Pregnancy 36 weeks left side of abdomen hurts. Left side hurts during pregnancy: causes and treatment

Most often, pain on the left side during pregnancy is caused by the growth of the uterus, fetus or hormonal changes. This causes discomfort, but does not have serious health consequences.

Common reasons include:

  • Spasms

Sometimes, shortly after ovulation, during which conception occurred, cramps occur. They last 1-2 days, during which a small brown discharge or light bleeding may appear.

  • Gas, bloating, constipation

During pregnancy, hormones are released that slow down digestion. Also, due to the growth of the uterus, pressure on the intestines increases, which leads to gas formation, bloating and constipation. Sometimes prenatal vitamins and iron supplements can cause constipation.

  • Round ligament sprain

The round ligament is one of those that surrounds and supports the uterus during pregnancy (it connects the front of the uterus to the groin area). The ligament usually stretches and relaxes slowly, so the growth of the uterus and the associated sprain of the ligaments, as well as any rapid movements (sneezing, coughing) can cause a sharp or prolonged dull pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes on the left side. This pain is observed in the second trimester of pregnancy.

  • Braxton Hicks contractions

They are a common cause of pain from mid-pregnancy to 37 weeks. These contractions (also called “false contractions”) are caused by tension in the muscles of the uterus that do not dilate the cervix. They are often painless, but may cause some discomfort in the lower left abdominal area. Unlike regular contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions are rare.

How to relieve pain

There are several simple remedies you can use to relieve pain:

  1. Drink plenty of fluids (lack of fluid or dehydration can lead to Braxton Hicks contractions).
  2. Change your body position. Sometimes a more comfortable position can help relieve pain.
  3. Change your diet.

Adding fiber to your diet, eating smaller meals and special exercises will help you fight constipation. You can also consult your doctor about using safe laxatives.

Massage not only helps reduce pain, but also calms the nerves and relaxes the body.

Warmth – A warm bath, heating pad, or hot water bottle can help with abdominal pain.

Pain in the left side as a cause for concern

Causes of pain on the left side that are dangerous for pregnancy and require immediate medical treatment:

Ectopic pregnancy

Early in pregnancy, the cause of pain on the left side may be an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus. If treated incorrectly and untimely, this condition threatens the life of the woman and child.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy: pain in the abdominal or pelvic area that increases during sudden activities, bowel movements, or even coughing, as well as red or brown bleeding.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are quite common and usually do not cause any harm to the fetus or the woman. But it is important to control the size of the cysts, as large formations can cause pressure on the lower abdomen. If the cyst is large or twisted, your doctor may decide to remove it.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts: Similar to pregnancy symptoms - nausea, vomiting, pain and bloating, so doctors are especially careful to monitor women who present with these symptoms.

Miscarriage

If a pregnancy is terminated in the first 20 weeks, it is called a miscarriage.

Signs of miscarriage: bleeding, heavy or light, cramping, usually starting soon after bleeding. Sharp pain in the lower back or pressure in the pelvic area may occur.

Premature birth

Begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Signs– unusual pain in the lower back, cramps or pain in the abdomen, uterine contractions occurring 4 or more times within 1 hour, bleeding or discharge that is different from normal - watery, mixed with mucus or blood.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complex disease of pregnancy that occurs after 20 weeks.

Symptoms- include high blood pressure and protein in the urine. With mild preeclampsia, a woman may experience swelling due to fluid retention, which leads to increased weight gain. Severe preeclampsia causes headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.

Try adjusting your diet for side pain

Urinary tract infections

Possible symptoms of the disease include pain in the pelvic area, usually above the pubic bone, bloody urine, often with a strange, unpleasant odor, and frequent urination. Untreated infection can lead to kidney infection or premature birth. If a urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys, you experience pain in the lower back or side, a fever, nausea and vomiting, and there is pus or blood in the urine.

Placental abruption

An extremely life-threatening condition that occurs when the placenta separates, partially or completely, from the uterus before birth. Bleeding may occur, but in some cases there is no bleeding until the water breaks. In this case, the amniotic fluid will be mixed with blood. Bleeding may be accompanied by soreness of the uterus, decreased fetal mobility, and back pain. Immediate medical intervention is required.

