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Abdominal and Groin Pain During Pregnancy


One of the most common complaints in women from the first months of pregnancy is pain in the abdomen and groin. These pains, which arise from many different causes, are seen in almost all pregnant women with varying degrees of severity. In mild pains that do not negatively affect daily life, no treatment is required; rest alone is sufficient. However, in pains that are severe enough to disrupt daily routine life, treatment is applied, and even inpatient treatment is required.


When do groin and abdominal pains during pregnancy begin?

A pregnant woman may experience mild abdominal and groin pain from the time her menstrual bleeding is delayed, and pain is felt from time to time during pregnancy and the first trimester. However, in the later months of pregnancy, both the frequency and severity of these pains increase.


Rapid growth of the uterus during pregnancy causes groin and abdominal pain.

There are many different reasons for the abdominal and groin pain that almost every woman experiences during pregnancy. Especially with sudden movements, it feels like a knife is being stabbed into the abdomen and groin. Because as the pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows rapidly and the ligaments around the uterus stretch. While abdominal and groin pain is seen on the right side in most women, it can be felt on both sides, right and left, in some.


Gas, bloating and constipation experienced during pregnancy also cause pain in the abdomen and groin.

Due to the effect of hormones secreted during pregnancy, there are changes in the functions of the woman's metabolism, digestive and excretory systems. For this reason, the kidneys and intestines may slow down, and the food consumed may cause gas and bloating. It is a very natural process for a woman to feel pain in her abdomen and groin, especially in the case of constipation, which is one of the most common complaints of pregnancy.


False labor pains experienced towards the end of pregnancy also cause abdominal pain.

False labor pains, called Braxton-Hicks, cause the expectant mother to feel pain in her abdomen, especially in the last months of pregnancy. In false labor pains, the uterus contracts at frequent intervals, giving the impression that labor is beginning. However, since they pass after a short rest and continue at irregular intervals, it is realized that they are not real labor pains. However, if the pains occur very frequently and do not pass despite rest, a doctor should be consulted as it may be a sign of premature labor.


It is dangerous if abdominal and groin pain is accompanied by bleeding.

Abdominal and groin pain during pregnancy are very common and do not pose a problem unless they are very severe and frequent. However, if these pains are accompanied by little or much vaginal bleeding or a foul-smelling discharge, you should definitely see a doctor without wasting any time.


If abdominal and groin pain is accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting, there may be an infection.

Vaginal discharge is more common during pregnancy than during normal periods. As long as this discharge is odorless and transparent, it does not pose a danger. However, if it is foul-smelling and brownish or reddish in color, it may be a sign of infection or premature birth. Especially if complaints such as high fever, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, pain during urination are accompanied by abdominal and groin pain, a doctor should be consulted with suspicion of infection and treatment should be applied.


Feeling pain in the liver or nearby areas may be a sign of high blood pressure.

Increased blood pressure during pregnancy can cause pain in the upper right side of the expectant mother's abdomen, near the area where the liver is located. However, if nausea, vomiting, headaches and occasionally blurred vision occur, a doctor should be consulted. Because high blood pressure during pregnancy poses a danger to the expectant mother and the baby.


Abdominal and groin pain not related to pregnancy are symptoms of other disorders.

Some illnesses that started before pregnancy and did not show any symptoms before may cause complaints during pregnancy. These illnesses that are not related to pregnancy should be examined to determine exactly what they are caused by and whether they will have a negative effect on the pregnancy. Since the treatments of illnesses are applied according to the cause, it is essential to first determine the cause and then apply treatment. Because appendicitis, stomach ulcers, gallbladder inflammation can also cause abdominal and groin pain, just like routine pregnancy complaints. If there is pain caused by a reason other than pregnancy, applying treatment before the pregnancy process progresses too much will ensure that the pregnancy and birth are more comfortable and healthy. In this context, it is important to examine and treat every complaint and discomfort experienced during pregnancy without wasting time.

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