What are the causes of sharp pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy?

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In early pregnancy, as the fetus grows, the uterus gradually enlarges. This can cause the ligaments surrounding the uterus to stretch, resulting in a sensation of sharp pain in the lower abdomen. This is considered a normal physiological response and generally does not require special treatment. Pregnant women can alleviate the discomfort by adjusting their posture and getting appropriate rest. Some pregnant women may experience early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

　　Early pregnancy abdominal pain may be caused by uterine enlargement stretching ligaments, early pregnancy reactions, threatened abortion, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc. Appropriate management methods can be selected according to specific situations. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

　　1. Uterine enlargement stretching ligaments: In early pregnancy, as the fetus grows, the uterus gradually enlarges, which can cause the ligaments around the uterus to stretch, resulting in abdominal pain. This is a normal physiological response that generally does not require special treatment. Pregnant women can relieve the pain by adjusting posture and resting appropriately.

　　2. Early pregnancy reaction: Some pregnant women may experience early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These reactions are normal physiological phenomena that usually disappear on their own after three months and do not require special treatment. Pregnant women can alleviate symptoms by adjusting their diet and resting appropriately.

　　3. Threatened abortion: Embryonic chromosomal abnormalities, insufficient maternal hormone levels, abnormal immune function, and other reasons may cause uterine contractions, resulting in abdominal pain accompanied by slight vaginal bleeding. Patients should seek immediate medical attention and follow medical advice to use medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, or Gu Shen An Tai pills for fetal preservation treatment.

　　4. Urethritis: During pregnancy, the ureter and bladder are compressed by the uterus, causing poor urine drainage and bacterial growth, which can lead to urinary tract infections. Inflammation can irritate the bladder and urethra, causing abdominal pain accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as minocycline hydrochloride capsules, cefadroxil granules, or ampicillin capsules to alleviate symptoms.

　　5. Pelvic inflammatory disease: During pregnancy, the body's resistance decreases, making it easier for pathogens to invade the pelvis and cause inflammation. Inflammatory stimulation of pelvic tissues may lead to abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by fever, increased vaginal discharge, and odor. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as cefixime capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or Fuke Qianjin tablets to control inflammation.

　　Pregnant women are advised to maintain a bland diet, avoid consuming overly greasy and spicy foods, and ensure adequate sleep and a pleasant mood.

　　References:

　　[1] Dai Yingchang, Tong Xia. Clinical features and prognosis of patients with threatened abortion at different serum CA125 and β-hCG levels [J]. Chinese Journal of Women and Children's Health, 2025, 40(06): 1061-1064.

　　[2] Zeng Haiyan. Retrospective analysis of factors related to recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease and TCM syndrome types [D]. Xinjiang Medical University, 2022.

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