Other reasons

There are factors for pain in the left side that are not directly related to pregnancy, but require special treatment:

  • food poisoning;
  • appendicitis;
  • intestinal flu;
  • hepatitis;
  • sand and kidney stones;
  • pancreatitis;
  • gallbladder diseases and stones in it;
  • uterine fibroids;
  • intestinal obstruction;
  • diaphragmatic hernia.

The process of bearing a child rarely goes completely smoothly. And it is natural to experience certain pain sensations during the gestational period. However, when the pain affects the left side, the expectant mother should show increased attention in order to separate physiological discomfort from possible pathology.

Natural pain in the left side of pregnant women

Pregnancy leaves its mark on the functioning of almost all organs of the female body, especially since many of them are located next to the uterus in the abdominal cavity.

The hormone progesterone begins its work from the earliest stages. It relaxes the uterine muscles, and at the same time the gastrointestinal muscles. As a result, food digestion slows down, peristalsis worsens - there is a feeling of a full stomach and excessive gas formation - flatulence. These conditions often manifest themselves as pain in both the left and right sides. The situation is aggravated by poor nutrition (introduction of a large number of flour dishes into the diet, insufficient consumption of fiber and liquid, large portions of food).


Due to the work of progesterone in the early stages, pregnant women often suffer from flatulence.

In addition, minor pain (in both the left and right lower abdomen) can cause stretching of the muscles of the uterus and the ligaments that support it. This is due to the constant growth of the muscular organ.

From the second trimester, the uterus already becomes quite large and begins to compress the organs located in the abdominal cavity, including intestinal loops. Many pregnant women begin to suffer from constipation, accompanied by pain. Relief occurs only after bowel movement. In addition, the uterus also compresses the ureters, which makes it difficult to separate urine and provokes pain in both sides, radiating to the lower back (only one ureter may be affected, for example, the left one - then the pain will be localized on the left).

As a result of the increased load on the female vascular system, the spleen becomes oversaturated with blood, thus enlarging. This can also cause pain in the left side.

In the third trimester, the even more grown uterus rises, its bottom begins to put pressure on the stomach with the pancreas, as well as the diaphragm (accordingly, the pain spreads to the upper abdomen). At this stage, the fetus is already large and actively moving, which also sometimes provokes unpleasant sensations in the mother.
Over long periods of time, pain can also be caused by active movements of the fetus.

When discomfort in the left side occurs after the 38th week and the pain becomes cramping in nature, then we can already talk about the beginning of labor.

Video: why a pregnant woman’s left and right side may hurt (explains the obstetrician)

Pathological causes of pain in the left side when carrying a child

In some situations, severe discomfort in the side can signal a serious malfunction in the female body. Most often, some kind of disorder exists even before pregnancy, and during the gestational period, increased load gives impetus to the exacerbation of the disease.

In general, a pregnant woman should be extremely attentive to any pain in the abdominal area, because many important organs are localized in this area. In the left side, two zones should be roughly distinguished: the upper square and the lower abdomen (pelvic organs).

Pain in the upper quadrant

In the upper left region of the abdomen there are such significant organs as the stomach with the pancreas, the diaphragm and the spleen, and in addition, part of the intestinal loops.


The upper left square contains the important digestive organs, spleen and diaphragm.

An expectant mother may potentially face the following problems:

  1. Gastritis. This is an inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa. The pain is aching and occurs mainly after eating. This symptom is often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, nausea, and belching. The pathology is aggravated, again, under the influence of hormonal factors and due to a passion for heavy foods (spicy, fried and smoked, too salty and sour dishes). The danger of the disease is that, if left untreated, it can develop into an ulcer (and this is a direct threat to life), and is also a predisposing factor for the development of the oncological process.
  2. Pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas. This small organ is located behind the stomach (slightly lower) and has the function of external secretion - it secretes juice rich in digestive enzymes and participates in metabolic processes. With the development of pathology, enzymes are not transformed into the digestive tract, but remain in the gland - they self-digest. A woman in such a situation usually feels a cutting pain in the left hypochondrium, radiating to the back. At the same time, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and possibly an increase in temperature occur.
  3. Pathologies of the spleen. The hematopoietic organ can increase not only due to the physiological load on the vessels during pregnancy, but also as a result of the disease. So, with infectious mononucleosis, the spleen enlarges and softens, which provokes pain in the left side. The mortal danger is that the organ can rupture, especially since it is located close to the surface of the body. A symptom of rupture is bluish discoloration of the skin to the left of the navel. By the way, a rupture can also occur due to injury or bruise.
  4. Diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm is the partition that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. It has a small opening for the esophagus, and due to weakening of the muscles that regulate it, the stomach may partially end up in an unusual chest cavity. The transfusion of its acid into the esophagus, as well as uncharacteristic compression of the stomach and neighboring organs, causes a certain amount of pain.

Photo gallery: pathologies that cause pain in the upper left square

If the opening of the diaphragm is stretched, part of the stomach can enter the chest cavity. In some diseases, the spleen softens and enlarges, which can rupture. In pancreatitis, pancreatic enzymes are not transported, but begin to digest themselves. Gastritis is characterized by aching pain that appears after eating.

Pain in the left lower abdomen

Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen is sometimes caused by pathologies of the reproductive organs, such as:


Pyelonephritis

When carrying a child, the organs of the urinary system experience increased stress: an increase in the volume of fluid circulating in the body forces them to work with double force. Thus, the kidneys become much more vulnerable to infections, and a serious disease can develop - pyelonephritis. The paired organs are localized in the lumbar region, on both sides of the spine, they are adjacent to the peritoneum, therefore, when the left kidney is inflamed, the pain can radiate, respectively, to the left side (namely its lower part).

Often pyelonephritis occurs against the background of cystitis, when the disease is left to chance or is not completely treated.


Pain in the left side can be caused by pyelonephritis

Another condition that could potentially cause pain in the lower left side of the abdomen is appendicitis. The growing uterus puts pressure on the appendix and thereby provokes the development of the inflammatory process. And although the rudimentary appendix is ​​located on the right, in acute illness pain in the left side cannot be ruled out.

Symptoms of appendicitis can be suspected by sharp stabbing pain, attacks of nausea and vomiting, and hyperthermia.
A pregnant woman, like any person, can develop appendicitis at any time.

Diagnosis for pain

When abdominal pain appears on the left, a pregnant woman should be very attentive to her condition and try to assess the nature of the discomfort. If these are physiological pain sensations during pregnancy, then they are usually short-term and not very pronounced. Otherwise, pathology should be suspected.

Some diseases can be recognized independently. For example, with gastritis (especially if it is chronic), discomfort will appear after eating, and the pain will be aching, accompanied by nausea and belching. Other pathologies can only be diagnosed by a doctor based on existing symptoms and additional examinations.

A pregnant woman must inform her gynecologist about any discomfort in the left side, describing in detail the accompanying symptoms. He will understand the situation and, if necessary, refer the woman for a consultation with a specialist: a surgeon or gastroenterologist. Further examination will be scheduled depending on the suspected diagnosis. For example, if you suspect pyelonephritis, you will need a urine test and an ultrasound of the kidneys. FGDS (fibrogastroduodenoscopy of the stomach) can confirm or exclude the presence of gastritis. In case of pancreatitis, a blood test for diastase will be indicative (determines the level of the biological enzyme necessary for digesting food).
Depending on the expected diagnosis, doctors prescribe additional examinations for the pregnant woman.

Treatment

Depending on the identified disease, the doctor will prescribe treatment for the expectant mother that is appropriate for her situation. For example, with pyelonephritis and many sexually transmitted infections, antibacterial therapy will be needed. In case of exacerbation of gastritis, it is enough to follow an appropriate diet: a categorical refusal of spicy, fatty, fried foods, split meals.

For pancreatitis, it is recommended to take enzyme agents (Mezim, Creon, Festal, etc.), antacids (Almagel, Gaviscon) to reduce stomach acidity.

If pain is of a physiological nature, the pregnant woman’s condition can also be alleviated. For example, for constipation that occurs from compression of the intestines by the uterus, you can use laxatives and foods with a laxative effect: prunes, beets, pure vegetable oil before meals. In case of flatulence in the early stages, it is worth including more fresh vegetables and fruits and fermented milk products in the menu. Pain associated with uterine distension can be relieved by taking approved antispasmodics (for example, No-Shpy) with the obligatory agreement of the attending physician.

