How to Determine the Causes of a Hard Belly in Late Pregnancy
Aug 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, a hardening of the abdomen during the late stages of pregnancy may be caused by false labor contractions, fetal movement, preterm labor, placental abruption, intrauterine infection, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, pregnant women in their late trimester should pay attention to the frequency, duration, and accompanying symptoms of abdominal hardening.
Generally, a hard stomach in the later stages of pregnancy may be caused by false labor contractions, fetal movements, preterm labor, placental abruption, intrauterine infection, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention at a regular hospital is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. False Labor Contractions
In the later stages of pregnancy, the uterine muscles become more sensitive, which may lead to irregular and painless contractions, manifesting as a hard stomach. These contractions are short in duration and occur at irregular intervals. At this time, adequate rest should be ensured, prolonged standing or walking should be avoided, and changing positions may help alleviate symptoms. No specific treatment is required.
2. Fetal Movements
When the fetus moves inside the uterus, limbs or body parts may hit the uterine wall, causing localized hardness in the stomach area. This sensation typically disappears with the cessation of fetal movement. This is a normal phenomenon; gentle abdominal stroking to interact with the fetus and observing the pattern of fetal movements are recommended.
3. Preterm Labor
If the stomach frequently and regularly becomes hard, accompanied by lower abdominal pain, backache, or slight vaginal bleeding, it may indicate preterm labor. Immediate bed rest and timely medical consultation are necessary. Under medical guidance, medications such as progesterone soft capsules, ritodrine hydrochloride tablets, and magnesium sulfate injection may be used to suppress contractions and prolong gestation.
4. Placental Abruption
In cases of placental abruption, the stomach remains persistently hard, often accompanied by severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. In severe cases, shock symptoms may occur. Immediate medical attention is required. Mild cases may be conservatively managed under medical supervision, while severe cases necessitate emergency cesarean section to terminate the pregnancy, along with administration of oxytocin injection to promote uterine contractions.
5. Intrauterine Infection
An intrauterine infection may cause uterine inflammation, resulting in persistent stomach hardening, often accompanied by fever and abnormal vaginal discharge. Prompt medical attention is necessary. Under medical guidance, anti-infective drugs such as penicillin sodium injection, ceftriaxone sodium injection, and azithromycin injection may be administered. Pregnancy termination may be required if necessary.
In daily life, during the later stages of pregnancy, it is important to monitor the frequency, duration, and accompanying symptoms of stomach hardening; maintain regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "rest and activity patterns"); avoid fatigue; attend regular prenatal checkups to detect abnormalities promptly; and refrain from self-medicating when symptoms arise, following medical advice for treatment instead.
