21 weeks of pregnancy: condition of the fetus and mother

The stomach hurts at 21 weeks of pregnancy due to changes in the woman’s body during pregnancy. But there may be a reason related to chronic or developing diseases that worsen during this period.

How long have you had this pain syndrome?

Several days (26%, 976)
First day (21%, 799 Votes)
Several months (12%, 452)
Week (10%, 376)
Several weeks (10%, 358)
About a month (8%, 312)
Chronic form (6%, 236)
About a year (6%, 210)

Total voters: 3 720

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Why does my stomach hurt at 21 weeks of pregnancy?

Pain at 21 weeks does not always indicate pathology.
This symptom is associated with the following natural processes:

The uterus expands, pressure begins on the abdominal cavity.
The pelvic bones move apart to allow the baby to pass through the birth.
A large fruit helps to shift the center of gravity of the body.
New hormones appear in the body.

But there are pathological ailments that can be dangerous. Therefore, if you have any unpleasant feelings, you should consult your doctor.

Pathologies that cause the disorder:

The tone of the uterus is a girdle pain, radiating to the lower back, mild, the stomach turns to stone.
Risk of miscarriage - strong, cutting sensations, accompanied by bleeding, spotting brown discharge.
Premature birth – is present for a long time, has a cramping character, pulls the bottom as during menstruation.
Placental abruption is characterized by intense bleeding, as a hematoma occurs between the placenta and the uterus.

There are a number of chronic diseases, the exacerbation of which occurs due to an enlarged uterus, putting pressure on some internal organs. The woman feels discomfort.

Such diseases include:

infection, inflammation of the bladder;
thrush;
diseases of the ovaries, fallopian tubes;
STI;
ovarian cysts (usually their rupture);
acute appendicitis;
inguinal hernia;
radiculitis;
disbacteriosis in a neglected state;
symphysitis of the symphysis pubis;
pathologies of the gallbladder and pancreas.

If everything is within normal limits, pain can be eliminated by changing body position, for example, lying on the other side.

If the disorder persists, it is recommended to call an ambulance to avoid worsening the condition. At an early stage, all consequences can be circumvented and the pregnancy can be maintained.

Feelings of the expectant mother in the twenty-first week of pregnancy

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, a woman is faced with completely new sensations. First of all, she begins to clearly feel the presence of a living being inside her body. As the child's skeleton is already forming, his movements become more and more intense. At the same time, at 21 weeks he has not yet reached a large size, so he fits perfectly in the uterus and can still tumble and flip, delighting his mother.

Often the child behaves very actively, especially at night, not allowing the woman to get a full night's sleep. These temporary difficulties usually do not upset women, but on the contrary, give them a lot of positive emotions. After all, it is precisely by feeling her baby alive that the expectant mother feels the greatest connection with him.

It is worth remembering that active manifestations of fetal activity during this period of time are the norm. If there is no movement at 21 weeks of pregnancy, you need to consult a specialist. Such a sign may indicate abnormal development of the fetus and even its death. If the child was active and suddenly calmed down for several hours or days in a row, it is recommended to undergo an ultrasound.

You should also be wary if your stomach hurts in the twenty-first week of pregnancy. Particularly dangerous are cramping pains in the lower part, indicating increased tone of the uterus.

Unpleasant symptoms of 21 weeks include:

shortness of breath, which is observed due to compression of the lungs by the growing uterus;
frequent urge to urinate, also due to the large size of the uterus;
nipple discharge. This is colostrum, which means that the body is preparing for childbirth and the subsequent feeding of the baby with milk;
slight vaginal discharge. Discharge at 21 weeks of pregnancy should be transparent, not
accompanied by an unpleasant odor and itching in the genital area;
general deterioration in health, heaviness in the body;
sleep disturbances caused by a woman’s worries, fears, and emotional state.

Some expectant mothers experience an increase in libido during this period of time. Sexual relations are contraindicated only in case of threat of miscarriage.

What causes nagging, aching pain during pregnancy?

A woman’s body undergoes a major restructuring, accompanied by inconvenience and malfunction of the body system. The disturbances cause a nagging, aching pain in the abdomen.

This is usually a symptom:

Intestinal obstruction, stagnation of feces.
Constipation, diarrhea.
Accumulations of intestinal gases.
Tension of ligaments.
Lack of vitamins.

A woman must be observed in a antenatal clinic and tell the gynecologist about the discomfort that is bothering her. The doctor determines the type of sensations, selects drugs that are safe for the fetus, a method of therapy, and prescribes additional tests.

Fetus

The average weight of the fetus is 350-400 grams, and its height is 27 cm.