When emergency medical intervention is required

Some conditions require urgent medical attention because they can threaten the life of the woman and child. This is a rupture or suspected rupture of the spleen or ovarian cysts, appendicitis, or ectopic pregnancy. When pain in the left side combined with bleeding indicates an incipient miscarriage, the pregnant woman also needs to be taken to the hospital as quickly as possible.

The reason to call an ambulance is a sharp, unbearable pain that does not go away within half an hour. If there is uterine bleeding, you should call a doctor immediately.
Some conditions that cause pain in the left side require immediate medical attention

Before the ambulance arrives, the woman needs to lie down and not make sudden movements.

What not to do if you have pain

If abdominal pain occurs (single or periodic), a pregnant woman should be careful and take into account the following recommendations:

  • pain of an incomprehensible nature cannot be “stifled” by taking analgesics (without the consent of the doctor);
  • It is unacceptable to self-medicate, including folk remedies;
  • It is forbidden to apply a heating pad to the stomach. Heat can only intensify the inflammatory process and provoke, for example, rupture of a cyst. In addition, it can cause bleeding and cause a miscarriage;
  • If you have digestive problems, pregnant women should not have an enema: this can cause uterine tone and premature birth.

Pregnancy is an unusual time for any woman, during which her body undergoes significant changes not only physiologically, but also psychologically. A woman is preparing to become a mother, experiences positive emotions and is looking forward to meeting her baby.

Even during a normal pregnancy, the expectant mother experiences not only positive emotions, but also feels a lot of anxiety. Due to the increased load on a woman’s body during pregnancy, she may experience pain of varying intensity and location. Many expectant mothers note that their lower left side hurts during pregnancy at different stages. Is this a dangerous signal, what is the right thing to do in this situation, and is it worth worrying about the child’s health with such symptoms?

Organs located on the left side of the body

Very often, pain in the abdominal area in a pregnant woman causes an increased level of stress on the entire body of the expectant mother. The abdomen is home to many internal vital organs. On the left side, the spleen, pancreas, and kidneys can cause concern. In addition, the feeling of pain in the left side of the body can be caused by the presence of inflammatory processes, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as well as severe sprain of the ligaments that support the uterus.

When the left side of the lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, you should consult a specialist to rule out the possibility of various diseases. If a woman feels bright and sharp pain for more than 20-30 minutes, it is necessary to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible.

Types of pain in the left side

Representing not an independent phenomenon, but a message about the presence of malfunctions in the body, pain syndrome has several causes that cause its appearance. The abdominal region is conventionally divided by specialists into 4 parts, which makes it possible to divide unpleasant sensations in this area into types. Depending on where the left side hurts during pregnancy, the intensity of the discomfort can be very pronounced or vague. The pain may be:
  • Peritoneal, which is acute and piercing in nature. Intensifies when turning and various movements;
  • Visceral. It is distinguished by its duration and “aching” character. This option usually occurs when the functioning of the stomach and digestive system is impaired;
  • “Wandering”, without a specific place of manifestation;
  • Irradiating, which can appear in the area of ​​healthy organs.
Brief discomfort that does not occur regularly should not cause great concern to the expectant mother, since they are most likely due to the growth and development of the fetus.

Why does my left side hurt during pregnancy?

Some expectant mothers note that their left side hurts in the early stages. Such unpleasant sensations can be explained by changes occurring in a woman’s endocrine system. Progestron, a pregnancy hormone, has a relaxing effect on the muscle tissue of the pelvic and digestive organs. In this case, the uterus stretches, which leads to the appearance of a slight nagging pain in the abdominal area. It is important to clarify that if your left side hurts during pregnancy and these sensations are accompanied by bloody discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may indicate a lack of progesterone and the threat of miscarriage.

In the second trimester, the body of the unborn child grows rapidly. The mother's body also undergoes changes. The spleen and uterus increase in volume, which leads to increased pressure on the bladder and intestines. This can lead to discomfort in the left side.
The third trimester is also a period of accelerated growth for the unborn baby. Pain under the ribs occurs when the baby rises high. When the baby's head drops down, pain in the back of the lumbar region begins to disturb, and when the pelvic bones diverge - girdle pain.

