Women who are pregnant have lots of questions because pregnancy is such a special process and each expectant mother may experience different pains and symptoms. For instance, one lady says she is 10 weeks pregnant and has dull pain in the lower abdomen. Is this normal? Another wants to know if it is typical for her lower abdomen tender to touch during early pregnancy. Still another who tells us, “My lower abdomen hurts. Could I be pregnant?” Unfortunately, there are no one size fits all answers for any of these questions, but we’ll try to answer some of them here.
Is Dull Pain in the Lower Abdomen During Early Pregnancy Normal?
It is normal to feel some cramping and pain in the lower abdomen when you’re pregnant. The uterus is growing and stretching, which causes ligaments and tendons to stretch as well. As long as you don’t experience severe pain or bleeding, everything is probably okay. To ease your mind, however, be sure to ask your obstetrician about your situation.
Should Lower Abdomen Be Tender to Touch During Early Pregnancy?
Many women feel pain in their lower abdomen during early pregnancy. It is usually just a sign of stretching muscles and a growing uterus. It can also be caused by constipation or gas buildup. Abdominal tenderness does occasionally signal a more serious problem, though. It could be an ectopic pregnancy which is when the fertilized egg settles outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube, or of impending miscarriage, especially if it is experienced along with severe cramping or heavy bleeding. If abdominal tenderness is the only symptom, everything is probably fine, but again, when in doubt, ask the obstetrician.
My Lower Abdomen Hurts. Could I Be Pregnant?
There could be many reasons why you have pain in your lower abdomen. Constipation, gas, appendicitis and other medical issues could all be the source of your pain. If you think you could be pregnant, or are experiencing other signs of pregnancy such as a missed period, breast tenderness, or nausea, take a home pregnancy test. Since there are so many conditions that can cause lower abdomen pain, consult your doctor to find out the answer.
Pregnancy can be scary, especially for first time moms. Don’t be afraid to ask your obstetrician about all your fears and worries. That’s what they are there for. Remember, no question is silly. It’s always best to use caution when you are carrying another life within you.
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