Why does the stomach become tight and hard when a pregnant woman is angry?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, abdominal tightness and hardening during pregnancy caused by anger or emotional stress may result from factors such as uterine contractions, intestinal spasms, threatened miscarriage, preterm labor, or placental abruption. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintaining a positive mood and avoiding emotional agitation is important. Family members should provide more care and support to reduce adverse stimuli.

Under normal circumstances, abdominal tightness and hardening during pregnancy caused by anger may result from emotional stress-induced uterine contractions, intestinal spasms, threatened miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Uterine Contractions Triggered by Emotional Stress

When angry, the sympathetic nervous system becomes excited and releases hormones that stimulate the contraction of uterine smooth muscles, leading to abdominal tightness and hardening. It is important to calm down immediately, practice deep breathing or listen to soothing music, rest in bed, and avoid further emotional fluctuations.

2. Intestinal Spasm

Negative emotions can disrupt gastrointestinal function, causing spasms of intestinal smooth muscles and resulting in a sensation of abdominal tightness and hardness. Drinking warm water, gently massaging the abdomen, maintaining a light and easily digestible diet, and avoiding spicy or irritating foods are recommended.

3. Threatened Miscarriage

In early pregnancy, anger may trigger uterine contractions and potentially lead to threatened miscarriage, often accompanied by slight vaginal bleeding. Immediate medical attention is required. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, or Gushen Antai pills may be prescribed for fetal preservation, along with strict bed rest.

4. Preterm Labor

In late pregnancy, anger may cause regular uterine contractions, frequent abdominal tightening and hardening, and a sensation of pelvic pressure. Prompt medical consultation is essential. Under medical supervision, medications such as ritodrine tablets, atosiban injection, or nifedipine sustained-release tablets may be used to suppress contractions.

5. Placental Abruption

Intense emotional excitement may cause a sudden rise in blood pressure, potentially leading to placental abruption, characterized by abdominal tightness, hardness, and severe pain. Emergency medical care is required immediately. Delivery should be terminated via cesarean section to save the lives of both mother and baby, followed by intensive postoperative care.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a cheerful mood and avoid emotional agitation; family members should provide more care and reduce exposure to negative stimuli; maintain regular作息, avoid fatigue; attend routine prenatal checkups, and closely monitor maternal and fetal health.