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen during pregnancy: main causes

The left side hurts under the ribs during pregnancy for a variety of reasons. There are some that are most common:
  1. Flatulence. Excessive formation of gases can be caused not only by an increase in progesterone levels or mechanical pressure of the fetus on the intestinal loops, which significantly complicates its peristalsis, but also by an unbalanced and irregular diet. The daily diet of a pregnant woman should be rich in all necessary substances, rich in fruits and vegetables.
  2. Pyelonephritis. If your left side hurts during pregnancy, and there is discomfort even in the back, this may be a sign that an inflammatory process is occurring in the kidneys.
  3. Appendicitis. This pathology can cause pain in the left side of the abdomen, but this happens quite rarely. As the uterus increases in size, it puts pressure on the appendix, and this can lead to the development of inflammation in it, which leads to appendicitis.
  4. Gastritis. Promotes the appearance of pain in the upper left half of the abdomen. Often accompanied by belching, nausea, and stomach pain. If these symptoms appear, it is recommended to undergo all tests, based on the results of which a specialist will select a treatment that is safe for the baby.
  5. Pancreatitis. Symptoms, which are often confused with manifestations of toxicosis, are evidence of the development of inflammation of the pancreas. If a pregnant woman at any stage experiences pain in the left side that radiates to the hypochondrium, this may indicate the development of pancreatitis. In this case, the body temperature often rises, the general condition worsens, nausea appears, and possibly bloating.
In addition to the above reasons, which make it possible to understand why the left side hurts during pregnancy, a feeling of discomfort can be caused by disturbances in the functioning of the spleen and a hernia of the diaphragm.
There are a number of pathologies that lead to pain in the lower left abdomen. The main ones are the following:
  1. Ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes severe pain in the lower left abdomen that occurs during early pregnancy indicates that the fetus is located outside the uterus.
  2. Cyst. The appearance of a corpus luteum cyst will lead to swelling, frequent urination, and intestinal problems. Enlargement of the cyst leads to prolonged and intense pain.
  3. Ovarian tumors. As tumors grow, compression occurs on internal organs and their nerve endings. This leads to abdominal pain.
  4. Infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, contributing to the development of inflammation accompanied by pain.
  5. Oophoritis, or inflammation of the appendages, manifests itself as both prolonged and sudden sharp pain.
If the left side hurts in the early stages of pregnancy, this may be a signal of an incipient miscarriage. Especially if the pain is cramping and throbbing in nature.

Left side hurts during pregnancy: what to do

If sudden pain occurs, many doctors recommend taking a no-shpa tablet, which will help relieve the spasm. Afterwards, you should take the most comfortable position (it is best to lie down) and carefully listen to your feelings.

In some cases, constipation may be the cause of stabbing pain. In this case, a laxative will help get rid of unpleasant sensations.

Thus, the answer to the question of whether the left side can hurt during pregnancy is obvious. In some cases, pain is caused by changes associated with the process of bearing a child, and sometimes it can cause serious disorders and diseases.

The onset of pregnancy opens a new chapter in a woman’s life, filled with joy and excitement, anxiety of the unknown and a feeling of boundless happiness.

It is natural to experience some pain during pregnancy. They have different localization and intensity, and can be a manifestation of physiological conditions or serious disorders. In any case, they should be given attention, especially if they affect the abdominal area. Why does the left side hurt during pregnancy and what should a pregnant woman do in this case?

Pain syndrome is not an independent phenomenon, but a signal of some kind of failure. When it comes to the abdomen, you should be extremely careful, since several organs are localized in it. Most often, disruption of their functioning occurred even before pregnancy. The increased load on the body only exacerbated these ailments. The conditional division of the peritoneal area into 4 parts makes it possible to differentiate discomfort in its left part into unpleasant sensations in the upper and lower areas.

Left side hurts during pregnancy: causes

Based on where the left side hurts during pregnancy, the localization of unpleasant sensations can be more pronounced or may be blurred, alternately covering the entire left side of the abdomen.

Flatulence

Among the causes that provoke pain in the abdomen on the left, a common one is a malfunction of the intestines, as a result - flatulence. What can cause excessive gas formation:

  • Increased progesterone levels. The increased content of the hormone affects the relaxation of not only the muscles of the uterus, but also the intestines, disrupting its peristalsis.
  • Mechanical pressure on the intestinal loops of a growing baby, which provokes uneven movement of food and its stagnation.
  • Unbalanced and irregular nutrition.

