Stomach Pain

Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They're usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked.

It's probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind.

But if you have stomach pains and are worried, call your maternity unit. If the unit is not available, call 111.

If you're less than 20 weeks pregnant, you may need to contact your GP or an early pregnancy unit, depending on what's available in your area.

Harmless stomach pains, which can be dull or sharp, may be caused by:

• ligament pain (often called "growing pains" as the ligaments stretch to support your growing bump) - this can feel like a sharp cramp on one side of your lower tummy
• constipation - which is common in pregnancy (find out how to avoid constipation)
• trapped wind

Call your maternity unit immediately if you have stomach pain and:

Possible causes of serious stomach pain

Some conditions that need urgent medical attention can cause stomach pain, including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, premature labour, placental abruption and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Ectopic pregnancy

This is when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, for example in a fallopian tube. The pregnancy cannot survive and needs to be removed with medicine or surgery.

Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and can include:

• tummy pain and bleeding
• pain in the tip of your shoulder
• discomfort when pooing or peeing

Find out more about ectopic pregnancy

Miscarriage

Cramping pains and bleeding before 24 weeks of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of miscarriage or threatened miscarriage (when you bleed but the pregnancy normally continues).

You may be able to go straight to an early pregnancy unit for an assessment.

Find an early pregnancy unit near you on The Association of Early Pregnancy Units directory

Pre-eclampsia

Pain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy due to the growing baby and uterus pushing up under the ribs.

But if this pain is bad or persistent, particularly on the right side, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which affects some pregnancies. It usually starts after 20 weeks or just after the baby is born.

Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:

• severe headache
• vision problems
• swollen feet, hands and face

You'll need to be monitored in hospital.

Find out more about pre-eclampsia

Premature labour

If you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and are having regular abdominal cramps or tightenings, call your maternity unit immediately.

This could be a sign of premature labour, and you'll need to be monitored in hospital.

Placental abruption

This is when the placenta starts to come away from the wall of the womb, usually causing bleeding and pain. The pain can come and go like a contraction, or it can be constant.

You should contact your maternity unit so you and your baby can be checked.

If the pain or bleeding is severe, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Find out more about placental abruption and complications that affect the placenta

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs are common in pregnancy and can usually be easily treated. They can cause tummy pain and sometimes, but not always, pain when you pee.

Find out more about urinary tract infections (UTIs)

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