Does abdominal pain caused by coughing during pregnancy affect the fetus?

Feb 28, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
The abdomen refers to the belly. In general, whether a pregnant woman's abdominal pain caused by coughing affects the fetus depends on the frequency of coughing and the severity of the abdominal pain. If the pregnant woman coughs infrequently and the abdominal pain is mild, there is no impact on the fetus. However, if the coughing is frequent and the pain is severe, it may affect the fetus.

The term "stomach" here refers to the abdomen. In general, whether a pregnant woman's cough causing abdominal pain affects the fetus depends on the frequency of the cough and the severity of the abdominal pain. If the pregnant woman coughs infrequently and the abdominal pain is mild, there is no impact on the fetus. However, if the coughing is frequent and the pain is severe, it may affect the fetus. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. No impact

During pregnancy, a woman's immunity is relatively low. Without proper protection, she may become infected with pathogenic microorganisms, triggering an inflammatory response that causes congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa and increased inflammatory secretions, leading to coughing. Coughing can stimulate contraction of the diaphragm and increase intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in abdominal pain. If the coughing is infrequent and the abdominal pain is mild, it will not affect the gestational sac and therefore has no impact on the fetus.

2. Impact

If the pregnant woman coughs frequently, it may lead to frequent uterine contractions and cause pain from stretching of the uterine ligaments. Severe pain may impair fetal growth and development and even trigger symptoms of threatened miscarriage.

If coughing persists or worsens, pregnant women are advised to seek immediate medical attention for treatment.