What should a pregnant woman do if she has stomach pain?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Pregnant women may experience stomach pain due to physiological factors or pathological conditions such as chronic gastritis, cholecystitis, etc., and treatment should be based on the specific cause. During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in the body, which can affect normal intestinal motility. Additionally, as the fetus develops, pressure on the stomach increases, possibly leading to stomach pain—this is considered a normal phenomenon.
Stomach pain in pregnant women may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as chronic gastritis and cholecystitis. Appropriate management should be based on the underlying cause, including general measures or medication as appropriate. The details are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, which can affect normal intestinal motility. Additionally, as the fetus develops, pressure on the stomach increases, potentially leading to stomach discomfort or pain. This is considered a normal phenomenon. It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the burden on the stomach.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Chronic Gastritis
If a pregnant woman had chronic gastritis prior to pregnancy, the natural decline in immunity during gestation may exacerbate inflammation and irritation of the gastric mucosa, leading to a recurrence of chronic gastritis. A light, bland diet is recommended. If symptoms worsen, medical evaluation and symptomatic treatment at a hospital are advised.
2. Cholecystitis
Frequent consumption of high-fat foods in daily life can increase cholesterol levels in the body, leading to bile concentration and irritation of the surrounding bile ducts, which may result in cholecystitis. Treatment under a physician's guidance may include medications such as taurine ursodeoxycholic acid capsules or cefixime tablets.
In addition, stomach pain could also be caused by other conditions such as gastric perforation, pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer, or gastric cancer. Therefore, pregnant women experiencing the above symptoms should seek prompt medical attention and use medications only under the guidance of a healthcare provider, avoiding self-medication to prevent potential harm to fetal health.
