What causes mild abdominal pain at 39 weeks of pregnancy, and what should be done?

Oct 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Possible causes of mild abdominal pain at 39 weeks of pregnancy include contractions, fetal movement, indigestion, placental abruption, and uterine fibroids. Treatment may include general management and medication under a doctor's guidance. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet, avoid strenuous exercise and abdominal trauma, and monitor fetal movements regularly.

Generally, at 39 weeks of pregnancy, mild abdominal pain may be caused by factors such as contractions, fetal movement, indigestion, placental abruption, or uterine fibroids. Treatment methods such as general management or medication can be used under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Contractions

In the late stages of pregnancy, the uterus naturally enters a pre-labor state, during which contractions occur to gradually soften and dilate the cervix, creating favorable conditions for safe delivery of the baby. These contractions may also cause the aforementioned discomfort. To relieve this discomfort, pregnant women can try resting, adjusting body posture, or engaging in gentle activities such as walking, all of which may help reduce the pressure caused by contractions.

2. Fetal Movement

At 39 weeks of gestation, the fetus is relatively strong and may impact the abdominal wall during intrauterine movements, causing the mother to feel mild abdominal pain. It is important to monitor the frequency of fetal movements to ensure normal fetal activity.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion is usually caused by poor eating habits, which increase the burden on the digestive system during pregnancy, leading to mild abdominal pain. Symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea may also occur. Under medical supervision, pregnant women may take medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, Hawthorn Pills, or Zhishi Daozhi Pills to manage the condition.

4. Placental Abruption

Placental abruption can be triggered by various factors, including hypertension or abdominal trauma, causing blood vessels between the placenta and uterine wall to rupture. Blood then accumulates between the placenta and the uterine wall. In addition to mild pain, symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and abnormal fetal heart rate. Immediate medical attention is required. The doctor will determine whether an emergency cesarean section is necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

5. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids may be associated with estrogen, progesterone, growth factors, and genetic factors. During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause fibroids to grow larger, leading to compression or torsion and resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include frequent urination or constipation. In late pregnancy, doctors may prefer to delay surgical treatment of fibroids until after delivery to minimize risks to both the mother and the fetus.

To maintain a healthy pregnancy, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet, avoid strenuous exercise and abdominal trauma, and closely monitor fetal movements.

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