Pain in the abdomen and legs is a symptom that may indicate the presence of a variety of pathologies. Despite the fact that pain does not bring pleasure, in fact, it is a protective mechanism of our body. People with analgesia can attest to this.
This is a rare pathology of the nervous system in which a person does not feel pain. Even if the patient breaks a leg or cuts a vein, he will not experience any discomfort. Many people may think that it would be great not to experience pain, but there is little good here.
Even a normal walk or jog can be potentially dangerous if a person is not experiencing pain. After all, an incorrectly positioned leg can cause a dislocation or even a fracture. It is worth noting that the mechanism of pain in our body is perfect, which means that it will not allow unnecessary suffering.
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will need information about the nature of the pain, its location and intensity. For what reasons can abdominal pain radiate to the leg? What needs to be done and what absolutely cannot be done if pain occurs?
First, let's talk about the features of an ectopic pregnancy.
This diagnosis can cause death. The most common mistake among women is that after a missed period, they take a pregnancy test at home and, if the reaction is positive, do not contact a gynecologist. Only an ultrasound examination can show the site of attachment of the fertilized egg.
A diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy indicates that the embryo has implanted outside the uterus. Most often this occurs in the fallopian tube, but the fertilized egg can attach to the ovary or other internal organs. The embryo can fully grow and develop only in the uterine cavity, therefore, with an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is doomed.
The most common cause of ectopic pregnancy is previous inflammatory diseases of the fallopian tubes. Other reasons can cause ectopic attachment:
An ectopic pregnancy can cause pain in the lower abdomen
In the early stages of an ectopic pregnancy, symptoms characteristic of a physiological pregnancy appear: delayed menstruation, swelling of the mammary glands, nausea, vomiting. The following signs indicate termination of an ectopic pregnancy:
The only treatment for ectopic pregnancy is removal of the fallopian tube. This will help stop the bleeding. In addition, the fallopian tube loses its functional properties.
The main organ of the reproductive system is the uterus. Problems with this organ can be quite serious and sometimes even require surgical removal of the uterus. Uterine diseases
Uterine polyps can also cause abdominal discomfort. A polyp is an overgrown mucous membrane. The most common cause is hormonal imbalance. Along with cramping pain attacks, brown discharge from the vagina appears.
Polyps in the uterus can cause pain in the lower abdomen, which radiates to the leg
Adenomyosis is a benign neoplasm that often causes a painful outbreak. The pathological process is caused by a large amount of endometrium in the muscles of the uterus. Pain from adenomyosis can be localized in the groin area or lower back. Brown discharge, shortness of breath, drowsiness, and headache also appear.
Even an incorrectly selected or inserted coil can cause pain. The spiral is inserted strictly in medical conditions. The appearance of pain in most cases indicates non-compliance with medical recommendations. For the first time after installing the IUD, it is forbidden to engage in sex, sports, stay in direct sunlight, and even take certain medications.
Dysmenorrhea is characterized by menstrual irregularities. The pathological process can appear both in adolescence and in adult women. Dysmenorrhea is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:
Dysmenorrhea causes nagging pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the legs.
First, let's talk about urolithiasis.
The development of the pathological process is based on the appearance of hard stone-like formations in the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. Stones are crystals that arise from salts.
Stones damage the mucous membrane of the urinary tract and provoke an inflammatory reaction. A number of provoking factors lead to the occurrence of ICD. According to statistics, men are more often affected.
The following reasons contribute to stone formation:
Kidney stones can cause severe back pain
Urination is accompanied by pain and burning above the pubis. With a sudden change of position or shaking, sharp pain occurs in the lower back. KSD can be complicated by renal colic, in which pain in the lower back radiates along the ureter, into the leg and abdomen.
To relieve pain, analgesics and antispasmodics are prescribed. Drugs that change the acid-base balance of the blood and the acidity of the urine will help dissolve the stones. Large stones that cannot be dissolved are removed surgically.
Cystitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease that occurs more often in women. This is explained by the anatomical structure; in women, the urethra is shorter and wider. The disease is based on inflammation of the bladder walls. The development of the disease can be triggered by hypothermia or the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms.
With cystitis, an acute attack of pain is localized in the perineum and bladder with irradiation to the lower abdomen and leg. At the end of urination, blood appears. Avoiding cystitis is much easier than treating it; to do this, you need to maintain personal hygiene, drink vitamin complexes and dress for the weather.
Inside the bladder there is a transitional epithelium. Under the influence of certain circumstances, it can degenerate into malignant cells. People in contact with carcinogenic substances are at risk.
In most cases, the cause is human papillomavirus (HPV). If a tumor is present, pain appears in the lower abdomen. Blood impurities appear in the urine, and the urine acquires an unpleasant odor.
A common disease that causes abdominal pain that radiates to the leg is appendicitis. Let's talk in more detail about this pathological process.
Appendicitis is a disease that affects the appendix. At first, a person is bothered by diffuse pain in the stomach area, which over time moves to the lower right side. Generally speaking, the appendix can be located not only in the lower right side, so pain can occur even on the left.
With appendicitis, pain appears on the right side. In the case of an atypical location of the appendix, pain may also appear in the left side of the abdomen
The pain can be intense and then subside for a while. If the pain has completely gone, then this may be a bad sign, indicating the development of a gangrenous form. Along with pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation may appear, as well as a rise in temperature and a worsening general condition.
Do not apply a heating pad to your stomach under any circumstances, this can cause serious harm. Heat promotes activation of the inflammatory process. You should not take painkillers on your own. Thus, you can blur the clinical picture and complicate the examination. The only treatment for appendicitis is surgery.
Probably every person has suffered from an intestinal disorder at least once in his life. A simple lack of personal hygiene can cause diarrhea. Intestinal upset manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, headache, bloating.
Crohn's disease can also cause pain. Despite the fact that the inflammatory process begins in the ileum, the disease affects the entire digestive tract. In Crohn's disease, pain occurs in the lower right abdomen. Along with this, diarrhea, nausea, fever, weight loss, and joint pain occur.
Let's consider other reasons that can cause abdominal pain that radiates to the leg:
Crohn's disease affects the entire gastrointestinal tract
Injuries and poor blood supply to the brain can provoke neurological disorders. Hereditary factors play a major role in the development of nervous system diseases. The pathological process can cause numbness of the limbs, memory impairment, tremors, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, sudden pain, and paralysis.
When the lumbar region is affected, pain appears that radiates to the lower abdomen and legs. When you raise your leg up, the pain intensifies. For acute, prolonged pain, consultation with a doctor is indicated. To avoid the development of pathology, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations. In some cases, late diagnosis can be fatal.
Warming compresses will help relieve painful spasms. Antispasmodics only temporarily relieve pain, but they do not eliminate the very cause of the spasm. If the diagnosis is not established, then taking medications on your own can only cause harm.
For example, if you have appendicitis, taking analgesics is strictly prohibited, as this will only blur the clinical picture. To summarize, it is worth noting that abdominal pain radiating to the leg is not a disease, but only a symptom indicating the development of some pathology.
Pain syndrome can be a sign of digestive diseases, as well as pathologies from the neurological, urinary, and reproductive spheres. The doctor will be able to identify the exact cause and make a diagnosis after conducting a comprehensive examination. Remember, the sooner you begin the examination, the greater the chances of a successful recovery.
Pain in the back and abdomen simultaneously indicates various diseases of the internal organs and requires careful diagnosis. Important organs are located in the lower part of the abdominal cavity, and the lower back is a screen that projects all human diseases. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back can be the cause of chronic diseases or have more serious sources. For example, ruptures of internal organs or bleeding occur, which require immediate medical attention.
It is categorically not recommended to engage in unconventional methods of treatment in this situation, but everyone should know why the stomach and lower back hurt.
Due to the physiological characteristics of the body, female representatives often have pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. It's connected with:
Each of the reasons requires a serious approach and mandatory consultation with a gynecologist, who must first of all exclude the possibility of pregnancy. Treatment of infectious diseases using antibiotics can negatively affect the condition of the embryo or provoke a miscarriage.
For some women, pain is caused by injury or abnormal structure of the reproductive organs, such as a retracted uterus.
Why does my back, lower back and lower abdomen hurt during menstrual bleeding? The cause of painful sensations in the lower back and abdomen in women of reproductive age is:
According to scientific research, in more than 50% of women, menstrual bleeding is accompanied by spasms of moderate intensity in the abdomen and lower back, which cause virtually no discomfort. If severe and painful cramping pain occurs, you should consult a specialist.
Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back can occur with diseases that cause inflammation of the pelvic organs. Often the cause of discomfort is inflammation of the appendages (adnexitis), which occurs due to stress, surgery or infections. With acute inflammation, severe pain occurs in the lower back and abdomen, body temperature rises and general malaise is observed. With chronic adnexidosis of the appendages, a woman suffers from aching pain in the groin area radiating to the vagina.
