During pregnancy, feeling like your stomach will burst

Factors of occurrence

Bloating and constipation occur both during normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and against the background of diseases. A temporary disturbance is possible in people who have suffered stress, eaten something wrong, changed climatic conditions, or taken any medications. In this case, there is no serious danger to health, and the problem goes away with taking a laxative.

Frequent and prolonged constipation and bloating can no longer be called the norm, as there is a persistent disorder. The cause may be one factor that constantly affects the body. In this case, the problem goes away when it is eliminated. But it can be even more serious when there is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, then it is necessary to carry out complex therapy.

Excessive gas, flatulence or bloating is a phenomenon in which there is excessive formation of gases and liquids in the stool. Constipation is the absence of bowel movements for 2-6 days, which varies from person to person.

Some people may have stool every 3 days, and if they are not bothered by abdominal pain and other symptoms, then this is considered normal. For others, the absence of bowel movements for 2 days already gives a lot of unpleasant sensations, and this will be a deviation.

Flatulence and constipation occur as a result of one-time or permanent dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. In the first case, individual food products can become provocateurs. It is very important to first identify the causes and treatment will be aimed at eliminating them.

What foods can cause bloating and constipation:

• beer, yeast;
• fresh bread, kvass;
• soda;
• alcoholic drinks;
• fatty, fried, pickles;
• dishes that are incompatible with each other.

Factors of bloating and constipation can be a disrupted diet, overeating, lactose deficiency, gastrointestinal diseases, and indigestion. Quite often, this problem is faced by people who cannot eat normally during the day, so they eat a large portion of food at a time.

If the diet is constantly disrupted, this will certainly affect the function of the intestines, leading to a decrease in its tone and poor stool passage.

Possible diseases

There are a number of pathologies that often cause constipation and bloating:

1. Endocrine disorders - hypothyroidism, diabetes, changes in adrenal function.
2. Psychological factors – stress, fears, depression, frequent conflicts, worries.
3. Proctological diseases - paraproctitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures.
4. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, ulcers, polyps, neoplasms, obstruction.
5. Neurological abnormalities – spinal cord tumors, stroke.
6. Atherosclerosis – peristalsis is impaired due to deterioration of blood circulation.

Constipation, bloating, and pain in the upper abdomen due to diseases usually have a chronic course, which is why diagnosis is necessary, followed by comprehensive treatment.

During pregnancy, feeling like your stomach will burst

Abdominal growth during pregnancy is such an individual indicator that it is sometimes impossible to talk about any standard values. But there is still a certain relationship between the rate of growth of the tummy and the period of gestation of the baby.

In light of this, many women are concerned about the question of when the belly stops growing during pregnancy, and whether this is dangerous for the child. In our article today we will try to deal with this pressing “pregnant” problem.

Slowly but surely

There are cases that women, especially if it is their first pregnancy, are very worried about the growth rate of their tummy. Some people feel like their belly is barely growing, and that’s why they start sounding the alarm. In fact, the main sign of pregnancy can change in size very slowly, so that it is almost unnoticeable.

The reason may be the individual characteristics of the female body, body type or genetic predisposition. Of course, you should consult a doctor, but if the pregnant woman does not observe any symptoms that cause concern, then there is no need to sound the alarm.

And the gynecologist will most likely assure you that everything is going according to plan, and whether the belly grows slowly or quickly during pregnancy is a secondary factor. The main thing is that the baby develops and is healthy!

Not growing because I'm about to give birth!

If a woman at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy notices that her stomach stops growing, then you don’t have to worry too much, but be more active in packing your bags for the maternity hospital. According to reviews from “experienced” people, during this period the size of the tummy reaches its peak and for many, growth is no longer observed.

But the exception is not cases when the mother’s waist increases in size right up to the birth.

Frozen pregnancy

Of course, if there is a stop in the growth of the abdomen in the later stages of pregnancy, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help, as this may be a sign of fetal fading.

But in addition to the cessation of uterine growth, there are many accompanying symptoms that indicate this fact:

• The movements in the tummy stop;
• Body temperature rises sharply;
• Bloody discharge may be present.

