what is tightening of the stomach during pregnancy?
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Contractions (belly tightening) are the main sign of labor. They last from 30 to 60 seconds and might feel like period cramps at first. False labor pains (called "Braxton Hicks" contractions) can happen anytime in pregnancy, but are more common toward the end. Here's how to tell if you're in true labor or false labor.
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Causes and treatments. In most cases, a tight stomach is caused by physical factors, such as digestive issues or hormonal changes. The feeling can also be caused by chronic stress. Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, may be helpful in such cases.
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Bloating and a Feeling of Tightness One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of pregnancy before a missed period is bloating or stomach twinges and pulls. These are a result of an increase in progesterone. The increased level of hormones impedes digestion, trapping gas in the intestines.
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Tummy twinges, pinching and pulling Some women experience feelings inside their stomachs in the early stages of pregnancy that replicate the sensation of their muscles being pulled and stretched. Sometimes referred to as 'abdominal twinges', these tingles are nothing to worry about. What else could it be?
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It may feel as if the abdominal muscles are contracting and creating pressure in the stomach. The feeling can come from the abdominal muscles, the stomach wall lining, or the organs surrounding the stomach. The tight sensation is often a temporary discomfort caused by diet or hormones.
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Stomach pain in the third trimester can include gas, constipation, and Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor). While these can cause some abdominal discomfort, they shouldn't cause excessive amounts of pain. Abdominal pain that's more severe and concerning can be caused by: urinary tract infection (UTI)
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Bloating It can be! A boost in progesterone and estrogen is one of the common early pregnancy signs, causing many women to swell up early on, and with it often comes pregnancy gas. Abdominal pain or tightening, bloating, belching and passing gas all accompany pregnancy, sometimes for the entire nine months.
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Abdominal achiness and pains when pregnant. As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, some abdominal achiness is normal. You may experience dull or sharp pains on the sides, bottom, or all over your abdomen.
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Are cramps during pregnancy normal? Some abdominal cramping and stomach pain in pregnancy is common. Early pregnancy cramps can be linked to many run-of-the-mill pregnancy symptoms, including constipation or increased blood flow to the uterus.
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During your second trimester, you may start to feel pain or discomfort in your ribs, tummy or vagina when your baby wriggles around. This is because his growing muscles are becoming stronger, making his movements more powerful.
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Round ligament pain Round ligaments are bands of tissue that hold the uterus in place. As pregnancy progresses, these ligaments stretch, which can cause aches and cramps or sharp pain that occurs on one or both sides of the lower abdomen.
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Lower abdominal cramps Women can also experience abdominal cramps in the early weeks of pregnancy due to the stretching and growing of the uterus. These cramps are usually sporadic and last a couple of weeks.
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"There's an uncomfortable tightening in the stomach during labor, where the whole stomach feels hard," Dr. du Treil says. If your tummy hardens every time you're experiencing pain, it's likely a contraction, not gas.
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Once your abdominal muscles and skin expand during pregnancy, they're never quite as taut again. So as a second pregnancy symptom, "you'll look bigger sooner because your rectus abdominis muscle has already been stretched out," says Dr. Holmstrom.
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Heartburn . During pregnancy, your body produces more of the progesterone hormone which relaxes smooth muscles -- including the ring of muscle in your lower esophagus that normally keeps food and acids down in your stomach. This muscle relaxation can lead to acid reflux, otherwise known as heartburn.
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Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like a tightening in your lower abdomen. The degree of tightness can vary. You may not even notice some mild ones, but stronger contractions may take your breath away.
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Bloating A boost in progesterone and estrogen is one of the common early pregnancy signs, causing many women to swell up early on, and with it often comes pregnancy gas. Abdominal pain or tightening, bloating, belching and passing gas all accompany pregnancy, sometimes for the entire nine months.