Very often the stomach and lower back are pulled due to infectious inflammatory processes, such as:
Inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs require specialized antibacterial therapy in combination with a complex of drugs to restore the body's microflora and eliminate the consequences of infection.
Unqualified treatment can provoke the disease to become chronic.
With cystic and tumor neoplasms in the pelvic organs, the lower abdomen and lower back periodically pull. Pain occurs when:
Ovarian cysts occur due to hormonal imbalances. Twisting of the cyst stem causes cell necrosis, impairs blood circulation and is accompanied by pain during sexual intercourse or physical activity. When large tumors disintegrate, as well as when an ovary or cyst ruptures, a life-threatening situation arises that requires immediate treatment. The contents of the tumors penetrate into the abdominal cavity and can cause acute peritonitis.
During pregnancy, the lower back often tightens due to increased load, physiological and hormonal changes. Abdominal pain can occur due to eating disorders or difficulty defecating, and in the later stages it can indicate impending childbirth.
Particular attention should be paid to cramping pain in the first weeks of pregnancy. Most often this is a symptom of a possible threat of miscarriage or premature birth. However, a growing uterus can cause cramps, especially in multiple pregnancies.
If severe girdle pain occurs, accompanied by bleeding, an ectopic pregnancy should not be ruled out. It occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the surface of the fallopian tube and requires urgent surgical intervention as it can provoke serious health problems.
Painful sensations of this nature are much less common in men, and when they occur, they are attributed to excessive physical activity and improper daily routine. Nevertheless, pain in the lower abdomen in men requires a serious approach, as they are symptoms of serious problems with the genitourinary system. Causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back in men:
Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back are not always symptoms of gynecological or urological diseases. The lower back and abdomen can hurt due to intestinal dysfunction, as well as such dangerous diseases as:
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix of the cecum. There are several theories of the occurrence of diseases; the causes of inflammation are called infections, systemic vasculitis, and swallowed objects of foreign origin. Pain in the lower abdomen is localized on the right side, in rare cases it can radiate to the stomach and navel area. It is of a moderate, constant nature, slowly moving to the lumbar region. The patient may have aching liver, vomiting, increased body temperature, and in rare cases, difficulty urinating and having difficulty defecating.
The acute form of appendicitis requires urgent surgical intervention, the absence of which can cause infection of the abdominal cavity and, as a consequence, death from peritonitis.
Sometimes back pain occurs as a symptom of tumors. The disease is accompanied by aching abdominal pain with shooting in the lower lumbar region. Most often, men suffer from genitourinary cancer; among women, the percentage of cases is quite low.
A bladder tumor is the root cause of most problems of the organs of the system, and also concentrates pain on neighboring organs, including the spine. This is why the lower back and back hurt at the same time. As the tumor enlarges, the pain usually radiates to the abdomen.
The cause of non-localized abdominal pain is salmonella, which can cause blood poisoning. At the second stage of the disease, the lower back ache, blood and mucous discharge with feces is possible.
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the joints of the musculoskeletal system. It is localized on the intervertebral discs causing dystrophic disorders. There are lumbar, thoracic and cervical osteochondrosis. When the lumbar region of the spine is affected, it causes acute pain in the lower back and abdomen. Without proper treatment, there is a decrease in sensitivity, the appearance of vertebral hernias, a decrease in activity and constant pulling or shooting pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.
Osteochondrosis is diagnosed using X-ray examination, as well as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Therapy is prescribed based on the severity of the disease; in most cases, conservative treatment is aimed at restoring mobility and pain in the lower back.
If you are bothered by nagging pain in the lower back or lower abdomen, you should immediately consult a specialist and determine the cause of the illness. This will help avoid serious health problems and eliminate the source of pain.
Identifying the painful spot is the first clue on the mysterious path of diagnosing the disease. It is logical to assume that the organ located at the epicenter of the pain will suffer, although this is not always the case. Let's talk about the characteristics of abdominal pain in women, so that if necessary, it can be interpreted correctly.
What are the causes of pain in the lower abdomen?
Before we talk about diseases that can cause characteristic pain, let us dwell on the anatomical structure of the abdominal cavity. Let's consider the location of organs in the corresponding zones.
As we see, several systems can be involved in pathology - urinary, reproductive, intestinal, vascular and musculoskeletal. In women, the cause of abdominal pain is more often caused by gynecological problems.
pain in the right side of the abdomen at the bottom photo
Appendicitis is the most common cause of pain in the right side of the lower abdomen in women. Usually it grows gradually, dull in nature, but constant. Single vomiting and nausea are possible. Then the pain intensifies, the temperature rises, and vomiting occurs. Ends with signs of an “acute abdomen.”
