What causes a tight and hard belly at eight and a half months of pregnancy?

At eight and a half months of pregnancy, a tight and hard abdomen may be caused by false labor contractions, fatigue or emotional excitement, preterm labor signs, placental abruption, or gestational hypertension. Symptoms can be improved through rest and relaxation, medication, or symptomatic treatment. If severe pain or vaginal bleeding occurs, immediate medical attention is required.

1. False labor contractions: In late pregnancy, the uterus becomes more sensitive, leading to irregular contractions that cause the abdomen to feel tight and hard, usually without significant pain. It is recommended to lie down and rest immediately, relax both body and mind, and avoid walking or other activities that may stimulate the uterus. Symptoms often resolve spontaneously.

2. Fatigue or emotional excitement: Excessive physical activity or mental stress may trigger uterine contractions, resulting in a tight and hard abdomen, possibly accompanied by mild lower back discomfort. It is advised to reduce physical activity, maintain emotional stability, and relieve discomfort through deep breathing or listening to soothing music.

3. Preterm labor: Uterine contractions become increasingly regular, accompanied by a tight and hard abdomen, lower abdominal pain, and possibly slight vaginal bleeding. Under medical guidance, medications such as ritodrine injection, atosiban injection, or magnesium sulfate injection may be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Placental abruption: Premature separation of the placenta causes intense uterine contractions, resulting in persistent abdominal tightness and hardness, severe abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding. Under medical supervision, medications such as meperidine hydrochloride injection, oxytocin injection, or tranexamic acid injection may be administered to manage symptoms.

5. Gestational hypertension: Elevated blood pressure leads to spasms in uterine blood vessels, triggering contractions and causing the abdomen to feel tight and hard, often accompanied by dizziness and swelling. Follow medical advice to use antihypertensive medications such as labetalol tablets, nifedipine sustained-release tablets, or methyldopa tablets to improve symptoms.

Ensure adequate rest and avoid overexertion, maintain a light and balanced diet, stay emotionally calm, closely monitor contraction frequency and bodily changes, and attend regular prenatal checkups to ensure maternal and fetal safety.