Undoubtedly, these symptoms are an urgent reason to consult a doctor, but you should not make a diagnosis yourself, since the final word can only rest with the doctor after a series of necessary examinations.

How to deal with the feeling of fullness

An unpleasant companion for pregnant women is the feeling of fullness inside the abdomen, which is often observed during the first pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that the muscles of the abdominal wall gradually get used to the new position, which is completely unusual for the normal state.

There is especially a feeling of constant abdominal distension during pregnancy if the child’s growth is very rapid or the baby is quite large.

If there is a weak muscle corset in the abdominal area, the problem of diastasis or separation of the rectus abdominis muscles during pregnancy often arises. At this moment, a narrow strip of connective muscle tissue in the central part of the abdomen stretches significantly, and after childbirth it can cause not only aesthetic problems, but also cause physiological disorders in severe forms of diastasis.

To avoid such phenomena, it is necessary to maintain the tone of the abdominal muscles before pregnancy. Since basic physical training will help you not to deal with such issues as tissue divergence, and will allow you to quickly return to an attractive shape after childbirth.

Excellent options are yoga, swimming, fitball exercises or gentle Pilates.

If you often experience a feeling of fullness, the ability to relax will come in handy. Because many expectant mothers are wondering how to quickly and correctly relax their stomach during pregnancy.

After all, even in their sleep, pregnant women cannot completely relax, so proper rest is especially valued while expecting a baby. In addition, the ability to relax muscles will be very useful during childbirth, when a woman will have to put in a lot of effort.

Some experts recommend mastering the Jacobson technique, which is based on the initial strong tension of the muscles and their subsequent relaxation. Alternating alternate tension and relaxation in individual areas of the body makes it possible to control the condition in each individual area and relax it if necessary.

In anticipation of childbirth, we recommend performing the technique not only at home, but also on the way home or in transport. This will allow you to get used to controlling your body in unusual places, which will be very useful during childbirth in a hospital.

Now you know the main reasons that affect the growth of the abdomen during pregnancy, and what you need to know about this issue. Therefore, be attentive to your inner feelings, and if you feel that something is not going according to plan, consult a doctor immediately.

After all, who, if not the mother, will be able to quickly understand the condition of her baby and notice that he has stopped growing. We wish you an easy and painless birth, and your baby health and delicious milk!

Abdominal pain during pregnancy

Almost all pregnant women describe some kind of painful sensation in the abdomen at different stages of pregnancy - of greater or lesser intensity.

Most often, abdominal discomfort is caused by reasons that do not require medical intervention.

For example, this may be a changed bowel pattern: it is believed that under the influence of progesterone, the main female hormone of pregnancy, bowel function slows down.

Against this background, there may be slight bloating in the abdomen, accompanied by a slight feeling of fullness or even mild pain.

Another example is the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen against the background of changing anatomy under the influence of a growing uterus: tension of the ligamentous apparatus, increasing pressure on the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall (abdominals). It is also worth mentioning the reduction of space in the pelvis, and this interferes with the full filling of the bladder and can lead to the development of discomfort in the lower abdomen.

And, finally, we must not forget about the transient (transient) increase in uterine tone in response to physical or psycho-emotional stress. Such “hypertonicity of the uterus” may be accompanied by the appearance of short-term pain of a pulling nature in the lower abdomen

or in the lower back of low intensity. In fact, this is a natural limiter of the permissible level of stress for a pregnant woman.

Such sensations are transient, short-term in nature and, as a rule, do not require any other help other than rest and correction of diet. But only a doctor can determine the true cause of abdominal pain and determine whether treatment is necessary.

Feeling of hunger and fullness in a pregnant woman

Women can experience many feelings during pregnancy, and some of them can be truly worrying. Let's try to understand the feelings that an expectant mother may experience. The feeling of hunger during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence, characteristic of women expecting a baby.

But at the same time, pregnant women need to eat properly and not overeat. Feelings of hunger can appear at any time of the day. And you can't ignore it. Nuts (not salted nuts), dried fruits, crackers (homemade), crackers, and fresh fruit are perfect snacks.

