Pregnancy is not a disease, but during it, a woman's body is restructured for the favorable bearing of a child. Changes hormonal background and not only, it is necessarily reflected in the general condition. With the growth and development of the fetus, minor pain in the abdomen is the norm. They are provoked by stretching the muscles of the uterus or moving the baby in late gestation and do not pose a danger to either the fetus or the mother. If the pain in the right side during pregnancy becomes constant, sharp, then this should alert the expectant mother, as it can be a symptom of a serious illness.

To suggest that it can hurt during pregnancy in the right side, you need to delve a little into the anatomy. The abdomen is conditionally divided into 4 segments, each of which contains certain organs. To determine the cause of pain, you need to clearly understand the localization of pain, their nature and frequency of occurrence.

In the upper right segment are:

  • liver;
  • bile ducts;
  • gallbladder;
  • antral (pyloric) part of the stomach;
  • head and body part of the pancreas;
  • 12 duodenal ulcer;
  • part of the small and large intestines;
  • right kidney.

During pregnancy, there is a decrease in the activity of internal organs, their blood supply and normal functioning are disturbed, immunity is weakened. This leads not only to the emergence of new diseases, but also to the exacerbation of chronic ones. Inflammation of the above organs is accompanied by pain on the right side of varying intensity.

In the lower right segment are:

  • right ovary with appendage;
  • oviduct;
  • Part Bladder and uterus;
  • ureter;
  • appendix;
  • small intestine, large intestine.

The cause of pain in the right side from below during pregnancy may be inflammation of one of the pelvic organs or appendicitis. Do not forget that the growing fetus puts pressure on the organs adjacent to the uterus, causing dysfunction, forcing them to work with an increased load.

Causes and nature of pain in the right side of the abdomen

Only a qualified doctor can determine the exact cause of pain in the right side during pregnancy after a physical examination and a comprehensive diagnosis. The woman herself only needs to observe herself: remember the time and frequency of the appearance of the pain syndrome, deal with the nature of the pain. Self-treatment is strictly prohibited, as this can result in irreparable consequences for both the fetus and the expectant mother.

The most common causes of pain in right side abdomen during childbearing:

  • Ectopic pregnancy. The appearance of unbearable cutting pains on early dates gestation may be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. If the fetal egg is fixed in the fallopian tube, and the woman does not know about it, then at 3-6 weeks from fertilization, the tube begins to stretch, provoking a pulling pain in the right side of the lower abdomen. From this moment, 2 scenarios are possible: a tubal abortion, which is accompanied by cramping pains and moderate bleeding, and a rupture of the fallopian tube with severe internal bleeding and sudden sharp pains in the inguinal region.
  • Appendicitis. Inflammation of the appendix is ​​accompanied by constant aching or acute pain in the right ilio-inguinal region, fever, nausea or vomiting.
  • Cholecystitis, cholangitis. Inflamed bile ducts and bladder lead to pain in the right hypochondrium of varying intensity and character: from dull to sharp paroxysmal.
  • Exacerbation of pancreatitis. A sharp pain in the right side during pregnancy can occur against the background of inflammation of the pancreas. Moreover, the pains are often girdle with irradiation to the back. Associated symptoms: loose stools, vomiting, other dyspeptic symptoms.
  • Cholelithiasis. Stones in the gallbladder themselves disrupt the timely outflow of bile, and during pregnancy the situation is complicated by the pressure on the bladder of the enlarging uterus. This provokes an attack of the disease, accompanied by spasmodic pain in the upper half of the right hypochondrium, bitterness in the mouth, nausea, alternating constipation with diarrhea.
  • Rupture of a cyst of the right ovary. The localization of pain in the corpus luteum cyst of the right ovary is the corresponding side of the lower abdomen. The nature of the pain varies from moderate pulling or dull to sudden sharp when the cyst ruptures.
  • Problems with the organs of the urinary system. Pulling pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy with frequent painful urination is typical for. With renal colic, the back hurts in the lumbar region.

Pain in the right side of the abdomen that occurs after or before eating, as a rule, indicates problems with the digestive organs. With a duodenal ulcer, pain occurs about 3 hours after eating or at night (hunger pain). After eating fried or fatty, discomfort and pain in the upper right segment of the abdomen appear with bile duct dyskinesia, cholangitis, cholecystitis.

Other reasons include:

  • colitis;
  • dysbacteriosis;
  • fatty hepatosis;
  • venereal diseases.

