why the stomach becomes hard during pregnancy will be the phrase "training contractions." By creating a tone caused by changes in the state of the organ, the body produces the necessary tension, which is expressed by a hard stomach during pregnancy.
Pathology of the condition when the abdomen becomes hard during pregnancy
Among other reasons, there is a number that separates the general processes of the course of training bouts and growth contractions from a state 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;
- high water;
- increased dimensions of the fetus;
- multiple pregnancy;
- manipulations of a medical nature, carried out with the cervix;
- surgical interventions.
The elimination of the state 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 only be solved by using certain drugs.
Interesting fact!!! Today, gynecologists are armed with both relaxants that eliminate excessive tone and anti-stress drugs, the work of which has a cumulative effect. Contrary to common misconception, 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 by medication.
Effects of a hard or very hard abdomen during pregnancy on fetal development
Each state of the body has a certain influence on the processes occurring in it. So, uterine hypertonicity, at different times, can have the following consequences. In the first trimester:
- the appearance of a threat of miscarriage;
- deterioration in blood supply;
- fetal hypoxia;
- bleeding.
The lack of necessary space in the cavity leads to the limitation of many vital functions. So, the clamped blood supply can completely deprive the fetus of the possibility of life.
After 12 weeks:
- the possibility of a miscarriage;
- pathogenic effect on the development of the fetus;
- decreased motor development;
- significant deterioration in the general condition of the pregnant woman.
At this stage, the lack of the necessary space, as well as the constant force impact on the fragile fetus, can cause many changes in the structure of development.
Last trimester:
- the threat of premature birth;
- lack of proper preparation of the body.
Excessive tension creates conditions, the only way out of which is the expulsion of the fetus. Pressure that increases damage to internal processes is dangerous both for the condition of the child and for the woman in labor. The natural reaction of the body will be an attempt to get rid of the cause of such a change in state.
A condition in which there is a very hard abdomen during pregnancy should always be well investigated.
Diagnosis, or how to determine the condition of the abdomen during pregnancy (hard or soft)
For a woman who first encountered a similar problem, self-diagnosis can be difficult. It is recommended to visit a specialist who will identify the causes of the condition, as well as prescribe methods of disposal that are safe for you and the child.
If there is any suspicion, the determination of the condition of the abdomen in pregnant women (soft or hard) occurs as follows:
- primary history of the condition, compiled from oral complaints;
- palpation;
- conclusion.
Under the primary anamnesis should be understood as a set of information compiled by questioning. It includes information regarding any procedures related to the pelvic organs, as well as data on the current state. It may be necessary to collect additional analyzes that will be attached to the final result.
Palpation is carried out as follows:
- the patient lies on the right side;
- legs are bent;
- with calm and deep breathing, the doctor analyzes the state of the tone of the muscles of the uterus.
The assessment is made by comparing with the table, which reflects all the gradations of the possible state of the muscles. The perception of pressing is taken into account, as well as the degree of pain, both during palpation and in the free state.
The condition of the abdomen during pregnancy (hard or soft) can also indicate a woman's lifestyle in general.
Thus, a hard stomach can be both the norm and a condition that requires additional evaluation by a specialist. It is noteworthy that there are folk ways out of hypertonicity. Some women find classical music helpful. Others prefer watching their favorite movies as a distraction from stress.
Share your ways that helped you during pregnancy. Your experience can be extremely valuable for moms who are now pregnant!
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