Mild abdominal pain at 37 weeks of pregnancy

May 11, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lv Aiming

Introduction

The enlargement of the uterus can cause mild abdominal pain due to pressure on surrounding intestines and organs, as well as from false labor contractions. Abdominal pain caused by improper diet or consuming contaminated food may trigger intestinal spasms, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Abdominal pain can also occur when external stimuli lead to separation of the placenta from the uterus, resulting in uterine contractions.

In general, abdominal dull pain at 37 weeks of pregnancy can be caused by physiological or pathological factors. Pathological causes may include gastroenteritis, placental abruption, and similar conditions, which require medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Physiological Causes

At 37 weeks of pregnancy, which falls within the third trimester, the growing uterus may compress surrounding intestines and organs, causing discomfort or pain. Additionally, false labor contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions) can also lead to mild abdominal aching. These are considered normal physiological phenomena.

2. Pathological Causes

2.1 Gastroenteritis

In late pregnancy, improper diet or consumption of contaminated food may irritate the intestines and cause intestinal spasms, resulting in abdominal pain. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms may be relieved with local heat application, or medications such as smectite powder or Simo Decoction oral liquid, taken under medical guidance.

2.2 Placental Abruption

This occurs when external stimuli cause the placenta to separate prematurely from the uterine wall, triggering uterine contractions and abdominal pain. It is often accompanied by vaginal bleeding and abnormal fetal heart rate. Immediate hospitalization is required, and pregnancy termination may be necessary.

Other possible causes include threatened preterm labor, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, or acute appendicitis. It is recommended to monitor for any vaginal bleeding. If the pain becomes severe, prompt medical attention at an obstetrics and gynecology department is advised.

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