Complications & Concerns Stomach Pain During Pregnancy Mild cramping is usually harmless, but severe pain could be a sign of a problem. By Krissi Danielsson Krissi Danielsson Krissi Danielsson, MD is a doctor of family medicine and an advocate for those who have experienced miscarriage. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 07, 2022 Medically reviewed by Rachel Gurevich, RN Medically reviewed by Rachel Gurevich, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked by Andrea Rice Fact checked by Andrea Rice Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Andrea Rice is an award-winning journalist and a freelance writer, editor, and fact-checker specializing in health and wellness. Learn about our editorial process Print Vesna Andjic / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Stomach Pain and Discomfort General Abdominal Pain Pain and Miscarriage Severe Pain Minor stomach pain and cramps are common during pregnancy and are rarely a sign that anything is amiss. But if you have severe pain, you should seek medical help immediately as it may be due to an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental abruption, or another serious problems. Learn what these symptoms indicate at different stages of pregnancy and when to see your doctor. Stomach Pain in Early Pregnancy Abdominal pains is a frequent symptom in early pregnancy and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your pain is severe or persists, you should contact your healthcare provider. For instance, it could be the result of digestive issues or a sign that you need to change positions or use the restroom. Most commonly, you may experience nausea during early pregnancy (morning sickness), which is normal and usually nothing to be concerned about. Morning sickness can begin as early as 2 to 4 weeks following fertilization, which is from about when your period is due or a week or two after. These symptoms typically peak around 9 to 16 weeks and usually subside at around 22 weeks gestation. Symptoms of morning sickness include nausea and vomiting. Many pregnant people with morning sickness don't need medication to cope. However, sometimes morning sickness becomes quite severe, which is called hyperemesis gravidarum. prescription medications are available that treat morning sickness like Diclegis. If you experience cramping or pain in the stomach (the organ that digests your food) this may be a sign of digestive issues but isn't likely to be a miscarriage symptom. Digestive problems are common during pregnancy but call your doctor right away if your stomach pain leads to flu-like symptoms (mild fever, muscle aches, headache, etc. ) that go beyond your typical morning sickness. Pregnant women are prone to food poisoning and other infections in the GI tract. Some infections (such as Listeria) can cause complications for the baby even if they aren't especially dangerous for non-pregnant individuals, so it's good to be checked out if you suspect you might be sick. General Stomach Pain in Pregnancy If you are having general pain in the abdomen but not specifically in the stomach, it could be due to a benign cause or it could be of concern. Your abdomen is growing and your organs are shifting, so some dull pain and an occasional sharp jab are normal. The usual causes are: Braxton Hicks contractions: Often without pain, Braxton Hicks may cause discomfort or pain during the second and third trimester when experiencing these "practice" contractions. Cramping: Cramps may be felt due to the expansion of the uterus. These are usually not severe and subside after a few minutes of rest. Gas, bloating, or constipation: These symptoms are common due to the high levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy, which slows down digestion. Round ligament pain: You may feel this in the second trimester as the ligament that runs from your uterus to your groin is stretched. This can be a sharp stabbing pain when you make a change in position or it can be a dull, achy pain. Stomach Pain and Miscarriage Call your doctor if painful cramps in your lower pelvic region or lower back are accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or vaginal bleeding, these symptoms could indicate a miscarriage. However, cramping can also occur during normal pregnancies. If you have no bleeding and you're not experiencing any other symptoms associated with miscarriage but you still have cramps, it never hurts to mention it to your doctor at the next visit. The specific symptoms of miscarriage vary depending on the individual. Here are some common symptoms of miscarriage: Abdominal painBack painBleeding that becomes progressively heavierCrampingFeverWeakness and fatigue Note that many pregnant women occasionally experience some of these symptoms and don't go on to have a miscarriage. Nevertheless, if you experience any of these symptoms, or are otherwise concerned, contact your OB-GYN immediately. Severe Stomach Pain During Pregnancy If you are having severe pain anywhere in your abdominal region during early pregnancy, go to the emergency room. You need to make sure that ectopic pregnancy is ruled out, as this can be life-threatening if not treated. In some cases, abdominal pain during pregnancy can indicate placental abruption and other life-threatening complications for both mother and baby, requiring immediate medical attention. In placental abruption, the placenta separates from the uterus after the 20th week of pregnancy and you may need close monitoring or early delivery of the baby. Abdominal cramps can also be a sign of preterm labor. In any case, don't delay in seeking treatment. Early treatment of complications can make a big difference. Preeclampsia, which is a condition that includes high blood pressure and protein in the urine, can also generate upper abdominal pain. If this condition is not treated it can lead to multiple organ problems, eclampsia (a condition with seizures or coma), and poor fetal growth. In addition to these pregnancy-related causes of severe abdominal pain, you could also be experiencing pains related to non-pregnancy conditions that need immediate treatment. Some of these happen more frequently during pregnancy, while others are coincidental. These include: Appendicitis Gallstones (cholelithiasis) Kidney stones Pancreatitis Urinary tract infection A Word From Verywell Experiencing a minor stomach or abdominal pain may be part of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about what you should expect and what should be treated as the sign of a problem, especially if you have a chronic condition or gastrointestinal condition. 18 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Office On Women's Health. Pregnancy complications. Bustos M, Venkataramanan R, Caritis S. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - What's new?. Auton Neurosci. 2017;202:62-72. doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2016.05.002 Nuangchamnong N, Niebyl J. 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Additional Reading McKean S, Dressler DD, Ross J, Brotman D, Ginsberg J. Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine. United Kingdom: McGraw-Hill Education. By Krissi Danielsson Krissi Danielsson, MD is a doctor of family medicine and an advocate for those who have experienced miscarriage. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit