Are you EXPECTING A BABY?
Congratulations! Pregnancy is the most beautiful journey a woman can experience during her lifetime!

Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, but it is also a time with strange physical symptoms. Many pregnant women experience Abdominal Tightening during pregnancy, also called “stomach tightening during pregnancy” because of which they worried, about the baby or worry that you are having premature labor. Tightness may occur in lower abdomen during early pregnancy. Tightness in stomach during pregnancy third trimester that spreads across your abdomen can be a matter of concern—is it a cramp? or a contraction?

Read on to learn what cause abdominal tightening during pregnancy, what you can do about it, and when to call the doctor.

Abdominal tightening is normal during pregnancy. Some women also start feeling tightness in the stomach during pregnancy second trimester itself. There are many reasons for the abdomen to tighten during pregnancy, which vary, depending on different trimesters. As pregnancy advances, the abdomen tends to feel stiff and tightened. As days pass, the discomfort may escalate as the stomach becomes hard like a rock. The heaviness and tightening of abdomen are likely just signs of your baby growing and your uterus taking up more space in your body. With a tight stomach in the second trimester, you may experience round ligament pain or sharp pain in your abdomen. In the third trimester, abdominal tightening could be a sign of labor.

Women often say they felt a sharp kick from the baby or a lot of activity right before contractions started. Your activity also can trigger contractions. Whether you’re moving into a new house or just getting the nursery ready, extra movement – especially lifting – can bring on Braxton Hicks .

It is always a good idea to talk to the doctor and take advice in an individual case.

Let’s see what are common causes of abdominal tightening in different trimesters

Abdominal Tightening During First Trimester

Stretching
As your uterus is growing and stretching to accommodate the growing fetus, it causes stomach tightening during early pregnancy shooting pains along the sides due to stretching of ligaments and other tissues.

Gas or Constipation
Stomach hardening during pregnancy can also be caused by gas, a common pregnancy side effect. You may get gassy because of hormone changes that slow the rate at which food passes through your digestive tract, so food spends more time in the intestines, giving normal bacteria that live there more time to produce gas. It causes cramping which can be painful. Constipation is a common complaint in early pregnancy, due to changing pregnancy hormones which slow down the gastrointestinal tract and also the iron in the prenatal supplement can harden stool and make it difficult to pass stool. Both gas and constipation can sometimes make it feel as if the abdomen is tightening.

Miscarriage
Rarely tightness in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy may signal a miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
Keep a check on other signs of a miscarriage-

  • Mild to severe back pain
  • Red or brown vaginal bleeding
  • Cramping
  • Vaginal discharge of tissue or clots

It is important to get regular prenatal care to keep a check on the mother’s health and baby’s development. Call your doctor in case of any vaginal bleeding.

Abdominal Tightening During Second Trimester
Tightness in the stomach during pregnancy second trimester occurs as your uterus grows, it pushes against the abdominal wall, making the abdomen feel firm. The muscles and ligaments around your uterus stretch, too, which can cause mild cramping. As stretching along the sides of the uterus continues, the round ligament, located on either side of the uterus connects the uterus to the groin. These ligaments also stretch and cause abdominal tightening, occurring more while changing position, like sitting to standing or bending down.

The extra weight of pregnancy often becomes more noticeable in the second trimester. As your pregnancy progresses, the uterus puts more and more pressure on the lower body, triggering abdominal tightening. You may feel the uterus contract and periodically tighten during the second trimester. These are known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, false labor, or practice contractions, which help prepare your uterus for the hard work of labor and childbirth. They help to tone uterine muscles and promote blood flow to the placenta. Braxton Hicks contractions are normal and last for around 20 to 60 seconds. They are not as painful as regular contractions but make you feel uncomfortable.

It is important to mention them to the doctor at prenatal visits. Your doctor can help determine whether they are Braxton Hicks, or if they could be a sign of preterm labor.

It is important to call your doctor if:

  • Contractions get stronger
  • Not relieved by rest or drinking water
  • You have fluid leaking from the vagina
  • There is vaginal bleeding

Abdominal Tightening During Third Trimester
Many of you may experience tightness in stomach during pregnancy third trimester which can be due to Braxton Hick contractions. Braxton Hick contractions increase in strength and frequency during the third trimester, common during the last few weeks as the uterus prepares for childbirth. You need to notice and keep track of them.

Things you can do to relieve the pain and stretching-

  • Drinking a glass of water: Dehydration is a common trigger for Braxton Hicks contractions.
  • Using the bathroom: Having a full bladder is associated with increased Braxton-Hick contractions and emptying the bladder can stop the contractions.
  • Changing positions: Body position can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. Try shifting positions or lying down. It is helpful to avoid getting up too quickly from bed or other positions.
  • Drinking a cup of tea or warm milk: Warm milk or herbal tea can be both relaxing and hydrating.
  • Taking a warm bath or shower: Helps relax tired or achy muscles, including the uterus.

Labor vs. Braxton Hicks Contractions
Many pregnant women have gone to the hospital if they experience Braxton Hick contractions. There are a few differences you need to know, for avoiding the same things happening to you.

When To See Your Doctor?
If you are concerned about abdomen tightening or contractions during pregnancy, or any other symptoms, you must call her doctor. Your doctor won’t mind if it’s a false alarm. It’s always better to be on the safe side. While many cases of stomach tightening can be attributed to Braxton Hicks contractions or growing pains, there’s always a slight chance it may be the real deal. Your doctor can set your mind at ease if it’s a false alarm. If you’re in labor, they can help safely deliver your baby.

If you’re in high-risk pregnancy, get in touch right away! Also, if the tightening of abdomen is happening more than four times an hour, then definitely give your doctor a call.

Note: This is general information, and it is essential to contact the doctor or go to the hospital with any questions or concerns.

Reference:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/…
https://parenting.firstcry.com/…
https://parenting.firstcry.com/…