Causes of Right Side Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

 

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also comes with many changes in a woman's body that can result in various aches and pains. One common complaint is pain on the right side of the abdomen. While not always serious, it's important to understand the possible causes so you can know when to see a doctor. In this blog post, we will explore the common and less common reasons for right sided abdominal pain during pregnancy.

Introduction

During pregnancy, women experience dramatic changes as the body adjusts to accommodate the growing baby. Hormones like relaxin loosen the body's ligaments and joints, weight gain puts extra pressure on the torso, and organs get displaced as the uterus expands. It's no wonder abdominal pain is a frequent occurrence.

Pain on the right side is common because of the location of certain organs like the liver, gallbladder, and appendix on that side. The pain can range from mild to more severe, and the characteristics and associated symptoms can help identify the cause. While there are many harmless explanations, some require medical attention to rule out dangerous complications.

Muscle Strain

As the pregnant belly grows, the extra weight puts a strain on the abdominal muscles. Round ligament pain is a common cause of right sided discomfort. The round ligaments connect the uterus to the groin, and the uterus expanding can stress these ligaments.

Sudden movements like coughing or rolling over in bed can also exacerbate muscle strain. The pain is usually sharp and stabbing when it occurs. Resting and changing positions often helps alleviate this type of temporary pain.

Digestive Upset

Pressure from the expanding uterus can also slow down digestion and lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, and constipation. Heartburn and acid reflux are common pregnancy complaints as well. These can all potentially cause abdominal pain, including on the right side.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals and limiting gas-producing foods can help. Staying well hydrated, exercising, and taking antacids are other ways to find relief. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about safe medications you can take.

Gallbladder Issues

Pregnant women are at increased risk for developing gallstones. The hormone estrogen causes the liver to remove more cholesterol from the blood, leading to a buildup in the gallbladder. When gallstones block the ducts, they can cause inflammation and pain.

Gallbladder pain manifests on the right side, usually after consuming a high-fat meal. Nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice may also occur. Diagnostic testing like an ultrasound can check for gallstones, and surgery may be required if medication and dietary changes don't help.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. There are often no early warning signs, but abdominal pain on one side along with vaginal bleeding can indicate an ectopic pregnancy.

This is a serious condition that threatens the mother's health and requires swift medical intervention. Surgery is typically needed to stop the abnormal pregnancy from damaging other organs.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix, which sits on the right side of the abdomen. It affects about 1 in 1,500 pregnant women. If appendicitis isn't diagnosed promptly, it can lead to rupture and dangerous complications.

Right sided abdominal pain is a hallmark symptom. It may start near the belly button before localizing to the lower right section. Nausea, vomiting, fever, and an inability to pass gas are other signs. Surgery to remove the inflamed appendix before it bursts is the standard treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs are the most common bacterial infection during pregnancy, and they frequently come with no obvious symptoms. If the infection spreads to the kidneys though, side pain and back pain can result.

Urgent and frequent urination, pain with urination, fever and chills are other potential UTI indicators. Left untreated, a kidney infection can cause early labor contractions. Catching and treating a UTI early with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor is key.

Preeclampsia

This serious condition involves high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems, usually arising in the late 2nd or 3rd trimester. Right upper quadrant pain can be an important warning sign, signaling liver dysfunction.

Headaches, blurred vision, and swelling in the face and hands are other preeclampsia red flags. It can be managed safely if caught early, but premature delivery is sometimes needed to prevent complications like seizures and stroke. Close monitoring and certain medications can help prolong the pregnancy.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy are benign, certain symptoms warrant urgent medical care. You should go to the ER or call 911 if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Fever over 100.4°F
• Nausea/vomiting not relieved by medication
• Lightheadedness, fainting, seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Reduced fetal movement

Rapid treatment for potentially life-threatening issues like placental abruption, sepsis, preterm labor, or HELLP syndrome improves outcomes for both mother and baby. Don't hesitate to seek help right away with alarming symptoms.

Conclusion

During pregnancy, mild right side abdominal pain with no other issues is usually nothing to be concerned about. However, severe or persistent pain should never be ignored. Likewise, associated symptoms like fever, nausea, and vaginal bleeding warrant medical evaluation.

While most causes are harmless perturbations from the physical changes of pregnancy, some can indicate emergent complications. By understanding the wide range of potential explanations, you can have informed discussions with your healthcare provider about evaluating your symptoms and determining if treatment is needed. Paying attention to your body and your baby's signals will help ensure you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

References

[1] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Frequently asked questions: Special procedures. Retrieved from

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2022). Ectopic pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088

[3] March of Dimes. (2018). Appendicitis during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/appendicitis-during-pregnancy.aspx

[4] Stanford Children's Health. (n.d.). Urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=urinary-tract-infection-uti-in-pregnancy-85-P02486