Pain during early pregnancy

General information

Pregnancy is a great strain on the body of the expectant mother. Especially during the first months (i.e. early pregnancy), some changes have to be initiated within the organism. Especially the change of the hormonal balance can cause various complaints during early pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant for the first time often tend to be very concerned about perfectly normal symptoms of early pregnancy. Feelings of tension and slight pain in the area of the breasts are among the most common complaints, which occur mainly during the first months. Many women report a pronounced pulling in the breasts during the first weeks of pregnancy.

In principle, these symptoms can occur throughout the day. However, during early pregnancy the majority of women suffer mainly from morning nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, itching can occur during pregnancy.

In cases where this itching is weak, the affected women should not worry. Mild itching during early pregnancy may have hormonal causes and may disappear completely over time. Even women who are already in later stages of pregnancy often complain of itchy skin. In most cases, the cause of this phenomenon is the slow stretching of the skin caused by the growth of the child. Although most of the complaints that occur during early pregnancy are harmless, a specialist (gynaecologist; specialist in gynaecology) should be consulted in case of severe pain, bleeding or persistent symptoms.

Is pain normal during early pregnancy?

Pain in early pregnancy is quite often normal and occurs in many pregnant women. The body has to adapt to the new conditions and make room for the growing child, especially in the uterus. The stretching of the uterus and its ligaments as well as the widening of the bony pelvis in the area of the symphysis can be the cause of the pain.

As the pregnancy progresses, the body soon adapts to the new situation and the pain subsides. Nevertheless, if the pain persists, serious causes for the complaints must always be considered and clarified by a doctor. These include, for example, an imminent miscarriage, infections in the abdomen (inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, cystitis, appendicitis) or a malnutrition of the fertilized egg in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy). Persistent, worsening or severe pain is therefore an absolute reason to consult your gynaecologist.