What causes upper stomach pain while pregnant?
Victoria Simmons
Updated on March 26, 2026
What causes upper stomach pain while pregnant?
High levels of progesterone are relaxing your intestinal muscles, so gas may happen at any point in your pregnancy. You may experience it even more than usual toward the end of your pregnancy when your enlarged uterus puts extra strain on your muscles and slows digestion.
What pains are normal at 7 months pregnant?
Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 7 Months Pregnant
- Sciatica. As your uterus grows, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can then cause hip or lower back pain.
- Pelvic pain. Pregnancy hormones do strange and unexpected things to your body.
- Constipation.
- Braxton Hicks contractions.
- Fatigue.
- Bleeding or spotting.
Is stomach pain normal at 7 months pregnant?
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)
Is it normal to have pain at the top of your stomach?
Pain in the upper abdomen can often be attributed to temporary problems such as indigestion or gas. Persistent or severe upper abdominal pain may be related to other digestive tract conditions or to conditions of the body wall, blood vessels, kidneys, heart, or lungs.
Do contractions start at the top of the uterus?
Contractions usually begin at the top of the uterus (above your belly button) and feel like a tightening or hardening of a muscle. Your uterus will get harder as the tightness increases to a peak. Then the uterus relaxes or softens as the contraction ends.
What should be avoided during 7th month of pregnancy?
Healthcare professionals recommend limiting or completely avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and undercooked meat and eggs during pregnancy.
Can contractions be in upper abdomen?
Women usually feel real contractions in the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and lower back. They are accompanied by pain and the feeling of a hardening of the uterus.
When should I worry about upper abdominal pain?
In most cases, it is safe to wait and see if upper stomach pain goes away without treatment. If the pain persists or gets worse, it is best to see a doctor. See a doctor within 24 hours if: Vomiting lasts longer than 12 hours.
How can I relieve upper abdominal pain?
Remedies for upper stomach pain
- Heating pad. Apply a heating pad or bottle to your stomach for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Not lying flat. If you are experiencing upper stomach pain as a symptom of indigestion, gas, or bloating, lying flat can aggravate your discomfort.
- Enough water.
- Ginger.
- Mint.
- Cinnamon.
Why do my ribs hurt third trimester?
Third trimester: Rib pain tends to continue later in pregnancy, when the uterus is expanding in earnest and putting more pressure on the ribs. Your baby is also growing bigger — and likely throwing a few jabs or kicks into your ribs too.