Is It Normal To Tough And Stretch The Tummy During Pregnancy?

One of the most common situations faced by expectant mothers during pregnancy is abdominal hardening and tension. As a matter of fact, during this period, you may think of 'Is it normal to have hardening of the abdomen during pregnancy?' Such questions may come up. The gradual enlargement of your uterus, the skeletal development of the baby and the last months of pregnancy. However, conditions such as overeating or constipation can also be the cause of hardening of the abdomen during pregnancy. It should be underlined that abdominal tension during pregnancy is a natural symptom of pregnancy and is not considered a sign of labor. In very rare cases, it can be a sign of serious problems. Now, let's take a closer look at the causes of this situation, which often does not indicate a major problem.

What Causes Abdominal Hardening and Tightness During Pregnancy?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, especially around the 21st week, there are various reasons why the abdomen begins to harden and stretch. These;

Growth of the Womb

The baby growing day by day from the beginning of the pregnancy causes the uterus to grow and enlarge as well. As the uterus grows, there is a pressure on the abdomen. This pressure is also the main reason why the abdomen is harder and tighter. Abdominal hardening during pregnancy is more common after the second trimester. Because the rate of expansion of the uterus in the first trimester is not as fast as in the second and third trimesters.

Skeletal Development of the Baby

In the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby's skeleton begins to harden and take shape. This is another reason for abdominal hardening during pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, this tension and hardening is felt more intensely.

Weight Status of the Expectant Mother

Individual differences and body type can also affect the severity of abdominal hardening during pregnancy. For example, women who are pregnant with very low weight can feel the hardening of the abdomen even in the first months, while overweight women feel more intense in the last three months of pregnancy.

Unhealthy Nutrition and Digestive Problems

While healthy eating is very important in every period of life, it becomes even more important during pregnancy. Because the most important trump card in preventing pregnancy problems is a healthy diet. Swallowing the food without chewing too much, eating fast and more than it should be, can cause tension in the abdomen and disturb the expectant mothers. These habits also cause constipation and trigger severe abdominal hardening problems.

False Contractions

Braxton hicks contractions, also known as false contractions, are seen especially in the last stages of pregnancy. Irregular contractions of the uterus are actually an indication that the body is trying to prepare for birth. In the meantime, it is considered normal to feel a hardening in your abdomen.

Collecting the Baby

Your baby, whose place is getting narrower day by day, can gather on one side of your stomach in order to better position itself where it is. This situation, which is mostly experienced in the last months of pregnancy, may cause that area to be harder.

When Does Abdominal Hardening Start During Pregnancy?

Abdominal hardening during pregnancy is seen in the last months in parallel with the growth of the baby. But it can also be felt during the second trimester, when the bones are well formed. Although it is not often encountered in the first months of pregnancy, pregnant women with low weight may experience abdominal hardening during this period.

Is Abdominal Hardening During Pregnancy a Sign of Birth?

Although the tightening and hardening of the abdomen during pregnancy is perceived as something to be feared by many, it is actually considered normal in the course of pregnancy and is not considered among the birth symptoms. For this reason, painless erections and tensions do not mean that your labor has begun. However, if you are in the last weeks of your pregnancy, have severe pain, and experience other labor symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

What Can You Do?

In such moments, changing your position, moving and drinking plenty of fluids will relax you. You can also relax your muscles by taking a warm shower. Using magnesium tablets with your doctor's approval will also help your muscles relax and unwind. Despite all this, if your stomach is getting harder and more symptoms such as severe pain are added to this hardening, it would be best to see your obstetrician.

In Which Situations Should You Go To The Doctor?

Many mental, psychological and physical changes occur during pregnancy. The effect of hormones, your growing uterus and many other factors are the cause of the changes you experience. As you can see, hardening of the abdomen during pregnancy is not usually a sign of a serious problem. Many expectant mothers feel a hardening and tightness in their tummy. But this situation is not expected to negatively affect your daily life. If the complaints are getting worse and the following situations are encountered, then a doctor should be consulted.

• Difficulty in breathing due to tension and hardening in the abdomen,
• Continuing to increase the hardness,
• Intense pain.