The feeling of sudden hunger in pregnant women occurs under the influence of hormones, in particular estrogen.
There may still be a feeling of fullness during pregnancy. It can be observed throughout pregnancy. It is usually associated with pregnancy, but can be a sign of a gastrointestinal disease.
Since such diseases can worsen during pregnancy. Abdominal distension can cause flatulence; it appears when there is a large amount of gas in the intestines, as food decomposes in it. Very often, flatulence is associated with constipation and all this, of course, can bother a pregnant woman.

In any case, it is necessary to consult a doctor observing the pregnancy, who will prescribe treatment or additional examinations.

What should be done

First of all, you need to visit a doctor for diagnosis. After this, it will become clear what to do with a specific violation. Constipation and gases that appear on a regular basis must be differentiated from such disorders as hemorrhoids, hepatitis, neuroses, helminthic infestation, and dysbacteriosis.

Doing anything at home is ineffective, since it will only help temporarily normalize intestinal function, but does not guarantee a full recovery.

Complex therapy to eliminate constipation and relieve gases from the intestines includes:

• taking special medications for bloating and increased gas formation;
• increasing physical activity to improve pelvic blood circulation;
• changes in diet and nutrition;
• additional use of safe traditional medicine recipes.

During treatment, it is important to normalize the microflora. Dysbacteriosis can cause regular defecation disorders, leading to constipation and diarrhea, which often alternate, significantly affecting the quality of life.

Diagnostics

Abdominal cramps in the absence of pregnancy continue to bother you for a long time - this is a reason to seek advice from a specialist. Particularly dangerous is pulsating discomfort in the abdominal cavity, which may indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This condition requires urgent medical attention.

Initially, the doctor collects anamnesis: asks when the symptoms appeared, what exactly provokes the symptoms, and whether other signs are observed.

And based on the collected information, additional studies are prescribed to help make an accurate diagnosis:

1. Laboratory tests of blood, urine, feces. With their help, you can notice characteristic changes for a particular disease. A stool test will help identify the presence of parasites and hidden blood, and a blood test will show the level of leukocytes and other blood components, which allow you to assess the condition of the body and identify malfunctions. All laboratory tests can be taken in the laboratory at any clinic for free.

   

2. Ultrasound. Using an ultrasound examination, you can obtain all the information about the organs from the abdominal cavity and pelvis. The cost of the study is 500 rubles.
3. X-ray, MRI and CT. These examination techniques help to significantly expand the picture of the examination, helping to assess the work of each organ layer by layer and identify the reasons for the failures. The cost of the examination varies between 1000-5000 rubles.

In some cases, when making a diagnosis is difficult due to the appearance of nonspecific symptoms, a colonoscopy or biopsy may be additionally recommended.

Abdominal cramps in the absence of pregnancy are treated depending on the diagnosis.

Features of treatment

For constipation and bloating of non-infectious origin, tablets are used to improve peristalsis and reduce the formation of gases. This is Mezim, Espumisan. Laxatives are prescribed when the disorder is acute or chronic. It should be remembered that some laxative medications are contraindicated for constipation. In any case, preference should be given to medicines of natural origin.

After eliminating the root cause under the supervision of a doctor, treatment continues at home:

• tablets are prescribed to improve digestion;
• the diet changes, the rule of food compatibility is observed;
• the diet is supplemented with cereals and liquid dishes;
• Avoid foods that cause bloating - pasta, thick cereals;
• eating more fruits and vegetables;
• Fatty foods, pickles, and marinades are excluded.

Laxatives

The use of laxatives is permissible with the permission of a doctor. They should not be taken for a long time, as the intestines become addictive. Laxatives can be used in the form of tablets, solutions, suppositories, enemas, and drops.

What laxative medications for constipation and bloating can your doctor prescribe:

