What causes stomach pain during pregnancy?

Stomach pain during pregnancy is a common phenomenon. There are many causes. For example, the enlarged uterus presses on the stomach and intestines, which often causes gastric acid reflux, which will irritate the gastric mucosa and cause stomach pain. In addition, due to the influence of hormones, the stomach will also cause adverse stimulation, which will cause vomiting and stomach pain. Pregnant women generally should not worry too much and should pay more attention to health care in their lives.

What causes stomach pain during pregnancy?

1. Sphincter relaxation

It is caused by the reflux of gastric acid. The sphincter is between the esophagus and the stomach, helping food reach the stomach smoothly and preventing food from returning to the stomach. However, due to hormonal changes in pregnant women, the sphincter is no longer tight and cannot perform its function well. When food comes back up, the acidic substances in the stomach will also go back up into the esophagus, throat, and mouth along with the food. The acidic substances are very irritating and can irritate the mucous membrane and cause stomach pain.

2. Uterus presses on the stomach

In the later stages, the uterus gradually increases in size and compresses the body's organs, especially the stomach, causing them to produce a large amount of gastric acid, which rises and causes a burning sensation in the chest.

3. Hormone stimulation

After successful conception, when a woman's blood HCG rises rapidly, it will irritate the stomach and cause vomiting.

4. Pregnant women’s stomach problems have not been cured

If a pregnant woman has stomach problems before pregnancy and does not pay attention to her diet during pregnancy, it will also cause stomach pain. If you cannot tell whether the stomach pain occurred before or during pregnancy, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse. Vomiting during pregnancy is normal, but if the vomiting is severe or even causes acidosis, you should go to the hospital to see a doctor immediately.

What to do if pregnant women have stomach pain

1. Reduce your diet appropriately

Many expectant mothers eat a lot of high-nutrition food during pregnancy, but at this time the gastrointestinal function is affected by hormones and uterine compression, and the digestive capacity is limited. Once the gastrointestinal burden is too heavy, it will cause stomach pain. Therefore, pregnant women should not eat too much, especially foods with high sugar content, but they can drink more light foods such as soup and porridge.

2. Semi-sitting position

If a pregnant woman feels unbearable stomach pain, she can take a semi-sitting position to relieve the pain.

3. Massage acupuncture points

(1) Massage Neiguan: Neiguan is located about four fingers’ width below the transverse wrist line, between the two tendons. Stay in a fixed position and use your thumb to massage in circles for about 3-6 times, alternating between both hands. If you are experiencing stomach pain, you can increase the number of times.

(2) Press Zusanli: Zusanli is located about four fingers’ width below the knee, at the tibia and fibula. Press with the top of your thumb 3-6 times. If stomach pain occurs, you can increase the number of times and the force can be increased appropriately.

5. Medication

If you often have stomach pain at night, you can take some medicine before going to bed as advised by your doctor. You can also take VE+VC or spirulina tablets to relieve stomach pain. If stomach pain is severe, you should seek medical attention immediately.