What can I eat in the late stages of pregnancy to relieve abdominal pain?

Generally speaking, what to eat in the later stages of pregnancy to relieve abdominal pain depends on the specific cause. Common causes include false labor contractions, fetal engagement, acute gastroenteritis, threatened uterine rupture, and placental abruption. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. False Labor Contractions

In the later stages of pregnancy, the uterus becomes more sensitive, leading to irregular contractions. These contractions usually manifest as mild lower abdominal discomfort, are short in duration, occur at long intervals, and do not involve cervical dilation. At this time, all activity should be stopped immediately, and bed rest—preferably in a left lateral position—is recommended. Eating bland foods, such as oatmeal and bananas, may also help alleviate symptoms.

2. Fetal Engagement

In late pregnancy, the fetus descends into the pelvic cavity, exerting pressure on the pelvic tissues and bladder, which may cause aching pain in the lower abdomen and possibly frequent urination. Prolonged standing or walking should be avoided in daily life; activity levels should be appropriately reduced, and loose, comfortable clothing should be worn. Eating warm foods such as warm milk and red bean porridge may also help.

3. Acute Gastroenteritis

Unhygienic food or consumption of cold, greasy foods in late pregnancy can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and resulting in abdominal pain, often accompanied by diarrhea and nausea. Dietary adjustments should be made promptly, choosing bland and easily digestible foods such as millet porridge and noodle soup to avoid further burdening the gastrointestinal tract. Medications such as Bifidobacterium quadruple strain tablets, Smectite powder, and Oral Rehydration Salts III may be taken under a doctor's guidance to regulate intestinal flora, protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, and replenish fluids and electrolytes.

4. Threatened Uterine Rupture

Pregnant women with a history of cesarean section or uterine surgery may experience signs of rupture in the later stages of pregnancy due to increased tension on the uterine scar. This typically presents as persistent severe lower abdominal pain accompanied by slight vaginal bleeding. Immediate medical attention is required, and once diagnosed, a cesarean section must be performed to terminate the pregnancy, preventing complete uterine rupture that could endanger both mother and baby. Postoperatively, antibiotics such as Cefuroxime axetil tablets and Amoxicillin capsules may be taken under medical guidance to prevent infection, along with Paracetamol tablets to relieve postoperative pain.

5. Placental Abruption

In late pregnancy, external impacts or conditions such as hypertension may cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall, resulting in sudden and persistent abdominal pain, often accompanied by vaginal bleeding and, in severe cases, shock. Emergency medical assistance should be called immediately. Upon arrival at the hospital, a cesarean section may be performed to deliver the baby, while intravenous Oxytocin is used to promote uterine contractions, Tranexamic acid injection to reduce bleeding, and Ceftriaxone sodium injection to prevent infection, all under medical supervision.

In daily life, pregnant women in the later stages should avoid strenuous exercise and abdominal trauma; maintain dietary hygiene and avoid consuming unclean or cold foods; attend regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal condition and maternal health indicators; and closely observe symptoms when abdominal pain occurs. If the pain intensifies, is accompanied by bleeding or abnormal fetal movement, immediate medical attention should be sought to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.