1. Forlax. It is not addictive, the course of treatment will not affect the normal functioning of the intestines. Produced in powder form for preparing a solution. Indicated for children and adults. Does not weaken tone, normalizes motor skills. The medicine can be used for pregnant women and children over 6 years of age. Cons: the effect occurs only after 48 hours; long-term use disrupts the water-salt balance. Contains flavorings.
2. Lavacol. Can be used for a long time, up to 3 months. Increases the amount of water, thereby improving bowel movements. It does not provoke a burning sensation or other side effects, therefore it is considered safe. Cons: many contraindications, action 2 days after administration, unpleasant taste.
3. Bisacodyl tablets. Laxative with irritant effect. Available in the form of suppositories, powder, tablets at an affordable price. Strengthens motor skills, gives a quick effect within a few hours. Allowed for use from 2 years of age. Cons: not suitable for long-term use, can cause pain in the upper abdomen, has many contraindications, can lead to diarrhea.
4. Guttalax. The drug acts only on the large intestine, solving the problem of bloating and accumulation of feces. Helps normalize intestinal microflora. It acts quickly - within 4-6 hours. Used in the form of drops. Can be added to food; the product has no flavorings. Can be prescribed to children according to indications. Cons: may be addictive, many restrictions, side effects such as nausea, allergies, diarrhea, vomiting, cannot be used for more than 14 days.
5. Duphalac. Laxative also helps against dysbiosis. Duphalac is used for constipation in adults, lactating women, pregnant women, the elderly and children. Normalizes microflora, gives a mild laxative effect, and has few adverse reactions. Disadvantages: does not always help, can cause abdominal distension, and when the dosage increases, it leads to diarrhea. Available in syrup form.
6. Normaze. Syrup, which is indicated for acute and chronic constipation, dysbacteriosis and flatulence. A mild laxative effect occurs within 24 hours, has a detoxifying effect, helps peristalsis, and reduces ammonia levels. Disadvantages: used no longer than 21 days, otherwise the electrolyte balance is disturbed, an allergy to the main component is possible, and can cause side effects in the form of bloating and pain in the upper abdomen.
7. Mucofalk. A herbal preparation with a laxative effect. Eliminates bloating and helps pass stool. Accelerates peristalsis, is compatible with other medications, can be used for a long time, has a mild effect, and does not cause addiction. Cons: the therapeutic effect appears only after a few days; to get the effect you need to drink a lot of water, otherwise constipation, flatulence, and pain in the upper abdomen will occur again.
8. Citrucel. Promotes contractile activity of the intestine, stretching its walls. Used for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Helps normalize bowel movements for a long time, begins to act within a day, and has a mild effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Disadvantages: stretching of the walls leads to the development of flatulence; for atony, the drug is ineffective, has many contraindications, and cannot be taken when the stomach hurts and colitis is observed.

The listed medications for bloating and constipation are effective, but each has its own application and should be prescribed by your doctor. Before treating the intestines, it is important to exclude possible diseases for which drugs are contraindicated.

Nutritional Features

Abdominal bloating and stool retention can be eliminated by eliminating certain foods from the diet. These include dishes that cause excess gas - baked goods, premium flour, beans, strong alcoholic drinks, soda. It is undesirable to eat fried, fatty, canned, or pickled foods. It is better to give up coffee and strong tea. But liquid soups and cereals will be useful for constipation.

When you need to see a doctor urgently

With the onset of constipation, not everyone immediately consults a doctor, and there is nothing to worry about, because the disorder usually goes away on its own without consequences. However, there are a number of conditions in which you need to urgently visit a specialist. Constipation itself is not dangerous, but some of its consequences are so harmful that they can be fatal, and such cases are recorded.

What symptoms should you immediately seek medical help for:

• severe pain in the lower abdomen;
• repeated vomiting, the appearance of blood in it;
• severely swollen belly;
• increased body temperature;
• cramps, headache;
• changes in the shape and color of stool, the appearance of mucus and blood in it.

In advanced cases, surgery may be required. Long-term constipation can lead to intestinal obstruction, when the stomach hurts terribly, but bowel movements are impossible without surgery. If the patient is not helped in time, intestinal rupture may occur. Then the feces come out, causing inflammation of the abdominal cavity, severe poisoning of the body and death.

How to distinguish between normal and dangerous abdominal pain during pregnancy? – baby OK

Minor abdominal pain is common during pregnancy and is rarely a sign that something is wrong.

But, if you have severe abdominal pain during pregnancy, you should seek medical help immediately as it may be due to an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental abruption, or other serious problems.

Find out what these symptoms indicate at different stages of pregnancy and when you should see your doctor.