Pain in the right side at different stages of pregnancy

Pain in the right side of the abdomen can be a sign of pathology or a variant of the norm.

1 trimester

When the body is restructured, a hormonal shift occurs, the functioning of organs and systems changes. Digestive, cardiovascular, nervous system experience stress, due to which an exacerbation of chronic diseases is possible, for example, cholecystitis, gastritis, etc. They are manifested by pain in the right hypochondrium.

In addition, early pregnancy is typical. Morning vomiting, nausea throughout the day, flatulence may be accompanied by discomfort or soreness in the abdomen, often on the right side.

A sharp pain in the right side of the lower abdomen during pregnancy occurs with appendicitis or the development of the embryo outside the uterus.

2 trimester

The fetus is growing rapidly, the uterus is stretching, displacing nearby organs: primarily located in the small pelvis (bladder, intestines, ureters). When squeezing the colon and small intestine, the passage of feces becomes difficult, constipation appears. Clamping of the ureter prevents the outflow of urine, which accumulates in the pelvis of the right kidney. The normal functioning of the bladder is also disrupted. These inevitable consequences of pregnancy sometimes provoke the appearance of pain in the abdomen.

3rd trimester

In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the fetus is already quite large. He begins to actively move, changing his position in the uterine cavity, while the woman feels tremors in different areas of the abdomen. In the last weeks of pregnancy, a woman may experience stabbing pain in her right side due to the blows of the child on the internal organs.

The bottom of the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the stomach, pancreas, diaphragm, gallbladder and disrupts their blood supply. As a result, painful sensations in the right side are not excluded, indicating a deterioration in the functioning of these organs.

When is pain in the side considered normal, and when is it not?

Do not worry if pain in the right upper or lower abdomen is rare, it is moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or repeated vomiting. Most often, this is a normal manifestation of the restructuring of the body at different stages of pregnancy. The closer the birth, the more often mild pain caused by the pressure of the fetus on the organs can be felt.


Call an ambulance or immediately visit a gastroenterologist, therapist or gynecologist in the following situations:

  • sudden onset of acute pain in any area of ​​the abdomen;
  • gradually increasing pain, lasting longer than half an hour;
  • persistent increase in pain for several days;
  • accession of symptoms of intoxication - chills, fever, severe weakness;
  • dyspeptic disorders - vomiting, bloating, stool disorders, etc.

How to relieve pain on your own?

You should not take any painkillers before the arrival of an ambulance doctor, as smoothed symptoms make it difficult to establish a diagnosis. It's best to lie down and try to relax. This will relieve the increased tone of the abdominal muscles.

You can lie on your side and bend your legs with severe pain - this position will ease their intensity. In no case do not apply a warm heating pad until the cause of the pain syndrome is understood.

With pain in the right side of a pregnant woman, it is imperative to consult with her obstetrician-gynecologist or therapist. Timely determination of the cause of the disease will allow you to quickly take appropriate measures and avoid undesirable consequences for the mother and baby.

If these pains are a physiological norm during childbearing, then the doctor will advise you to normalize the diet and diet, reduce fluid intake, and wear a prenatal bandage.

Useful video on how to relieve pain during pregnancy

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Often aggravated during pregnancy chronic diseases and new ones emerge. This is due to the fact that all systems and organs of the expectant mother work in an enhanced mode. An increase in the load on the body is often manifested by unpleasant symptoms, which may be a variant of the norm or indicate the presence of any pathology. That is why during the gestation period it is necessary to carefully listen to your body and report all unusual sensations to the doctor.

Physiological causes of pain in the right side during pregnancy.

Most common cause pain in the right side - physiological. The uterus is located in the abdominal cavity, and exactly in the middle with respect to the vertical axis. With an increase in the gestational age, this organ rises higher and higher, which leads to the localization of unpleasant sensations in the upper abdomen. In addition, large vessels are located in the lateral segments of the uterus, which can also provoke pain.

From the bottom of the reproductive organ, ligaments extend downward, the length of which increases in proportion to the duration of pregnancy. The uterus itself is surrounded by appendages. The vast majority of the abdominal cavity is filled with the intestines. The uterus is behind the bladder. The liver, pancreas and gallbladder are located much higher than the reproductive organ, but their activity against the background of gestation can also provoke pain in the right side.