An important diagnostic criterion is leukocytosis and abdominal muscle tension. A disease in which the intestine forms an additional protrusion in the form of a pocket (diverticulosis) has a similar picture.
Intestinal obstruction. Symptoms are characterized by rapid development. The pain is very severe because part of the intestine is stretched, irritating a large group of nerve receptors. Mechanical blockage, for example, by a foreign body or fecal stone, causes peristalsis to stop.
Pain of this nature radiates to the right groin area, combined with vomiting. Don't hesitate to get emergency help!
Intestinal dysfunction. This pain is associated with eating and is accompanied by bloating, rumbling and other intestinal problems. Relief occurs after elimination of gases or bowel movements, no night pain.
Spikes. This is the result of surgery or an inflammatory process. They are not characterized by constant nagging pain. They get worse with sexual intercourse and movement. Dense adhesions can cause intestinal obstruction.
Renal colic. Right-sided colic occurs when the lower part of the right ureter is blocked by a stone. When he moves, the pain is paroxysmal. Obstruction will cause acute pain that will not go away even with strong analgesics.
Pain during ectopic pregnancy. This pathology should be kept in mind in all women of reproductive age. The condition is dangerous due to rupture of the walls of the fallopian tubes and vessels on which the fertilized egg is attached. Right-sided ectopic pregnancy is more common.
Right-sided adnexitis is an inflammation of the tubes and ovaries (uterine appendages). In addition to pain, there will be fever, malaise, and urination becomes painful. Unpleasant sensations intensify during sexual intercourse and exercise. Adnexitis often occurs in young women, sometimes combined with an ovarian cyst.
With large cysts, a rupture often occurs and the picture resembles appendicitis. The pain is dull and constant. Accompanied by purulent discharge.
Right-sided inguinal lymphadenitis - this aching pain is easy to recognize, as a painful enlarged lymph node is palpable.
Right-sided arthrosis of the hip joint – coxarthrosis. This pathology occurs in older people. Associated with limping and joint stiffness. The pain intensifies when moving.
lower left side of abdomen hurts photo
Bowel dysfunction or spasmodic contraction of the bowel. It manifests itself as chronic aching pain in the left side of the abdomen, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.
Often there is a pathology in which the sigmoid colon is stretched (dolichosigma). Usually the left side in the lower abdomen hurts in women who lift weights. With significant sizes, the intestine can form an additional loop. Hard work and active sports increase the discomfort. And when it is torsion, acute pain associated with intestinal obstruction occurs.
Colitis. If the weak point on the right is the appendix, then on the left is the rectum and sigmoid colon. Diseases such as proctitis and sigmoiditis are present. Inflammatory processes in them cause diffuse pain, accompanied by constipation and exacerbation of hemorrhoids.
When palpating the abdomen, the area of pain is localized in the lower left corner. This area especially suffers during pregnancy - compression occurs, venous stagnation forms and the pain becomes constant.
Left-sided renal colic . Pain with renal colic, as a rule, begins in the side, and as the stone moves, it moves down to the groin area. Paroxysmal in nature, relief comes from taking antispasmodics and a warm bath.
Accompanied by frequent and painful urination. The situation will be clarified by a urine test, which will contain fresh red blood cells.
Left-sided adnexitis. This disease is accompanied by aching pain on the left. They intensify during menstruation and sex. Prolonged inflammation forms cysts, which can rupture and twist, then the aching pain becomes acute.
Ectopic pregnancy should be excluded in all women of reproductive age. A pregnancy test can help; it will tell you the cause of the pain. An alarming signal is bloody discharge with a positive test - it indicates an ectopic pregnancy. Although the test does not always reflect the true picture.
Physiological pain in the lower abdomen on the sides in women occurs during regular periods and during pregnancy. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Dysmenorrhea is also characterized by vegetative symptoms - dizziness, fainting, sweating, mood swings.
Endometriosis. The growth of endometrial cells in other organs is formed. It may be painless. But more often, women have pain in the lower abdomen on the sides. It intensifies after defecation and sexual intercourse. Pain intensity ranges from mild to severe. Women indicate a feeling of pressure in the rectum, which radiates to the lower back.
Increased pain during menstruation is also typical. The disease is accompanied by long menstruation. Unreasonable bleeding is a sign of disease progression.
