What causes a hard and firm abdomen at three months of pregnancy?

During the third month of pregnancy, a hard abdomen may be caused by physiological uterine contractions, improper diet, threatened miscarriage, gastrointestinal gas, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other conditions. Adjusting posture, improving diet, and medication can help alleviate symptoms. If the hardness persists or is accompanied by abdominal pain or bleeding, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Physiological uterine contractions: During pregnancy, the uterus may occasionally experience painless contractions that feel firm or hard. These contractions are irregular and often occur after physical exertion. It is recommended to rest more, avoid prolonged standing or sitting, change positions frequently to relieve discomfort, and reduce physical strain.

2. Improper diet: Consuming excessive gas-producing or hard-to-digest foods can lead to intestinal gas buildup, causing abdominal hardness and bloating. It is advisable to adjust the diet by reducing intake of gas-producing foods such as beans and sweet potatoes, eating smaller meals more frequently, and taking a light walk after meals.

3. Threatened miscarriage: Abnormal embryonic development or insufficient hormone levels may trigger uterine contractions, resulting in a hard abdomen along with mild vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. Under medical guidance, medications such as progesterone soft capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, and vitamin E soft capsules may be used to improve symptoms.

4. Gastrointestinal gas: Slowed gastrointestinal motility during pregnancy can cause food to remain longer in the gut, leading to fermentation and gas production. This results in abdominal hardness accompanied by belching and constipation. Under medical supervision, medications such as Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets, lactase tablets, or compound digestive enzyme capsules may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease: Bacterial infection causing inflammation in the pelvic region during pregnancy can irritate surrounding tissues, leading to a hard abdomen, dull lower abdominal pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Follow medical advice to use medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, penicillin V potassium tablets, or azithromycin dry suspension to manage symptoms.

Pregnant women should maintain a light and easily digestible diet, take a gentle walk after meals to aid digestion, get sufficient rest to avoid overexertion, and attend regular prenatal checkups to monitor both maternal and fetal health, ensuring a smooth pregnancy journey.