Side Pains - Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

Don't Worry - It's Common

Getting used to the idea of being pregnant can take a while, especially when there is "nothing to show for it" initially. Waiting for the baby bump to rise takes time, and it is often during this waiting period that certain pains and cramping take place, sometimes causing worry for a newly pregnant woman.

The good news, if we can call it that, is that abdominal pain during pregnancy is not an uncommon occurrence. Considering all of the hormonal and physical changes a woman's body must go through to accommodate a pregnancy, it is understandable that she will be more prone than usual to conditions that lead to abdominal pain.

Side Pain In Early Pregnancy

Early pregnancy side pains are very common and usually make their debut when the embryo implants in the uterus. A menstrual-type cramping with a bit of blood loss often occurs during implantation, and depending upon the side the baby implants, the pain will be localized on that particular side.

Ruling out an ectopic pregnancy is important and assuming all is well, then other reasons for early pregnancy side pains can be the position of the uterus or stretching of ligaments. Some uteri are tilted forward, others backward, and some are misshapen. Depending upon the position and state of the uterus, pain may be localized to one side or the other and the woman will experience pain as the uterus grows with the baby.

Pregnancy Right Side or Left Side Pain Can Be Serious

If the pain is primarily felt on the right side during pregnancy, it could indicate a serious problem, such as appendicitis or a tubal pregnancy in the right fallopian tube. Gall stones and kidney stones can project right side pain as can an ovarian cyst.

Right side pain in pregnancy can be caused by bowel issues, constipation, a hernia, or even food poisoning. However, sometimes the pain is nothing more than trapped gas or a pulled muscle.

When the pain is felt primarily on the left side during pregnancy it could be an overlap from a right side issue, or it could be something more serious. Organ and structural diseases of organs found on the left side of the abdomen can generate a great deal of pain.

The spleen, pancreas, stomach, part of the colon, one of the two kidneys, and the adrenal gland are found in the region.

Also, if there is an ectopic pregnancy in the left fallopian tube, or a problem with the left ovary, then the pain will be pregnancy left side pain. Once again, ligaments, muscles, and constipation can all generate pain as well.