Abdominal Tightening During Pregnancy
A tightening sensation that spreads across your abdomen can be a shocker—is it a cramp? Or a contraction? Read on to learn what can cause abdominal tightening during pregnancy, what you can do about it and when to call the doctor.
Early in your pregnancy, that abdominal tightening might be your ligaments stretching. “As the uterus grows, it’s pushing out on your abdominal musculature,” says Robert O. Atlas, MD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. All that stretching and pushing can lead to round ligament pain, which feels like a sharp pain in your abdomen.
Later in your pregnancy, it could be a few things: Baby might just be moving around in there, you could be having gas, or maybe your uterus is contracting—Braxton Hicks contractions are par for the course in the second and third trimesters and aren’t a reason to worry. If the tightening is more constant and doesn’t let up, it could be preterm or full-term labor.
If you’re in a high-risk pregnancy, get in touch right away! If not, don’t worry—chances are you’re just feeling your belly getting bigger. But if the tightening is happening more than four times an hour, then definitely give your OB a call.
So what can you for that tightening sensation? It depends on what’s causing the symptoms. If it’s Braxton Hicks contractions, you can try switching positions. Stand if you’re sitting, or sit if you’re standing, and they’ll likely go away. If it’s preterm labor, you’ll need to seek medical attention.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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