Endometritis. Endometritis is also characterized by bilateral groin pain. They are of a constant pulling nature. Associated symptoms are fever, vaginal discharge.
Bilateral adnexitis. When the sides of the lower abdomen hurt in women, this is a sure sign of inflammation of both uterine appendages.
Intestinal diseases. The main cause of nagging pain below the navel is intestinal spasms and inflammatory processes. If this pain occurs along with constipation, bloating and other digestive problems, you should look for intestinal pathology.
Cystitis. Acute cystitis is characterized by acute pain above the pubis, which intensifies with urination. False urges are disturbing. It is also necessary to pay attention to the color and transparency of the urine - with cystitis, it becomes cloudy with a greenish tint due to leukocytes.
Thromboembolism of the mesenteric vessels - gives a sudden attack of pain around the navel. Less often it has a persistent character without clear localization. This pathology should always be taken into account in older people. If the pain is combined with intoxication, tachycardia, vomiting, then hospitalization is urgently required.
Their cause may be: increased uterine tone, the threat of placental abruption and miscarriage.
Intestinal dysfunction. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on the intestines. On the other hand, sex hormones inhibit its functional activity. All this leads to stagnation of feces and partial intestinal obstruction. A woman is bothered by persistent constipation and pain in the groin area on the left.
In conclusion, let us remind you that any pain is a signal. The body is asking for help. You shouldn’t be patient and wait for everything to pass. An examination by a doctor is necessary; he will identify the problem and provide the necessary assistance.
If your right side hurts during pregnancy, this is not always due to the presence of obstetric pathology. Abdominal pain during pregnancy is also possible in a healthy woman, since natural processes occur in her body that provoke it.
However, the stomach on the right can also hurt as a result of the development of pathologies caused by disruption of the digestive or excretory system, with the threat of miscarriage.
Causes of natural pain in the lower abdomen:
With the onset of pregnancy, hormones begin to be synthesized that change the functioning of almost all body systems. The digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems undergo the greatest changes.
This leads to a relapse of chronic pathologies, which can manifest as pain in the right hypochondrium. Pain syndrome is possible with increased gas formation or constipation, which is associated with a change in diet.
In the early stages, the greatest risk of developing obstetric pathologies is
By the third month of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges and stretches, forcing the pelvic organs (bladder, ureter, intestines) to change their location. When pressure is placed on the intestines, its motility is disrupted and the evacuation of feces becomes difficult, which leads to constipation. Compression of the ureter causes urine retention in the kidneys.
After the 6th month of gestation, the uterus is already putting pressure on the stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and diaphragm, which disrupts blood circulation in them. If there is a predisposition to any diseases, then this accelerates their development. After the 20th week of pregnancy, the woman already feels the baby moving; sometimes the blows fall on the internal organs, which causes acute short-term pain.
The abdominal organs are affected not only by mechanical effects. During pregnancy, hormones are released that cause muscle tissue to relax. This is necessary so that the uterus can expand. At the same time, atony of other organs (for example, intestines or sphincter) is also noted, which can provoke the development of pathological processes.
During pregnancy, general immunity decreases, hormonal levels change dramatically, physical activity decreases, the amount of circulating blood increases, which increases the load on the cardiovascular system and liver. All these changes provoke relapses of chronic diseases or accelerate their development in case of predisposition to them.
The pain, as a rule, is localized in the same place where the organ causing it is located, but it happens that it radiates and is felt under the shoulder blade, in the lower back, in the area of the heart, in the perineum. In this case, it will be necessary to identify all the symptoms of the pathology (sometimes nausea, back pain and frequent urination are not perceived by patients as signs of the disease) and conduct a thorough examination.
At the bottom right in the abdomen there are the fallopian tubes, ureter, appendix, and the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines are located slightly higher. If the pregnancy is not long, then it is likely that the pain is a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or complications arising from sexually transmitted diseases.
Based on the nature and location of the pain, it can be assumed which internal organs have ceased to perform their functions. But before carrying out therapy, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis using objective studies.
The stomach on the right side hurts severely if you have the following pathologies:
During pregnancy, pathological pain in the abdomen on the right side most often occurs due to liver diseases, digestive dysfunction, and also due to the development of appendicitis. If you know how pathology manifests itself, you can alleviate your condition and prevent the development of complications.
During pregnancy, the amount of circulating blood increases by about 1.5 liters, which increases the load on the liver. The organ not only neutralizes the blood from toxins coming from outside, but also cleanses it of excess hormones, vitamins, and mediators.
