One of the main organs of the female reproductive system is the uterus. It is located in the pelvic cavity and is where the fetus is generated and develops until birth. To support the growth of the fetus, the uterus expands more and more each day as the pregnancy progresses, and because of this it can cause some discomfort or pain in the uterus or abdominal area, as they are commonly called. But what does uterine pain mean? Could it be a sign of pregnancy?
Uterus Function in Pregnancy
And the answer is yes!! Since the uterus is the organ responsible for housing the fetus and protecting it throughout the pregnancy and is subject to so many transformations and growth, it is naturally more sensitive than usual and may develop pain or increased sensitivity1.
However, uterine pain can also be a symptom of some problem or risk during pregnancy and should be evaluated by a gynecologist. Conditions such as infection and endometriosis are also responsible for pain in the uterus.
Some severe complications in pregnancy can also cause intense uterine pain, but they are usually accompanied by other symptoms. Placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage threats are some examples, and they may also occur together with bleeding, discharge, vaginal swelling, and visual disturbances. If these symptoms appear, a doctor should be sought immediately for further testing, ruling out the problem or starting the appropriate treatment.
Main Causes of Uterine Pain During Pregnancy
As already mentioned, the uterus is one of the organs that undergoes the most changes during pregnancy and can grow up to 50 times its normal size, which is why it’s common for women to feel some discomfort and pain in the uterus throughout the pregnancy. However, some problems may arise during pregnancy that present as abdominal pain, such as urinary tract infection, which is very common among pregnant women.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection is a very common problem during pregnancy, usually occurring in the first trimester. The symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, burning and difficulty urinating, a constant urge to go to the bathroom, as well as fever and, in some cases, nausea2.
The smell of urine may also change, becoming stronger, and its color may also change. The diagnosis is made through a urine test, which is usually part of routine prenatal screening. If an infection is confirmed, treatment should begin to eliminate the bacteria, usually with antibiotics.
Risk of Miscarriage
Risk of miscarriage is one of the problems that has uterine pain as a symptom. This problem usually occurs in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, with risks decreasing after the first trimester. In addition to severe pain in the uterus or abdomen, the situation can also involve vaginal bleeding, loss of vaginal fluid, and severe headaches.
There is no way to prevent this except in pregnancies already identified as high-risk. If symptoms appear, a hospital should be sought immediately for an ultrasound exam to check fetal heartbeats.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is not a very common problem but also has uterine pain as one of its symptoms. The issue is normally discovered around 10 weeks of pregnancy, when the woman feels intense pain on only one side of the abdomen, accompanied by vaginal bleeding, nausea, dizziness, and severe pain during sexual intercourse. This happens because the fetus is developing outside the uterus and can only be diagnosed through an ultrasound exam; if confirmed, treatment must be immediate3.
Placental Abruption
After the first trimester, other problems may appear and even bring risks to the pregnancy, so every sign should be closely observed and reported to the gynecologist. Placental abruption can happen after the 20th week and brings serious risks of miscarriage or preterm birth. Its main symptom is intense uterine pain, accompanied by bleeding, contractions, and pain in the lower back.
Gas and Constipation
Other, much more common problems in the final stretch of pregnancy can also cause uterine pain, but nothing too severe or considered abnormal, such as pain caused by gas and constipation.
Especially at the end of pregnancy, due to the baby’s weight pressing on the intestines, their function is affected, making gas buildup and intestinal discomfort more likely. The best way to avoid this discomfort is to eat foods rich in fiber, vegetables, drink plenty of water, and, if possible, do some light exercise, like a gentle walk.
Labor
In the last trimester, uterine pain may also be a sign of labor, so it is important to pay attention to the symptoms. Labor always comes with other signs such as vaginal discharge, jelly-like secretion or loss of the mucus plug, and uterine contractions, which should be closely monitored.
If you have questions or want to confirm symptoms, the maternity hospital should be sought immediately to confirm active labor. Because uterine pain can have various causes, it is recommended that it be reported to your obstetrician during prenatal check-ups or, if needed, in emergency care. All care and caution during pregnancy is essential, so pay extra attention and be alert to every symptom.
See also: What Can and Can’t Pregnant Women Do?
Photos: Beatrice Murch, photosavvy