Usually, discomfort occurs due to stretching of the round ligament of the uterus. This phenomenon is physiological in nature and, as a rule, is observed in the third trimester of pregnancy. Some women remark discomfort due to natural causes, up to 12 weeks of the term. Sometimes pain appears due to varicose veins of the uterine vessels. In this case, the use of phlebotonic agents is indicated after a preliminary consultation with an angiosurgeon.

Other causes of pain in the right side during pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy.

Discomfort can occur with an ectopic pregnancy. The test for the determination of hCG in the urine is not able to identify the place of attachment of the fetal egg, since human chorionic gonadotropin is produced in response to conception. It is possible to reliably confirm or refute the pathology only through a comprehensive medical examination, including ultrasound diagnostics.

Pronounced or subtle signs testify to an ectopic pregnancy. In the first case, the woman complains of intense pain, accompanied by loss of consciousness, in the second case, of minor pain on the side in the lower abdomen and scant bloody discharge.

Appendicitis.

Very often it hurts and pricks in the right side with appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix. Initially, unpleasant sensations are localized in the epigastrium, and then move to the right inguinal-iliac region. The main symptoms are accompanied by a subtle rise in temperature, nausea and short-term vomiting. Therapy is carried out by eliminating the inflamed appendix under local anesthesia. The operation does not pose a danger to the mother and fetus.

Colitis of the intestine.

If a pregnant woman complains that her right side is tingling below, then most likely the reason lies in the malfunction of the digestive organs. Sometimes during the gestation period, colitis appears - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine. This disease has an allergic or infectious nature, and can also be caused by taking medications.

Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite testify to the acute form of the pathology. The fact that colitis was provoked by an infection is usually indicated by an increase in body temperature. The chronic form of the disease occurs with erased symptoms.

To eliminate discomfort, you need to reconsider your diet. It is advisable to exclude the use of foods that cause increased gas formation in the intestines, fresh bread and pastries. You should refuse spicy, smoked, too hot or cold dishes, fatty fish and meat, canned food, eggs. As prescribed by the doctor, you need to take enveloping and adsorbing agents, as well as drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora. With the appearance of concomitant pathology - cracks in the anus, the use of rectal suppositories is indicated.

Cramping pains localized in the right side sometimes indicate a spasm of the circular muscles of the intestine, due to constipation or malnutrition. Such symptoms disappear spontaneously, after taking antispasmodics or defecation.

Liver problems.

The cause of discomfort may be liver dystrophy that developed during the gestation period, as well as pre-existing diseases (for example, hepatitis). Liver dystrophy appears after the 20th week of pregnancy and is one of the signs of a severe form of preeclampsia. At the same time, the woman notes pain in her right side, as well as increased drowsiness, mood swings, clouding of consciousness, convulsions. If you suspect this disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. Resuscitation may be needed.

It is possible that the expectant mother, who complains of spastic pain in the right hypochondrium, suffers from cholelithiasis. This pathology occurs due to errors in the diet. With pancreatitis, unpleasant sensations are of a similar nature, however, they are localized not only on the right, but also on the left. Pain caused by malfunctions of the gallbladder and pancreas is accompanied by stool disorders, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis requires a physical examination and laboratory blood tests.

Ovarian cyst.

If a woman during pregnancy hurts and pricks her right side below, then this may indicate an ovarian cyst. Sensations that have a aching character, as a rule, are due to mechanical irritation of nerve receptors due to their stretching. When ruptured or twisted, cysts appear severe pain, passing into the anus and making themselves felt by false urges to empty the intestines, the inability to sit down with abdominal tension and painful sensations when pressing on it. In this case, treatment with painkillers and antispasmodics or surgical intervention is indicated.

Problems in the work of the kidneys.

If discomfort occurs due to improper functioning of the kidneys, then consultation with a therapist or nephrologist is necessary. For a more detailed examination, a woman may be referred to a urologist.

During pregnancy, it often hurts and pricks the right side. The reasons for this phenomenon are different. Usually, discomfort is caused by physiological processes, so it does not pose a danger. However, self-diagnosis is not worth it. Depending on the localization of discomfort and other associated symptoms, the expectant mother may be prescribed treatment.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Why it pulls, colitis and hurts the right side during pregnancy

During pregnancy, pain in the right side can occur for various reasons and at any time. Sometimes they are provoked by non-pathological causes and are often a sign of the beginning of a certain inflammatory process.

Depending on the localization of pain in the right side and the nature, it is possible to determine the cause that provoked it. This will require additional testing. After the received data, you can already say with confidence what to do next.