Since the immune system is weakened and relapses of chronic diseases occur, the woman is forced to undergo drug therapy. If the liver works under stress for a long time, it may stop coping with its function, and this will affect the gallbladder and intestines.
Sometimes pregnant women complaining of pain in the right side are diagnosed with viral hepatitis. This is due to the fact that due to a decrease in immunity, the “dormant” virus has been activated, or the woman becomes infected with it while already pregnant. Hepatitis B or C can remain in the body for years and not manifest itself in any way, but pregnancy becomes a kind of catalyst.
With hepatitis A, pregnant women sometimes develop a condition that is similar to toxicosis, so it can be ignored by the patient for some time
Hepatitis A poses no threat to either the mother or the fetus. It spreads through contaminated food or water. The virus enters the intestines, multiplies, and is then transported through the blood to the liver. Hepatitis A does not go unnoticed by immune cells, so after some time a complete recovery occurs.
The incubation period of hepatitis B is 3-4 months, which means that the first symptoms, if they arise, will appear only 90 days after infection. The infection enters the body through biological fluids (sperm, blood).
Signs of the disease are nonspecific (nausea, vomiting, jaundice, pain in the right side under the ribs, irritability, itching). Pregnant women suffer from hepatitis much more difficult. In severe forms of the disease, liver failure may develop, in which very severe pain is felt in the abdomen, lower back and right hypochondrium.
Inflammation of the liver can be caused not only by a virus, but also by drug therapy
If there is pain in the right lower abdomen during pregnancy, this suggests that inflammation of the pancreas or cholelithiasis has developed. In this case, cramping pains are felt that spread to the spine and are accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.
Stagnation of bile occurs due to relaxation of organ tissue (the same progesterone is to blame). Pain is felt in the right hypochondrium, spreading under the right shoulder blade, into the right shoulder and collarbone, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and belching also occur.
During pregnancy, the likelihood of forming stones in the kidneys and gall bladder increases. This is due to changes in hormonal levels and disruption of water-salt metabolism.
Gallstones prevent the timely outflow of secretions and cause pain on the right side of the abdomen, which radiates to the shoulder, shoulder blade, and neck. The development of the disease is indicated by bitterness in the mouth, nausea, diarrhea followed by constipation. When stones pass, severe stabbing pain occurs.
Fetal movement can cause colic
Pain on the right side of the abdomen that appears before or after eating indicates a malfunction of the digestive organs. If there is a duodenal ulcer, then pain is noted three hours after a meal, the so-called hunger pains. Heaviness and discomfort are felt after fried or fatty foods with stagnation of bile, cholangitis, cholecystitis.
During pregnancy, taste preferences also change. A woman begins to eat certain foods in large quantities or eats incompatible foods. This can lead to indigestion and cause abdominal pain.
It is possible that pain in the lower abdomen on the right during pregnancy occurred due to inflammation of the appendix. Acute appendicitis develops quite quickly and if you do not consult a doctor, then within 72 hours it may rupture and there will be purulent masses in the abdominal cavity, which threatens the life of not only the child, but also the mother. In pregnant women, inflammation of the appendix develops quite often.
There are two predisposing factors:
In the first hours of the disease, pain is felt throughout the abdomen, then it is localized in the area of the appendix, that is, in the right iliac region. The clinic depends on the location of the process. So, if the process is located at the top, under the liver, then symptoms characteristic of gastritis appear, and if near the bladder, then signs of cystitis are observed.
The more the uterus puts pressure on the appendix, the more discomfort will be felt, so the pregnant woman takes a forced position to alleviate her condition. In addition to acute pain, vomiting, indigestion, nausea occur in the abdomen, and the temperature may rise.
Diagnosis of appendicitis in pregnant women is somewhat difficult, since ultrasound examination does not always show the appendix.
Laparoscopy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Appendicitis is removed during strip surgery or laparoscopy. Taking antibiotics in the postoperative period is mandatory as this reduces the risk of infection.
In addition, the pregnant woman is prescribed a special diet and bed rest, and after discharge from the hospital she is registered as the likelihood of premature birth or miscarriage increases. There are much more pathologies of the digestive system that can cause pain on the right side of the abdomen; we have indicated only the most common ones.
To understand what causes pain, a woman is advised to lie down. If the symptom is due to the growth of the uterus or fetal movement, the pain will subside. Do not worry if the pain appears periodically, it is not very pronounced and there are no other signs of pathology (fever, vomiting, abnormal bowel movements, frequent urination, jaundice, heaviness after eating).
