Pain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy due to the growing baby and uterus pushing up under the ribs. Some people report pain in the upper stomach or upper abdomen during their third trimester. As the uterus expands, this sensation can extend to the upper abdomen. At each visit with a provider, talk about any recent symptoms, as well as any symptoms that have changed in severity. The best strategy to prevent serious pregnancy complications is to get regular prenatal care. This pain may be sharp and shooting or a dull ache. In the third trimester, abdominal pain can reappear as the uterus begins to crowd the organs. Spleen injuries cause intense, sudden pain. From breathing through Braxton–Hicks contractions and wondering whether they are the real thing to stretching skin and crowded organs, people may feel exhausted and ready to give birth by the end of the third trimester. Other symptoms might include gas, straining to have a bowel movement, and having very hard or small bowel movements. Abdominal pain is one of the most common pregnancy complaints. Rarely, a person’s spleen may rupture for no clear reason. By the third trimester, the uterus is putting significant pressure on the intestines and making it more difficult for a person to have a bowel movement. Feeling pain when bending or lifting may mean an injury to the stomach or chest muscles. True labor contractions typically start at the top of the uterus, causing an intense tightening sensation that becomes progressively more painful. Eating fiber-rich foods may help. Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, under or near the ribs, may mean that there is a problem with the liver or gallbladder. Pancreatitis may cause upper abdomen pain, exhaustion, nausea, or changes in the color of stool. Talk to a provider about any concerns, and ask about lifestyle strategies to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Some pregnant people report feeling an intense sensation of stretching skin. Here are causes of upper abdominal cramps while pregnant. Infections, injuries, and problems with other organs, including the liver and gallbladder, can cause pancreatitis. Pain in the upper abdomen, especially the left side, may mean that there is a problem with the spleen. Jump to content. By the third trimester you may feel pains, like contractions, called 'Braxton Hicks' . Discover unique ways to improve your health everyday! If there is vaginal bleeding, go to the emergency room. Taking laxatives can also provide relief, but it is important to talk to a doctor or midwife before taking any medication when pregnant. Depending on the cause of pancreatitis, a woman may need to stay at the hospital. Talk to a doctor or midwife about any unusual or very painful sensations. Each one is a serious condition during pregnancy and can result in disastrous results if left unchecked during pregnancy. A blow to the stomach can bruise or injure the spleen. As the fetus grows, the organs must shift. All rights reserved. Stomach pain during pregnancy can at times be normal, as your body is constantly shifting, the ligaments are stretching, and the uterus is starting to expand. In fact, most experienced mothers ignore mild abdominal pain and only inform their doctor or midwife if the pain gets too severe, or if they experience vaginal bleeding, body weakness, fever or vomiting. Common Causes of Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy Some abdominal aches and pains during pregnancy are quite common and generally pose no threat to you and your baby. Round Ligament Pain: This can be characterized by a sharp stabbing pain when you change positions, or it can also be an achy, dull, lingering pain. As the uterus grows, pressure on the digestive tract can make this problem more severe. Later on in pregnancy, pregnancy pains could be linked to normal symptoms like Braxton Hicks contractions or round ligament pain. Stomach Pain during Pregnancy, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester. Having stomach pain in the third trimester may indicate a more serious problem if it: Many causes of upper abdominal pain in the third trimester are harmless. For most women, the first symptom is itching. What causes upper stomach pain in the third trimester? Having stomach pain in the third trimester may indicate a more serious problem if it: occurs with other symptoms, such as itching feels sudden or intense is constant is in a specific location appears alongside a fever, nausea, or vomiting appears alongside vaginal bleeding