Abdominal pain and discomfort during pregnancy

Nausea during pregnancy is normal and usually a cause for concern. Morning sickness during pregnancy can begin as early as two to four weeks after fertilization, peaking around 16 weeks and usually subsiding around 22 weeks of pregnancy. Many women who experience morning sickness during pregnancy do not need medication.

If you experience cramps or pain in your stomach (the organ that digests your food), this may be a sign of digestive problems, but is unlikely to be a symptom of a miscarriage.

Digestive problems are common during pregnancy, but you should see a doctor immediately if pregnancy abdominal pain leads to flu-like symptoms (mild fever, muscle aches, headache, etc.). Pregnant women are prone to food poisoning and other infections in the gastrointestinal tract.

Some infections (such as listeria) can cause complications for the baby, even if they are not particularly dangerous for non-pregnant women, so it is best to get checked if you think you may be sick.

General abdominal pain during pregnancy.

If you have general abdominal pain during pregnancy, but not specifically in the stomach, it may be due to a benign cause. Your belly is growing and your organs are moving, so dull pain and tingling sensations are normal. Common reasons are:

• Pain may be felt due to the expansion of the uterus. It is usually not severe and subsides after a few minutes of rest.
• Bloating or constipation often occurs due to high levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy, which slows down digestion.
• Round ligament pain during pregnancy may be felt in the second trimester as this ligament, which runs from the uterus to the groin, is stretched. It may be a sharp stabbing pain when you change position, or it may be a dull ache.
• Braxton Hicks contractions are often painless, but some women may experience discomfort or pain in the second and third trimester when they experience these “training” contractions.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy.

You should seek medical help if you experience pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, accompanied by nausea or vaginal bleeding - these symptoms may indicate a miscarriage.

But abdominal pain can also occur during normal pregnancy.

If you're not bleeding and not experiencing any other symptoms associated with a miscarriage, but you're still having cramps, it never hurts to mention it to your doctor at your next visit.

Specific symptoms of miscarriage vary depending on the individual. Here are some common symptoms of miscarriage:

• Weakness and fatigue.
• Abdominal pain.
• Contractions.
• Fever.
• Bleeding that becomes increasingly severe.
• Backache.

Note that many pregnant women sometimes experience some of these symptoms and do not have a miscarriage. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, or are otherwise concerned, contact your doctor immediately.

Strong pain

If you experience severe pain anywhere in your abdomen during early pregnancy, go to the emergency room. You must ensure that an ectopic pregnancy is ruled out, as this can be life-threatening if left untreated.

In some cases, abdominal pain during pregnancy may indicate placental abruption and other life-threatening complications for both mother and baby that require immediate medical attention.

With abruption, the placenta separates from the uterus after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and you may need to be closely monitored or have your baby delivered early. Abdominal pain during pregnancy can also be a sign of premature labor.

In any case, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Early treatment of complications can make a big difference.

Preeclampsia in pregnancy, a condition that involves high blood pressure and protein in the urine, can also cause pain in the upper abdomen. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to multiple organ problems, eclampsia (a condition involving seizures or coma), and poor fetal growth.

In addition to these pregnancy-related causes of severe abdominal pain, you may also experience pain associated with other conditions that need immediate treatment. Some of them occur more frequently during pregnancy, while others are random. These include:

• Appendicitis.
• Gallstones (cholelithiasis).
• Stones in the kidneys.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Pancreatitis.

Conclusion.

Experiencing minor abdominal pain can be part of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about what to expect and what to look for as a sign of a problem, especially if you have a chronic or gastrointestinal condition.

Source: https://malyshok.net/kak-otlichit-normalnye-i-opasnye-boli-v-zhivote-pri-beremennosti/

Prevention recommendations

To prevent excess gas formation and prevent constipation, it is recommended:

• move more, take walks, play your favorite sports;
• review the diet, add more fresh and natural products;
• normalize the psychological state, eliminate stress and anxiety;
• give up alcoholic beverages and smoking;
• drink more fluids during the day;
• Avoid self-medication for gastrointestinal disorders.

Preventing constipation is easy if you follow simple recommendations. If the problem cannot be avoided, you should consult a doctor who will recommend effective medications. New, more effective and safe means are constantly appearing, so proper treatment guarantees recovery without consequences.