A hard abdomen in pregnancy is a common phenomenon that is associated with the strain of the muscles of the uterus. Prolonged increase in uterine tone is fraught with a violation of the placental circulation, the beginning of detachment of the child's place, as well as the threat of miscarriage.
The causes of a hard abdomen can be physiological and pathological processes in the body of a woman. Depending on what provoked an increase in the tone of the uterus, there are methods for relaxing them. In order for the abdomen to become soft, in some cases, a woman has enough rest, and in other circumstances medical care may be necessary.
Causes of a hard abdomen during pregnancy
Normal is the hardening of the abdomen as a result of a filled bladder. A large amount of urine can press on the uterus, which provokes an increase in the tone of her muscles, so as not to infringe the fruit in space, protecting its borders. In this case, when moving, pains in the hard abdomen can be felt. Usually the situation is helped by going to the toilet and emptying the bladder, and after a few minutes the uterus becomes soft.
A hard abdomen during pregnancy can be caused by:
- chronic pelvic inflammation (eg, adnexitis, colpitis);
- infections of the urogenital tract (eg, chlamydia);
- the release of the hormone oxytocin as a result of stress, orgasm, fright;
- physical activity. If in this case the abdomen has become hard, then stop the exercises and take a calm position;
- harmful habits of the mother (alcohol, smoking);
- tumors in the small pelvis;
- malformations of the genital organs (bending of the uterus);
- infections, viruses and colds (ARVI, FLID, rotavirus infection, etc.);
- endocrine disorders in the body of the mother (for example, the thyroid gland).
When is the hard abdomen a troubling symptom?
If a hard abdomen during pregnancy is not an accidental phenomenon, but reflects a pathological hypertonia, special treatment in a hospital may be required. In some cases to eliminate the unpleasant syndrome hormones and sedatives can be prescribed, bed rest is prescribed.
The hard bottom of the stomach during pregnancy in the first and second trimesters can talk about the hypertension of the uterus. If the woman observes the presence of drawing pains, as with menstruation, and bloody discharge, then, most likely, it is a threat of termination of pregnancy. In this case, you need to call an ambulance, take a horizontal position, and wait for the doctors to arrive.
Abdominal firming after 35 weeks can be associated with Braxton-Hicks training fights, so the uterus begins to prepare for the beginning of labor activity for 1-1.5 months. If, however, the hard abdomen contracts and hurts at regular intervals that have
Hard abdomen before childbirth
From the 37th week of pregnancy, the fetus is considered complete, and therefore one can expect the onset of labor at any time. A hard abdomen at 38-39 weeks and in close proximity to the expected date of birth is normal. Caution should be abundant blood discharge, which may be a sign of placental abruption.
Prevention of hypertension and a hard abdomen during pregnancy
To prevent a collision with this unpleasant symptom during pregnancy, it is necessary at the planning stage to undergo a comprehensive examination of both partners for infections, chronic diseases of other risk factors that may interfere with the proper development and bearing of the child.