Why does coughing during pregnancy cause pain on both sides of the abdomen, and what should be done about it?

The term "stomach" refers to the abdominal area. In general, during pregnancy, coughing that causes pain on both sides of the abdomen may be due to improper diet, colds, acute bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, tuberculosis, or other reasons. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Diet

If a pregnant woman consumes spicy foods such as chili peppers, it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to stomach discomfort and gastrointestinal spasms. This can pull surrounding tissues and nerves, possibly triggering uterine contractions and resulting in abdominal pain. It is recommended to adjust the diet and avoid eating spicy or irritating foods.

2. Common Cold

A cold may result from infection with pathogens such as parainfluenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus, which irritate the respiratory mucosa and cause severe coughing. If no other symptoms are present, lifestyle adjustments are usually recommended—such as consuming more foods rich in vitamins, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate rest—to boost physical condition and improve the illness.

3. Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis may lead to prolonged and intense coughing, overstretching muscles, ligaments, and other tissues on both sides of the abdomen and causing pain. Drinking adequate water to maintain oral moisture, avoiding late nights and sleep deprivation, can help strengthen immunity and relieve symptoms. For patients with more severe conditions, antibiotics such as cefixime capsules, cefaclor capsules, or azithromycin granules may be used under medical guidance to suppress pathogens and alleviate discomfort.

4. Bronchopneumonia

This may occur when bacterial, viral, or mycoplasmal infections cause inflammatory changes in the bronchial mucosa and lung tissue, leading to bronchitis and excessive coughing. Patients are generally advised to take medications such as cefradine granules or cephalexin tablets as directed by a physician.

5. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, commonly causing cough and chest pain. When the infection affects the lungs, irritation of the respiratory tract and lung tissue may trigger severe coughing, increasing intra-abdominal pressure and causing abdominal pain. Patients may take anti-tuberculosis drugs such as isoniazid tablets or rifampicin tablets under a doctor's supervision.

If coughing occurs during pregnancy, it is advisable to visit a reputable hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment promptly to avoid delaying recovery.