On top of the right side are such important organs as part of the diaphragm, liver, intestines and gallbladder.

Depending on the nature and localization of pain, it is possible to determine in which organ the pathological process occurs or its traumatization occurred. For example :

  • Liver. In inflammatory processes, pain is noted in the right hypochondrium.
  • Gallbladder. Pain can vary depending on the problem. Often they are spastic.
  • Pancreas. Localization of pain is noted not only in the right side, but also in the left. It seems like the whole back hurts.
  • Intestines. The nature of the pain is cramping, other symptoms may appear, for example, loose stools, nausea.
  • Bud. With an inflammatory process in the right kidney, the pain will be localized most often from above the abdomen, giving under the ribs. Often it can graduate into the perineum in undulating attacks.

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of pain in the right side. Therefore, for the fastest relief from discomfort and the possible appointment of treatment, one should not delay a visit to him.


If during pregnancy pulls the right side, pain is localized near the navel, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loose stools, fever, pallor of the skin appear - you need to urgently see a doctor or call an ambulance. These signs are characteristic of inflammation of the appendix.

Colitis right side during pregnancy and in cases where it is ectopic. In this case, the pain can be sharp, aching and stable. In addition, other symptoms join it. For example, spotting and rarely heavy bleeding, but constant, fever.

It cannot be ruled out that pain in the right side during pregnancy cannot be due to:

  • Dyskinesia of the biliary tract.
  • Cystic formations on the genital organs of the small pelvis.
  • Polyps in the genital organs of the small pelvis.

It can pull the right side during pregnancy from the bottom of the abdomen and for other reasons. You can't figure them out on your own, you can only guess. Eg:

Despite the fact that the pain has a certain localization - from below or above the abdomen, a pregnant woman cannot always determine it. This is especially true in cases where the pain has become stable.

The main causes of pain in the right side during pregnancy can be:

  • The threat of abortion. The pain is most often in the lower abdomen and has cramping. different character.
  • The beginning of labor activity. The pain appears with a special frequency.
  • The fetus is too high and presses on the ribs. This pain is physiological.
  • Neuralgia developed or worsened. It is characterized by the presence of sudden, shooting pain.

In addition, doctors note that the nature of the pain (its intensity) may directly depend on the psycho-emotional state and mood of the pregnant woman as a whole. Also, this factor is affected by the sensitivity threshold, which can be both high and low, and it is individual.


I would like to say that if the right side hurts during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor, in particular a gynecologist, to find out the cause. This is due to the fact that many factors can provoke pain.

Carrying a child, a woman experiences a lot of new sensations for her, including pain.

Pain in the right side should alert the expectant mother, especially if it is permanent or acute.

In the right hypochondrium, lateral region, in the groin on the right there are many vital organs, any pathological changes in which can lead to the development of chronic diseases, and also be life-threatening.

Possible causes of pain in the right side during pregnancy

The main criterion for the correct diagnosis of the causes of pain in the right side during pregnancy is the localization of pain, since discomfort often occurs in the area of ​​the affected organ.

Pain in the right side in front under the ribs

In this area is the liver and gallbladder, the right kidney. Accordingly, pain in the left hypochondrium in pregnant women can be caused by the following reasons:

Cholelithiasis, biliary dyskinesia

In this case, the inner membrane of the biliary tract is affected, inflammation begins, blockage of the duct, stagnation of bile is rarely observed, causing not only pain in the right hypochondrium, but also pain in the stomach (in the epigastric region, in the left hypochondrium).

Cholecystitis

In this case, the pain is often strong, pulling, burning. At an early stage of the disease, the symptom is quite easy to eliminate by changing the position, for example, by assuming a lying position on the left side, knee-elbow position.

A similar situation can develop without pathological changes in the liver against the background of an increase in the uterus and its pressure on the organs in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity.

Right-sided pneumonia and pleurisy

In this case, the main focus of pain is in the chest, but pain often radiates to the right hypochondrium. TO pain fatigue, fever, cough and other symptoms of acute respiratory infections are added.

Pain on the right under the ribs behind

Most often, the cause of pain in the right side behind is problems with the right kidney: pyelonephritis, the presence of large stones, movement of stones, impaired fluid outflow. The pain can be of a different nature: it can be a slight pulling, cramping, cutting, stabbing, sharp, unbearable.

