Experiencing pelvic discomfort during pregnancy is a common worry for expectant mothers. While this sensation might feel like it originates from the ovaries, sources of pain in this area vary throughout gestation. Understanding these reasons can alleviate concerns and clarify what might be happening. This article explores the ovaries’ role in pregnancy and common explanations for pelvic pain.
Understanding Ovarian Activity During Pregnancy
In early pregnancy, the ovaries play a significant role through the corpus luteum. This temporary structure forms from the follicle that released the egg. It produces progesterone, a hormone that maintains the uterine lining and supports early pregnancy. The corpus luteum typically continues this function for 8 to 12 weeks, after which the placenta takes over progesterone production.
Beyond the first trimester, the ovaries’ direct hormonal role diminishes, and they become less active. Consequently, pain later in pregnancy is not typically a direct result of ovarian activity, unlike during ovulation or menstruation. While the sensation may be localized to the lower abdomen, other structures usually account for the discomfort.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Many sensations of pelvic pain during pregnancy are normal physiological adjustments as the body adapts to a growing fetus. Round ligament pain is frequent, often described as a sharp, jabbing sensation or a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin area. This discomfort arises as the round ligaments, which support the uterus, stretch and thicken to accommodate the expanding uterus, typically felt from the second trimester onward.
Braxton Hicks contractions are another common cause of abdominal tightening. Often mistaken for labor, they are irregular and generally do not increase in intensity or frequency. These practice contractions prepare the uterus for labor and can cause a sensation of pressure or mild cramping. The expanding uterus can also put pressure on the bowel, leading to digestive issues like constipation and gas, which manifest as cramping or bloating in the lower abdomen.
Normal uterine growth and stretching also contribute to aches and pains in the pelvic region. As the uterus expands to accommodate the developing baby, its ligaments and muscles stretch, causing mild to moderate discomfort. This growth can also shift other organs, adding to the feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen. These changes are part of the natural progression of pregnancy and are usually not a cause for alarm.
When Pain May Indicate a Serious Concern
While many pelvic pains in pregnancy are benign, some instances warrant closer attention as they could signal a serious underlying condition. An ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus (most commonly in a fallopian tube), causes severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by vaginal bleeding. This condition typically presents early in pregnancy, usually within the first trimester, and requires immediate medical intervention.
Ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs on the ovary, can sometimes cause pain, particularly if they twist (torsion) or rupture. Ovarian torsion results in sudden, severe, one-sided pelvic pain, often with nausea and vomiting, due to the ovary’s blood supply being cut off. Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, can also cause sharp pain, usually starting around the navel and shifting to the lower right abdomen, and may be accompanied by fever.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy and can cause lower abdominal pain or pressure, burning during urination, and frequent urges to urinate. If untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections. Later in pregnancy, conditions like placental abruption, where the placenta separates prematurely from the uterine wall, can cause sudden, intense abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, can also cause severe upper abdominal pain, though less common than other symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Knowing when to contact a healthcare provider for pelvic pain during pregnancy is important. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe, sudden, or persistent pain that does not subside with rest or position changes. Any pain with vaginal bleeding, even if light, should prompt an immediate call to your doctor.
Additional concerning symptoms include fever, chills, dizziness, fainting, or persistent nausea and vomiting. A sudden gush of fluid or a noticeable decrease in fetal movement, especially in later pregnancy, also warrants prompt medical evaluation. These symptoms could indicate complications requiring timely diagnosis and intervention for the well-being of both mother and baby.