Abdominal pain during late pregnancy, with a feeling of needing to defecate: causes and what to do
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Defecation refers to bowel movement, and abdominal pain refers to stomachache. Abdominal pain during late pregnancy accompanied by a sensation of needing to defecate may be caused by gastrointestinal discomfort, fetal head descending into the pelvis and causing pressure, false labor contractions, true labor contractions, placental abruption, or other reasons, and requires appropriate management depending on the specific situation. During late pregnancy, fetal movements should be closely monitored. If fetal movements become excessively frequent or significantly decrease, it may indicate fetal hypoxia, and medical attention should be sought promptly.
Defecation refers to bowel movement, and abdominal pain refers to stomach pain. Generally, abdominal pain accompanied by a feeling of needing to defecate in late pregnancy could be caused by gastrointestinal discomfort, pressure from the baby dropping into the pelvis, false labor contractions, true labor contractions, placental abruption, or other reasons, and should be managed according to the specific situation.
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: In late pregnancy, the gastrointestinal tract is compressed by the enlarged uterus, and digestive function is relatively weakened. Improper diet may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and a feeling of needing to defecate. Pregnant women should adjust their diet, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and maintain a bland and easily digestible diet.
2. Pressure from the baby dropping into the pelvis: In late pregnancy, the baby's head gradually descends into the pelvis, exerting pressure on surrounding tissues and organs, which may cause abdominal pain and a sensation of needing to defecate. This pressure is usually intermittent and the pain is generally mild. Pregnant women can relieve the pressure on the rectum and reduce discomfort by changing positions, such as standing, walking, or lying on their side.
3. False labor contractions: During false labor contractions, the uterus becomes hard, and pregnant women may feel abdominal pain. Due to the stimulation of the rectum by contractions, there may also be a sensation of needing to defecate. Pregnant women can stop activities and rest in bed first, as false labor contractions usually subside after rest.
4. Labor contractions: If the abdominal pain becomes rhythmic, with gradually shortening intervals between pains and increasing intensity, accompanied by a feeling of needing to defecate, this may be a sign of impending labor. At this time, pregnant women should go to the hospital immediately for delivery preparation and use techniques such as deep breathing to alleviate pain.
5. Placental abruption: In late pregnancy, if a pregnant woman experiences trauma or develops pregnancy-induced hypertension, it may lead to placental abruption. The pregnant woman will suddenly experience persistent abdominal pain with severe intensity, and may also have vaginal bleeding. Due to increased uterine tension, there may also be a sensation of needing to defecate. Immediate hospitalization is required, intravenous access should be established, and the type of placental abruption should be identified to determine appropriate treatment measures.
In late pregnancy, fetal movements should be closely monitored. If fetal movements become excessively frequent or significantly decrease, it may indicate fetal hypoxia, and medical attention should be sought promptly.
