Feeling a pulse in your stomach can be an unsettling experience. While it often prompts concern, this sensation is frequently a normal bodily function. The feeling originates from the abdominal aorta, the body’s largest artery, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart through the chest and into the abdomen. It is common to notice this pulsation, especially in certain situations, and it is often not a sign of a serious underlying condition.
Everyday Reasons for a Pulsating Sensation
The abdominal aorta lies close to the surface, especially in leaner individuals. When lying down, particularly with knees raised, the position can make the pulsation of this large artery more apparent.
Digestion can also lead to a more noticeable pulse in the abdomen. After eating, the body increases blood flow to the stomach and small intestine for nutrient absorption. This increased blood volume through the abdominal aorta can intensify the pulsating sensation.
Physical activity elevates heart rate, increasing overall blood circulation. During or after exercise, this heightened blood flow can make the pulse in various body parts, including the abdomen, more prominent. The abdominal aorta works harder to supply blood to the muscles and organs, which can be felt as a strong throb.
Anxiety or stress can also contribute to a pulsating sensation in the stomach. When stressed, the body releases hormones that accelerate heart rate and increase blood flow. This response can make the normal pulsations of the abdominal aorta more perceptible.
Underlying Medical Considerations
While often benign, a pulsating sensation in the abdomen can sometimes indicate a medical issue, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An AAA involves a weakening and bulging of a section of the aorta in the abdomen. This bulge can sometimes be felt as a pulsating mass, particularly if it grows larger.
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms develop slowly and often do not cause symptoms until they become large or are close to rupturing. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency that can cause severe internal bleeding. Risk factors for AAA include older age, a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of the condition.
Pregnancy is another reason individuals might experience a more noticeable pulse in the abdomen. During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume significantly increases to support her body and the fetus. This increased blood circulation can make the pulsation of the abdominal aorta more apparent.
The developing fetus and changes in blood vessel positioning as the uterus expands can also contribute to various movements and pulses felt in the abdomen during later stages of pregnancy. Although it might feel like the baby’s heartbeat, it is usually the mother’s own abdominal aorta pulsating.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Seek medical attention if a pulsating sensation in the stomach is accompanied by other symptoms. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, persistent back pain, dizziness, fainting, or clammy skin. A sudden, intense pulsation, especially one that does not subside, warrants immediate evaluation.
Changes in the sensation, such as the pulsation becoming constant, significantly stronger, or being accompanied by a visible swelling in the abdomen, should also prompt a doctor’s visit. These changes might suggest an enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Individuals with known risk factors for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, such as a history of smoking, high blood pressure, or a family history of AAA, should discuss any new or changing abdominal pulsations with their doctor. Early detection of an aneurysm can allow for monitoring or timely intervention if needed.
Even in the absence of alarming symptoms or risk factors, seeking medical advice is appropriate if the pulsating sensation is persistent, bothersome, or causes general worry. A healthcare professional can perform an examination and determine the cause of the sensation, providing reassurance or recommending further steps.