Hard belly in pregnancy: when to worry and how to distinguish it from contractions
A hard belly in pregnancy is a very common sensation, the causes of which can vary according to the month of gestation. Depending on the trimester in which the future mother is, in fact, the hard belly can depend on the "enlargement of the uterus" or be linked to other changes that the belly undergoes during the nine months, in which it changes shape and volume. Furthermore, in the last trimester, it can be a symptom of the arrival of contractions, from which it is good to know how to distinguish it ...
Let's explore together, going through the different trimesters of pregnancy, what can be the causes of the hardening of the belly, when it is necessary to worry and how to alleviate this annoying sensation, waiting to know your baby soon!
Hard belly in pregnancy in the first trimester: causes and symptoms
Although the belly lasts in pregnancy tends to appear mainly in the second and third trimesters of gestation, some expectant mothers may feel a sensation of hardening as early as the first three months. These are mostly cramps not different from those of the cycle, due to the implantation of the embryo and therefore to the contractions of the uterus.
In the first few months, the hard belly is also linked to the hormonal upheavals taking place. The future mother would do well to change her lifestyle a little by trying to find less frenetic rhythms and allowing herself a little more rest to prevent the problem from worsening.
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Belly hard in pregnancy in the second trimester
The feeling of hardening of the belly begins to be more frequent in the second semester, although it will become even more so from the seventh month of pregnancy. The expectant mother may experience a contracted belly, especially if she has made too much effort.
Again, the advice is to rest as much as possible, but don't worry too much! Also pay attention to take care of your diet as best as possible, because a hard belly could also be linked to constipation problems, due to the increase in progesterone that relaxes the muscles ... Eat more fiber and pay particular attention to the foods in our video:
Hard belly in third trimester pregnancy: how to distinguish it from contractions
Starting in the seventh month of pregnancy, a hard belly is very common indeed. In the last trimester, care must be taken to distinguish it from Braxton Hicks contractions, those gentle contractions with which your uterus prepares for labor.
When you have Braxton Hicks contractions, your belly only contracts for a few seconds, then everything returns to normal. Generally the future mother, waiting to see her baby born, has these contractions in the evening hours: it is precisely in those moments that the baby moves, kicks, generating the contractions of your uterus.
Braxton Hicks contractions therefore make your tummy hard and, if they are not painful, should not cause any concern. From the thirty-seventh week, on the other hand, they could involve a little more pain: the time of delivery is approaching, and it could be preparatory contractions. If they recur frequently, you should go to the hospital immediately: soon you will get to know your baby!
When to worry?
When, on the other hand, does the feeling of a hard belly in pregnancy have to worry us? First of all, if it is a persistent condition, which occurs upon awakening, and / or if there are - in addition to hardening - dark-colored blood loss: in these cases there could be a risk of premature birth It will therefore be good to talk to your gynecologist right away.
Also be careful if the feeling of a hard stomach is caused by contractions and if the latter become frequent and painful: even in these cases it is always good not to hesitate to contact your doctor.
Remedies to relieve the feeling of hardening
To relieve or prevent hardening of the belly in pregnancy, it is good to follow the following tips. First of all, try to avoid overexertion, from long walks to lifting weights, from overdoing house cleaning to standing too long. Rest is essential for a future mother!
If you feel your belly is getting stiff, don't hesitate to lie down in bed, even if it's just for an hour. You could take magnesium (obviously after consulting with your gynecologist) or treat yourself to a nice hot shower, which helps to relax the muscles.
Instead, avoid massaging your belly: it could be counterproductive! Finally, if your stomach hardening is due to an improper diet, try to favor foods such as fruits and vegetables, increasing your fiber intake and remembering to hydrate yourself as best as possible.