If a child hurts the liver, the pain appears dull, aching and lasts no longer than 15 minutes. To make it go away faster, it is recommended to take deep breaths while lying on your back. Sharp, prolonged pain in the lower abdomen on the right indicates a serious illness.
With appendicitis or apoplexy (rupture of a cyst), acute pain is felt and forces the body to take a forced position, and with inflammation of the pelvic organs, the pain is aching and tolerable. In any case, if a pregnant woman experiences pain in the right side that does not go away for more than half an hour, then you need to seek medical help and find out the cause of its occurrence.
If you suspect appendicitis, it is not recommended to take painkillers, as this will smooth out the symptoms and the doctor will not be able to quickly determine the cause of the pain.
You should not apply a heating pad to your stomach, as if there is inflammation, this will only accelerate the development of infection. Even if the lower abdomen hurts slightly, the obstetrician observing the pregnancy should know about it. Only a doctor will be able to determine why the symptom appeared and tell you how to eliminate it.
Many women complain of pain at the beginning of pregnancy. They are quite understandable: with the birth of a new life, the body of the expectant mother begins to gradually rebuild. Muscle fibers stretch, ligaments swell. A woman usually experiences this kind of discomfort in the first trimester.
Pain is not always the result of the described changes. Any unpleasant sensations should alert the expectant mother, since sometimes they signal pathological problems. This article discusses the main causes of pain in the left lower abdomen during pregnancy. Information is also provided on methods for diagnosing and treating this condition.
The left side of the abdominal cavity contains organs, each of which plays a specific functional role. Any discomfort during pregnancy should alert you and be a reason to visit a doctor.
There are many causes of pain, and not all of them are caused by pregnancy itself:
Pain in early pregnancy is usually caused by stretching of the uterine walls. Such discomfort can be called physiological, and specific treatment is not required in this case. When the fertilized egg attaches, some women feel a slight tingling sensation in the lower abdomen. It goes away on its own in about a day.
From the third month, the uterus begins to gradually extend beyond the boundaries of the pelvis. As a result, the ligaments that fix it are stretched. Usually during pregnancy, the stomach hurts, like during menstruation. Discomfort goes away with rest and intensifies with physical activity. This condition also does not require therapy.
In the third trimester, discomfort occurs due to compression of the bladder by the uterus. Future women in labor note the appearance of a sharp pain that radiates to the perineum. However, the discomfort goes away immediately after the bladder is emptied.
Now let's look at the main causes of pain in the left lower abdomen during pregnancy, which can threaten the life of the child. Otherwise, such pain is called obstetric.
A large percentage of spontaneous abortions are recorded at up to 12 weeks. A miscarriage is usually preceded by certain signs that every woman should know. If you recognize the pathology in a timely manner and consult a doctor, in most cases it is possible to save the baby.
Brownish discharge mixed with blood from the vagina, side pain during pregnancy - these signs indicate a miscarriage. A woman with such symptoms should be hospitalized immediately. In the hospital, after a physical examination, the doctor prescribes a series of tests to determine the cause of the pathology. Then they begin treatment.
In this case, a small hematoma often remains behind the fertilized egg, which causes nagging abdominal pain during pregnancy. When it resolves, the discomfort should go away, so there is no need to worry. If there has already been a threat of miscarriage once, a woman should be especially careful and attentive to her situation. It is necessary to regularly do ultrasound to exclude various pathologies. An intrauterine anomaly often causes spontaneous abortion or, conversely, develops as a result of a lack of blood supply.
Why does my stomach hurt during pregnancy? In the early stages, doctors often diagnose ectopic pregnancy. This is a condition in which the fertilized egg does not have time to reach the uterus and attaches to the fallopian tube. Rupture of the latter can lead to heavy bleeding. Sometimes an ectopic pregnancy leads to spontaneous abortion.
The first symptoms of the pathology appear at 7-8 weeks, when the growing fertilized egg begins to gradually stretch the tube. An ectopic pregnancy is characterized not only by unpleasant sensations, but also by a whole set of symptoms:
This condition is considered extremely dangerous and requires immediate hospitalization of the patient for surgical care.
In some cases, the placenta separates from the walls of the uterus prematurely. Doctors list strong blows to the abdominal area, hypertension, and overexertion as the main reasons for the development of pathology. Detachment can be partial or complete. In the first case, the problem is signaled by discomfort in the lower abdomen. In the second case, there is heavy bleeding from the vagina. Weakness and headaches may also appear.