In this regard, the first thing you should carefully monitor and control of which is completely in your hands is your diet and regimen. Try to eat more often and in small portions. Make sure your menu is filled with fresh vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, dairy products, and exclusively coarse bread. Despite the apparent harmlessness of severe gas formation, advanced conditions can have disastrous consequences for the course of pregnancy.

Pyelonephritis

Soreness on the left, especially if it extends to the back, may be a manifestation of the inflammatory process in the kidneys. Its development is often preceded by cystitis, the treatment of which was not fully carried out or was completely left to chance. Acute pyelonephritis requires specific medical treatment under the strict supervision of a physician.

Appendicitis

As for inflammation of the appendix, it rarely causes pain in the left side of the abdomen. Although, it should not be completely ruled out. The growing uterus puts pressure on the appendix, thereby provoking the occurrence of an inflammatory process. Depending on its extent, the left half of the peritoneum may also be involved. This will be reflected in the corresponding pain sensations.

Uterine growth

As pregnancy progresses, the uterus continues to grow. Pain may also occur as a result of stretching and pressure applied. The only thing that changes is their localization. If complaints that the left side hurts in the lower abdomen occur during short-term pregnancy, then later (in the second or third trimesters) these sensations move to the upper abdomen.

The left side of the abdomen hurts during pregnancy in its upper square

Pain in the upper left half of the abdomen requires control of the stomach, pancreas and spleen.

Gastritis

This kind of discomfort that occurs after eating is a good reason to suspect the presence of gastritis. Especially if the symptom is accompanied by such manifestations as belching, nausea, and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Inflammation of the stomach can indirectly be provoked by the same hormonal changes that lead to excessive passion for spicy, salty or sour foods. Passing the necessary tests will help you choose adequate therapy that is safe for the baby.

Pancreatitis

Symptoms close to the manifestation of toxicosis are inherent in a completely different disease - inflammation of the pancreas. If the left side hurts and is localized under the ribs during pregnancy of any stage, this may indicate the development of pancreatitis. There may be an increase in temperature in combination with nausea, vomiting and bloating. In this case, blood and urine tests are necessary to identify the level of diastase and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Disorders of the spleen

Dysfunction of this organ affects its size and structure, increasing the likelihood of rupture. In addition, due to its close location to the surface of the skin, it becomes more vulnerable to bruises and injuries. The most threatening situation is a rupture of the spleen, in which, in addition to pain, cyanosis occurs in the navel area.

Diaphragmatic hernia

The diaphragm separates the abdominal and thoracic sections and has a small opening for the esophagus. If the muscles responsible for the size of this opening weaken, part of the stomach ends up in the chest cavity. Overflowing, its acid causes pain. If you feel this way, you should not hesitate to visit a doctor.

During pregnancy, lower left side hurts

The phenomenon of discomfort in the abdominal area, and specifically in its lower left part, is caused by both natural causes - the growth of the uterus, its stretching, and various kinds of diseases and pathologies. Among the latter are:

  1. Ectopic pregnancy. During a very short pregnancy, severe pain in the lower abdomen (including on the left) may be one of the manifestations of its ectopic location. Seeing a doctor is a must, as if you let the situation take its course, a woman risks getting a ruptured fallopian tube.
  2. The presence of a cyst, its rupture. A corpus luteum cyst, detected only on a routine ultrasound, may not make itself felt at all. However, if its growth continues and its dimensions reach about 5-10 cm, pain appears. The effect on nearby organs provokes swelling, frequent urination, and intestinal problems. The most threatening condition is cyst rupture (accompanied by a sharp rise in temperature to 38 - 39°C), since peritonitis may develop.
  3. Ovarian tumors. The presence of formations that have reached large sizes compresses the nerve endings and organs located in the immediate vicinity. Thus, their blood supply is disrupted and pain occurs.
  4. Diseases of the genitourinary system of an infectious nature: candidiasis, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, ureaplasma, mycoplasma. Through their fault, an inflammatory process in the ovaries very often develops, accompanied by painful sensations.
  5. Oophoritis. Inflammation of the appendages can manifest itself as either paroxysmal pain or long-term pain. Often such discomfort is accompanied by disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system - irritability, increased fatigue, problems sleeping.

If the left side hurts in the early stages of pregnancy, this may be a signal of an incipient miscarriage. Especially if the pain is cramping and throbbing in nature. Failure to see a doctor can cost you your pregnancy.