And despite its nature and intensity, the presence of this symptom should be a reason for urgent medical attention, since it often entails a sharp deterioration in the condition and almost always an aggravation of the situation.

Pain in the right side area

The right flank contains the intestines and part of the pancreas, so pain in the right side often indicates digestive problems, intestinal inflammation or pancreatitis.

In the first case, the pain is quite strong, cramping, accompanied by flatulence and constipation, less often - diarrhea, and disappears with defecation.

Digestive problems are observed in almost every expectant mother. from the very beginning to the end of pregnancy, and the only way to eliminate them is to switch to fractional nutrition, a diet of easily digestible foods, moderate food intake and an active lifestyle.

Inflammation of the intestine develops against the background of a fungal or bacterial infection. Often accompanied liquid stool, nausea and vomiting, fever. Always requires medical attention.

With pancreatitis, pain appears not only in the right side, but also in the central part of the abdomen, under the ribs. It usually has a pulling, aching, almost permanent character.

Exacerbation of symptoms occurs after eating provocative foods (sour, salty, fried, fatty foods, as well as some vegetables and fruits).

If during pregnancy the right side hurts below

This area contains part of the intestine, including the appendix, as well as the right uterine appendages and the right ureter. During pregnancy, pain in the groin on the right can be a symptom of the following conditions:

  • intestinal inflammation;
  • violations of the digestive processes;
  • constipation
  • volvulus;
  • acute or chronic appendicitis, peritonitis;
  • inflammatory diseases of the right ovary and right fallopian tube;
  • cysts and cystomas of the right ovary, rupture of a cyst or ovary.

At an early stage of pregnancy, aching or sudden sharp, unbearable pain in the right side from below can be one of the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.

This condition is characterized by all signs of pregnancy, however, after 3-6 weeks after fertilization the fallopian tube begins to stretch unnecessarily, which causes pulling pain. At this time, a tubal abortion may occur, always accompanied by a slight discharge of blood from the genital tract, as well as severe cramping pain.

If an abortion does not occur, the fallopian tube ruptures, and severe internal bleeding begins, accompanied by acute pain, a sharp deterioration in general well-being, vomiting, weakness, pain shock and fainting.

If there is any suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy, it is best to see a doctor right away to prevent a life-threatening rupture of the tube.

Pain in the right side at different stages of pregnancy

Pain in the side during pregnancy can be not only pathological, but also natural.

And there can be many reasons for this: hormonal changes in the body, the rapid growth of the uterus, the location and movement of the fetus.

First trimester

At the beginning of pregnancy, women often experience toxicosis.

At the same time, their digestive system is constantly in a stressful state: nausea, morning and night vomiting, diarrhea, constipation are clear proof of this.

With frequent vomiting, chronic diseases of the stomach and duodenum can worsen, which provokes pain. Also at this stage, digestive problems often begin.

due to the natural slowdown of processes under the influence of hormones. As a result - constipation, less often - diarrhea, bloating, hemorrhoids.

Second trimester

Further, the uterus begins to grow rapidly and displace the abdominal organs. The intestines are the first to suffer: its areas are compressed, the passage of feces is difficult, constipation begins, unpleasant pain sensations appear.

The bladder is also squeezed, the ureters are clamped, there are problems with emptying the bladder, urine can accumulate in the renal pelvis.

In the same period, the active movement of the fetus begins: the unborn child tosses and turns in the uterine cavity, can sharply hit various organs, constantly change its position, from which one or another of the abdominal organs may suffer.

Full details of why .

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third trimester

In the third trimester, the bottom of the uterus rises high and there is a feeling of pressure on the organs located in the upper part of the abdominal cavity and under the ribs: kidneys, liver, pancreas, duodenum, stomach, diaphragm.

Pressure on any of these organs can cause minor changes in their functioning that are not dangerous for a woman's health, which often causes pain in the right side during pregnancy.

Right side hurts during pregnancy: what to do?

Not only acute, but also aching, pulling, slight pain in the right side during pregnancy may indicate the presence of pathological, sometimes extremely dangerous conditions.

Therefore, with any suspicions and doubts, a woman should consult a doctor, primarily a gynecologist, to determine the possible causes of pain and, if necessary, determine the correct treatment tactics.

If no pathologies were found and the pain appeared due to the growing uterus, the doctor may advise you to switch to proper nutrition, normalize food intake, limit fluid intake, start to lead a more active lifestyle, and also wear a prenatal bandage.