What Causes the Abdomen to Feel Tight and Hard in Late Pregnancy?
Disease description:
I am 27 years old and approaching my due date. Recently, my abdomen has frequently felt hard and tight, and I’m unsure of the cause. I’d like to ask my doctor: What causes abdominal tightening and hardness during late pregnancy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Kong Xiang
Hello,
1. **Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor):** During late pregnancy, expectant mothers become more sensitive. Prolonged maintenance of a single posture may easily trigger irregular uterine contractions—commonly known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
2. **Infection-induced tightening:** Infections—including genital tract infections, chorioamnionitis, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal infections—can also cause abdominal tightening and hardening in late pregnancy.
3. **Preterm labor:** This refers to labor occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Typical symptoms include abdominal tightening, hardening, and pain.
4. **Frequent fetal movements:** These refer to the fetus’s movements within the uterine cavity that exert pressure on the uterine wall—such as stretching arms, kicking legs, or pushing against the uterine wall.
I hope this information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