And remember, if the pain occurs suddenly, is severe, and does not go away within 30 minutes, call an ambulance or go to the clinic yourself; delays can have very serious consequences. Be attentive to your health, do not hesitate to tell the doctor all the questions that worry you, and the reward will be a happy wait and the birth of a healthy baby!

During the development of the baby, a feeling of discomfort in the left side may bother a pregnant woman. Soreness can be due to various reasons. If the pregnancy progresses normally, there are usually no serious discomforts. Pain in the left side can also be caused by pathologies that developed during pregnancy or worsened.

Causes

Women during pregnancy often experience some discomfort. The baby begins to grow, the skin on the abdomen stretches, and excess weight is gained. A painful condition in the abdomen is a normal reaction of the body to ongoing changes.

Minor discomfort may be associated with internal changes in the body. Many organs begin to work differently - a hormonal surge occurs. Minor pain is present almost constantly. After consultation, the attending physician, as a rule, can prescribe a diet or exercises.

But if the painful condition in the abdomen and left side intensifies, it’s time to sound the alarm.


Left-sided pain sensations are often associated with serious illnesses. No need to do it on your own. It's time to visit a gynecologist.


There are several organs on the left side:
  • spleen;
  • stomach;
  • pancreas;
  • intestines;
  • diaphragm (its left side);
  • left kidney.
Violation of the functionality of one of them causes left-sided pain syndrome. First things first.

Spleen performs an important mission in our body, is responsible for cleaning the blood from red blood cells that have ceased their vital functions. Dead cells are sent to the bone marrow, where new red blood cells are formed.

If the spleen is damaged by some disease, its functions are impaired, which causes severe left-sided pain in the side. It is possible to make a correct diagnosis and eliminate pain by undergoing an examination.

Stomach during pregnancy it often makes itself felt. The digestive organ at this time “gets irritated for any reason.” Toxicosis- a common occurrence during pregnancy. Against the background of hormonal imbalance, it often opens heartburn and gastritis. Gastric pain will be localized in the left side.

Practice shows that during a depressive state, a woman who is completely healthy can open up. stomach ulcer, which will also cause severe left-sided pain.

Stomach has a direct connection with pancreas. If one of the organs is irritated, this affects the functioning of the second. When the gland becomes inflamed, pancreatitis begins - nausea, vomiting and pain on the left side occur.

Pain from the intestines happen for various reasons. A painful condition is felt if the food passing through it is poorly digested. In addition, when the growing fetus begins to put pressure on intestines, pain also appears.

The muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity is called diaphragm. During nausea or vomiting, the muscle is stressed. The growing fetus puts pressure on it. As a result, the muscle may be damaged - it develops diaphragmatic hernia. The painful condition is felt on both sides.

Kidneys, responsible for cleansing our body , suffer greatly during pregnancy. Often occurs pyelonephritis or renal failure. Painful sensations move from the back to the left side.

Uterus increases during the development of the baby. Women may feel a tugging sensation in the lower abdomen.

If the left side hurts in men or children, then the reasons may be completely different. We talked about them in the article: .

Symptoms, localization and nature of pain in the left side


Left-sided pain according to the nature of its course is divided into four types:

  • Peritoneal. Sharp, cutting, piercing pain. The sensation of pain is constantly present and intensifies with movements and turns of the body.
  • Visceral. Aching, dull, in the form of contractions. Present when the functionality of the digestive system is impaired.
  • Wandering. Inconsistent localization; upon examination, the patient cannot accurately determine where he has pain.
  • Irradiating. Pain sensations are observed in areas of organs whose functions are not impaired.



Some women attribute the left-sided illness to their pregnancy and think that it will go away soon. Let's look at the main indicators for which you should contact a doctor:
  • Prolonged left-sided pain that does not go away for a long time.
  • A painful condition in which the pain increases.
  • Against the background of positive dynamics of the pregnancy, there is a sharp or acute pain in the left side.
  • Pain on the left, when the woman loses consciousness, bleeding begins.

Symptoms of diseases in pregnant women

Pancreatitis. Nausea, vomiting, high temperature accompanied by bloating. This suggests that pancreatitis worsened during toxicosis. The painful condition is observed under the left rib. Other symptoms of pancreatitis are described.

