13 Causes of Left Side Pain During Pregnancy

Growth of the Baby

In the beginning of pregnancy, there is some minor cramp-like pain around 8 to 12 weeks. This is caused by your uterus starting to stretch out into the surrounding muscles. You will have much stronger feeling if this is your first pregnancy. As your uterus grows out of the pelvic area, the muscles around cause a very sharp pain on either side because it has never been stretched that far.

Round Ligament Pain

The round ligament is the long ligament that connects to the top of the uterus and anchors it down in the groin area. In your second trimester when it begins to stretch up higher, you may feel pelvic pain on either one side. This tends to happen when you get up out of a chair or when you walk.

Relaxin Production

In the later stages of pregnancy, you will notice pain in your joints due to the hormone, relaxin. This hormone causes your muscles and joints to spread apart to make room for your growing baby and the birthing process. You may feel pain in your pelvic area, feet and legs.

Implantation Cramping

One common early cause for pregnant pain on left side is implantation cramping and pain. When the fertilized egg nestles into your uterus, there may be some cramping and a small amount of spotting. It usually goes away after a few days.

Digestive Issues

When you are pregnant, hormones cause changes in your digestive system. This can be one leading cause of pregnant pain on left side of your abdomen. The body naturally slows down digestion to get the most nutrients to you and your baby. This is one of the main causes of constipation, bloating and gas pressure that is compounded by the uterus growing larger and pushing on the intestines, which can cause pain on either side of your stomach.

One thing you should let your doctor know about is if the pain begins after a high fat meal and radiates to the left shoulder or back. This could be gallbladder or pancreatic issues.

Ovarian Cysts

When you ovulate, a type of fluid filled cyst can form where the egg left the ovary. This can be painful any time you get one. If the egg becomes fertilized, the cyst can still form on the ovary it came from and you will experience pain on the side it occurred.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are pretty common during pregnancy and can easily be treated. If left untreated, there could be serious issues, causing pain in the pelvic area near the bladder, burning with urination, back pain and sometimes a fever.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Braxton-Hicks contractions can often cause pain and pressure in the abdomen in the later stages of pregnancy. They usually do not hurt too badly, but they do cause some discomfort. Braxton-Hicks are just “practice” contractions and are usually nothing to worry about unless they become quite regular.

Miscarriage

Another thing that can cause pregnant pain on left side is miscarriage. Between 15% and 20% pregnancies end in miscarriage. Some before women even know they are pregnant, prior to the 13^th week of pregnancy. It usually causes right or left side stomach pain, some bleeding with or without cramping and contractions of the uterus. 

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy can causes pregnant pain on left side. The egg fails to make the trip into the uterus, becomes fertilized in the tube, implants in the tube and begins to grow. This can cause severe abdominal pain on one side. If you have dizziness and severe pain that radiates up to the shoulder, get to an emergency room.

Preterm Labor

If the pain in your abdomen occurs with tightening, you may be having labor contractions. Preterm labor is anywhere before the 37^th week of pregnancy and should be evaluated at the hospital. The pain may be accompanied by a dull backache and discharge. Contact your doctor if this type of pain occurs.

Placental Abruption

When the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth, it is known as placental abruption. This can be fatal for both baby and mother and a dire medical emergency. If you have pregnant pain on left side that is very severe and doesn’t get better, it needs to be evaluated immediately.

Preeclampsia

This is a medical condition during pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and urinary protein. It usually comes on after 20 weeks and can be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pressure. It usually requires bed rest and close medical supervision.

If you have any of the below symptoms, take note and call your doctor. If you have severe bleeding or pain and you cannot walk, you need to call 911. Watch for these symptoms with abdominal pain:

• Chills and Fever

• Trouble urinating

• Trouble walking

• Pain that does not go away with rest

• Spotting that soaks more than 2 to 3 pads an hour

• Water leakage from the vagina

If you experience pregnant pain on left side or even the right, you may get relief with the 5 following tips shown in this video: