What causes abdominal pain during the fourth month of pregnancy?

Generally speaking, pregnancy refers to gestation, and abdominal pain refers to stomach pain. Abdominal pain during the fourth month of pregnancy may be caused by uterine enlargement, false labor contractions, indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, threatened miscarriage, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Uterine Enlargement

At four months into pregnancy, the fetus continues to grow and develop, and the uterus enlarges accordingly. The enlarged uterus stretches the ligaments surrounding it, such as the round ligament and broad ligament, which may cause pulling-like abdominal pain. This is generally a normal physiological phenomenon during pregnancy. The pain is usually mild and intermittent. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in body position and to slow down when standing up or turning around.

2. False Labor Contractions

During pregnancy, the uterine muscles may occasionally experience irregular contractions known as false labor contractions. During these contractions, the pregnant woman may feel tightness and hardness in the abdomen, accompanied by mild pain. It is important to maintain a balance between work and rest, avoid prolonged standing or excessive fatigue, and ensure adequate sleep and a calm state of mind.

3. Indigestion

Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect gastrointestinal motility function. With increased food intake, the gastrointestinal burden increases, making indigestion more likely. Prolonged retention of food in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to gas accumulation, potentially causing abdominal distension and pain. Daily dietary habits should follow the principle of eating small meals frequently, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber, engaging in appropriate physical activity, and promoting gastrointestinal digestion.

4. Acute Gastroenteritis

Consumption of contaminated or spoiled food during pregnancy, or infection with bacteria or viruses, may lead to acute gastroenteritis. Inflammatory irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and disordered gastrointestinal motility can cause abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Treatment may include medications such as smectite powder, Bifidobacterium quadruple live tablets, and oral rehydration salts III, under the guidance of a physician.

5. Threatened Miscarriage

Threatened miscarriage is often caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. Hormonal imbalances in the pregnant woman, genital tract infections, or severe trauma or excessive emotional stress may also trigger this condition. During threatened miscarriage, the uterus experiences abnormal contractions, leading to abdominal pain, often characterized as intermittent cramping pain. This is commonly accompanied by light vaginal bleeding and lower back pain. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as progesterone soft capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, and allylestrenol tablets for treatment.

Maintaining dietary hygiene is important in daily life; avoid eating raw, cold, or contaminated food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, regular prenatal checkups are necessary to closely monitor fetal development and personal health status, facilitating early detection of abnormalities.