What are the reactions in the lower abdomen during pregnancy? After pregnancy, women will have many reactions, and what we must do is to understand the symptoms of pregnancy, so that we can prepare in advance to relieve them. What are the reactions or changes in the lower abdomen of women after pregnancy? Let's take a look together!
1、 Early pregnancy: The uterus looks like a grapefruit
Pregnancy at 4 weeks: In the first month of pregnancy, the size and shape of the expectant mother's uterus show little change compared to before pregnancy. But the uterine wall began to become soft and thickened, appearing about the size of an egg. At this point, the hormone secretion in the expectant mother's body becomes imbalanced, and more sensitive expectant mothers also experience early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Some expectant mothers may also experience physical fatigue, weakness, fever, and chills.
8 weeks pregnant: As the gestational age increases, the uterine wall of the expectant mother gradually softens and the cervix thickens to protect the uterus. The first prenatal check-up is usually conducted between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, which includes consultation, measurement of weight and blood pressure, listening to fetal heart rate, urine and blood tests, and checking the size of the uterus.
12 weeks of pregnancy: At 3 months of pregnancy, the uterus of the expectant mother looks like a grapefruit. The uterus gradually enlarges with the growth of the fetus, and the bottom of the uterus can be touched above the pubic symphysis. The enlarged uterus begins to compress the bladder and rectum located in the front and back, reducing bladder capacity, causing frequent urination, and a feeling of incomplete urination.
2、 Mid pregnancy: Uterine enlargement compresses internal organs
16 weeks of pregnancy: In the fourth month of pregnancy, the growth rate of the fetus accelerates, the uterus begins to grow and the pelvis grows, and the ligaments around the uterus change from a relaxed state to a tense state. Many expectant mothers may feel some abdominal pain on one or both sides of the uterus in the lower abdomen, with a feeling of pulling, swelling, and falling, but generally it does not pose a threat to pregnancy.
20 weeks pregnant: At 5 months pregnant, the uterus of the expectant mother gradually enlarges, squeezing the abdomen outward, causing it to swell outward. The expectant mother can easily feel her uterus about 1.8 centimeters below the navel. At 6 months of pregnancy, the uterus is now about 8 centimeters above the navel. At this time, the uterus rapidly enlarges and compresses the internal organs, so almost all expectant mothers will face symptoms such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Therefore, expectant mothers begin to choose a lateral sleeping position.
28 weeks of pregnancy: By the 7th month, the expectant mother's abdomen is significantly bulging, the uterine floor continues to rise, and the height of the uterus is 24-26 centimeters. The body tilts slightly backwards to maintain balance, and the waist is prone to fatigue and pain. During this period, expectant mothers' weight rapidly increases, with an increase of 500 grams per week; At the same time, the enlarged uterus intensifies the pressure on the pelvic cavity, leading to increased obstruction of venous return in the lower body. If not careful, hemorrhoids may occur.
3、 Late pregnancy: The abdomen becomes hard and the uterus begins to contract
After reaching the late stage of pregnancy, the uterus rapidly enlarges and the abdomen swells up day by day. Gently touching the uterus can often feel a hardening sensation in the abdomen.
At 32 weeks of pregnancy: By 8 months, most expectant mothers will experience late stage uterine contractions (such as tightness in the stomach). At the same time, due to the need for childbirth and postpartum breastfeeding, the breasts of expectant mothers begin to secrete colostrum, and the lower abdomen becomes increasingly tight. In the next few weeks, the intensity of late pregnancy contractions will increase, and you will also find more pulling marks on your breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
36 weeks of pregnancy: At 9 months of pregnancy, the uterus has almost occupied the entire abdominal cavity, directly compressing the stomach, diaphragm, heart, etc., causing palpitations, shortness of breath, bloating, poor appetite, increased frequency of urination, and gradually intermittent uterine contractions.
At 38 weeks of pregnancy: In the last month, expectant mothers will experience a feeling of downward movement in their stomachs, improved breathing, and reduced bloating. This is because at this time, the fetal head has already entered the entrance of the pelvic cavity downwards. When full-term is reached, accompanied by waves of abdominal pain, uterine contractions begin to occur, allowing the mature fetus to be delivered smoothly.
At different stages, pregnant women's lower abdomen will have different reactions and changes, and we need to be aware of the changes in each stage. For us, we may not be very familiar with its changes, so we need to know more beforehand. When we are really pregnant, we know how to deal with it.