In early pregnancy, placental abruption is treated with medication. In the third trimester, if doctors detect oxygen deficiency in the fetus, they usually decide on premature birth.
This pathology is often diagnosed in women with a complicated obstetric and gynecological history. It is characterized by weakness of the internal os of the cervix, which causes its gradual opening outside of delivery. This condition is very dangerous because it threatens infection of the fetus. The main signs are characteristic pain in the lower abdomen on the left. During late pregnancy, vaginal discharge appears, but contractions are absent. A woman with suspected isthmic-cervical insufficiency is hospitalized. Treatment involves a complex operation during which circular sutures are placed on the cervix.
Many women complain that during pregnancy their stomach hurts, like during menstruation. This is a common phenomenon, which in medical practice is called uterine tone. Pathology implies involuntary contraction of its muscles, characterized by the appearance of pain. It can radiate to the lower back.
Normally, the uterus is constantly relaxed and calm. That is why, if discomfort occurs, you should visit a doctor. Uterine tone in the first trimester often signals the onset of spontaneous abortion. In later stages, pathology can lead to premature birth. In fact, the problem is not as terrible as it seems at first glance. The main thing is to promptly determine the cause and begin treatment.
Training contractions usually begin after 30 weeks. In this way, the uterus “prepares” for the upcoming birth. If the 38th week of pregnancy is already over, your stomach hurts and characteristic vaginal discharge is noticeable, you should call a team of medical workers and calmly go to meet your baby.
It is very important for every woman to be able to distinguish training contractions from real ones. The first are characterized by irregularity and short duration. This is discussed in more detail at preparatory courses for expectant mothers.
Considering that in addition to the uterus, there are other organs in the pelvis, pain in the lower left abdomen during pregnancy does not always signal a threat to the fetus. Diseases and functional disorders are considered common causes of discomfort. For example, women are often diagnosed with a so-called neurogenic bladder. This is a pathology characterized by frequent urination, but without obvious signs of inflammation. This phenomenon is caused by hormonal changes and goes away immediately after the body adapts to the new status.
Some women are diagnosed with ordinary cystitis. This onset of pregnancy is considered unfavorable, since treatment of the disease involves the use of antibiotics. It is especially bad if the woman did not know about her interesting situation and used illegal drugs for therapy. In such cases, pregnant women should drink plenty of fluids and be treated with medicinal herbs and antispasmodics.
In addition to the bladder, hormonal changes can affect the intestines. Constipation, bloating, and loose stools appear. All this leads to discomfort in the left part of the abdominal cavity, because it is there that the rectum is localized. If for this reason your stomach hurts during early pregnancy, you need to monitor the regularity of your bowel movements and nutrition. The thing is that frequent constipation can negatively affect the development of the fetus.
In order to identify which organ provoked the occurrence of unpleasant sensations, the pain syndrome should be as detailed as possible. This procedure involves assessing the severity and nature of discomfort, as well as its relationship with body position.
Then, during a medical interview, the doctor determines the presence of accompanying symptoms (fever, vaginal discharge, abnormal stool). For example, if your side hurts during pregnancy, we are most often talking about spontaneous abortion. With isthmic-cervical insufficiency, in addition to discomfort, characteristic vaginal discharge appears.
After examination and history collection, for a final diagnosis, the woman is prescribed a comprehensive examination, which includes laboratory and instrumental methods.
After determining the cause of discomfort in the lower abdomen, the woman is prescribed treatment. If there is a risk of spontaneous abortion, medications are prescribed to prevent uterine tone. In case of ectopic pregnancy, surgery is mandatory. In case of placental abruption, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting. The woman is prescribed antispasmodics (Papaverine, Metacin) and hemostatic agents.
When and why is pain during pregnancy not treated? If the discomfort is due to physiological reasons, specific therapy is not needed. This is discussed in detail at the beginning of the article. When pain in the lower abdominal area is due to non-obstetric causes, treatment is also not prescribed in most cases. The exception is cystitis. A disorder such as a neurogenic bladder goes away on its own after the body adapts to a new life inside the womb. Correcting your diet helps relieve constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. A pregnant woman is advised to avoid foods that cause increased gas formation and choose healthy and natural foods.
Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can have different etiologies. In order not to risk the baby’s health, you should not self-medicate and try to diagnose yourself. It is better to contact a gynecologist who can determine the cause of the discomfort and draw up a treatment plan. Be healthy!