Gastritis. Heartburn, unpleasant belching with a feeling of a full stomach, most likely indicates gastritis. The disease occurs precisely because of hormonal changes in a woman’s body, despite the fact that she was absolutely healthy before pregnancy. In addition to the listed symptoms, the side on the left side hurts (you can find out all the symptoms of gastritis).

Exacerbation of appendicitis. The uterus enlarges, blood circulation is impaired - it becomes inflamed vermiform appendix (appendix). A woman will feel a sharp pain in the navel area and on the left side, despite the fact that the appendix usually hurts on the right.

This state of affairs threatens the loss of the child. But timely medical assistance will help to carry out the operation, saving the life of the baby and his mother.

Exacerbation of pyelonephritis also contributes to left-sided painful condition. A high temperature rises, a severe headache develops, and a feeling of heaviness in the lumbar region. The diagnosis of “pyelonephritis” is given to almost all pregnant women these days.

The precursor to this disease may be cystitis. Left-sided pain goes down the abdomen, accompanied by frequent urination.

Kidneys, due to the heavy load on them, can bring many surprises. Previously “silent” stones may begin to move. A small infection that gets inside will lead to a serious aggravation. The pain on the left side becomes sharp and unbearable.

Flatulence. All expectant mothers have to experience this disease. This is increased gas formation, belching and rumbling in the stomach. Painful sensations on the left are very noticeable. Many women do not take this problem seriously.

There are two possible outcomes here. If after a walk and switching to light food, everything goes away, then there is nothing terrible. If the pain remains, this is a serious problem. These indicators indicate compression of a loop of the small intestine by the walls of the uterus, which is increasing in size every day. This state of affairs can threaten the loss of the baby!

Spleen also does not stand aside, being under the load of the growing fetus. If a woman falls or turns over, the spleen is easily damaged. Left-sided pain syndrome appears. In the event of a serious fall, the organ may rupture, and this has dire consequences.

If you feel a sharp pain in your left side when you fall, call a doctor as an emergency.


Diaphragmatic hernia. Pain syndrome on the left side, accompanied by severe heartburn, indicates muscle problems - the development of a diaphragmatic hernia. The tumor grows and pushes the stomach towards the chest. In this state, not just heartburn occurs, but “acid pours out.” You cannot do without the help of doctors here. Read also: symptoms and treatment methods.

During this period, special attention should be paid to sensations of pain in the lower abdomen together with left-sided pain. In women, this painful condition is associated with dysfunction of the reproductive organs.



If the painful condition is short-term, this is a sign of the baby’s vital activity, which is constantly turning over. As a rule, the disease goes away if the mother changes her position or breathes deeply.

Pathological pain

The symptoms of this condition are as follows:

1.Sharp left-sided pain radiating down the abdomen with possible bleeding – indicates ectopic pregnancy. As a result of the growth of the egg, the fallopian tube enlarges. Such a pregnancy, unfortunately, is terminated - the fetus does not survive. Here the mother's life is counted down. Urgent surgery required.

2.Painful condition in the lower abdomen that does not go away, but only increases, suggests threat of miscarriage. To save the baby, you will have to go to the hospital for safekeeping.

3.If the lower abdomen hurts in unison with left-sided aching pain, which grows - it looks like ovarian rupture. Pain sensations are transmitted to the intestines.

4.Renal colic on the left also radiate to the lower abdomen together with the lumbar region.

5.Infectious diseases of the genital organs gives sensations of pain in the lower abdomen.

Pathological pain are of a difficult nature. Left-sided pain - sharp, increasing, in the form of contractions, aching. A pregnant woman feels severe weakness, increased body temperature, and fainting is common.

Pain under the left rib

It often affects expectant mothers. Basic causes such a state:
  • The muscles of the digestive organs become weak during pregnancy. Overeating and eating heavy food disrupts the functioning of the stomach, which causes such sensations of pain. Switching to proper nutrition will help you get rid of subcostal pain.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. In this case, urgent surgery is required.
  • Compression of the pelvic organs due to an enlarged uterus. A sensation of pain occurs under the rib on the left.
  • Compression of the diaphragm due to the uterus reaching its maximum size.

Acute unbearable left-sided pain

This is always a serious pathological condition. The main disorders that may occur during pregnancy:
  • rupture of the spleen or ovary;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • stomach pinching;
  • volvulus;
  • renal colic;
  • pipe rupture.