This week the fetus:

The skin is coated with a protective lubricant that protects it from external influences. The subcutaneous fat layer begins to form.
The endocrine system and glands that produce hormones are activated.
The digestive system is actively developing: the fetus swallows a large amount of amniotic fluid, training the digestive tract.
The processes of hematopoiesis are improved, and from the 21st week the spleen begins to work actively.
The fetal bones and muscles continue to strengthen. The child is actively moving.
The vestibular apparatus is formed, which is responsible for orientation in space.
Sense organs develop: the fetus discerns taste and begins to hear.

Fetus at 21 weeks of gestation

SPA therapy for the expectant mother

Spa treatments for pregnant women are useful.

They relieve psychological stress and help eliminate the effects of hormonal changes:

stretch marks;
cellulite;
swelling;
pigmentation;
dilatation of veins

The following physiotherapy programs are allowed for expectant mothers:

Peeling.
Algae, oil wraps without a warming effect.
Lymphatic drainage massage.
Massage of the collar area.

There are always restrictions when pregnant, and in the spa you need to adhere to some rules:

The preparations used must be made from natural ingredients.
Use essential oils carefully.
The duration of the procedure is no more than two hours.

What does dull, pulling, point or cutting pain in the abdomen indicate?

Stomach pain during pregnancy is due to changes in the body, in organs associated with hormonal changes, changes in the position of internal organs, and obstetric pathologies.

Many types of these sensations do not pose a threat to the health of the mother or the condition of the fetus. Others cause significant harm and even death to the woman and the unborn child.

Pain is a reaction of the nervous system to stimuli. A symptom of many diseases, including obstetric pathologies during pregnancy. A pregnant woman experiences hormonal changes and a restructuring of many systems. They are also accompanied by this feeling.

If discomfort and pain occur, it is better to consult with your doctor about the nature of these sensations and appropriate treatment. During pregnancy, a woman is responsible not only for her own health, but also for the health of the baby.

Nature has determined that the mother’s body tries to protect the fetus from all negative influences. A plug formed from mucus in the cervix prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering.

Umbilical cord nutrition is formed in such a way that harmful chemical compounds do not enter the fetus. The uterus itself protects the child from external mechanical influence.

At the same time, during the period of bearing a baby, the woman herself may regularly experience pain of varying intensity and nature. Each type of discomfort indicates the presence of different pathological conditions, with the exception of harmless obstetric ones associated with changes in the maternal body and preparation for childbirth.

Based on the nature, intensity of pain, and gestational age, we can talk about how dangerous the condition is.

For example, pulling, extending to the lower back and groin, may indicate a risk of miscarriage. An additional sign of the condition will be the presence of bloody discharge.

In this case, you should immediately seek medical help and undergo an examination. If you delay visiting a doctor, the frequency of contractions will become more frequent and spontaneous miscarriage will occur.

Uterine tone is dangerous regardless of how early it was diagnosed. The fetus may experience a lack of oxygen and incoming nutrients. The woman feels a sharp pain like contractions. The solid state of the uterus and lower abdomen is recorded.

In case of injury, late toxicosis, or stress, placental abruption may occur. The condition is accompanied by acute pain in the lower abdomen. Often there is internal bleeding without external manifestations in the form of discharge. Urgent hospitalization and surgical intervention are required. Without help, death will occur.

Cramps accompanied by dizziness at five to twelve weeks can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. For a number of reasons, the egg was unable to enter the uterus and became embedded in the fallopian tube.

As a result of the rapid growth rate of the fertilized egg, severe pain occurs. The woman is sent for an ultrasound examination. An operation to terminate the pregnancy is prescribed. Lack of medical care will result in death for the pregnant woman.

A number of non-gynecological problems also contribute to the occurrence of unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen:

Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Additional symptoms: bitterness in the mouth, tingling in the lower abdomen, heartburn.
Inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract. Symptoms: discomfort and burning when urinating, increased frequency of the urge to urinate, increased body temperature.
Seasonal colds. They are accompanied by headaches, nasopharyngeal congestion, aching bones, and fever.
Inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis). An acute condition in which severe vomiting occurs, weakness, and a strong increase in temperature are detected. Surgery is used to remove the inflamed area. This procedure is safe for a pregnant woman. Abdominal laparotomy appendectomy is used if peritonitis is suspected and less invasive laparoscopy is used if there are no signs of peritonitis. A course of rehabilitation therapy is prescribed.

It is possible to diagnose the pathology based on additional symptoms. Treatment should be supervised by medical professionals. It is prohibited to take pharmaceutical drugs on your own. If you aggravate your own condition through inept actions, this will inevitably affect the child’s development.

Difficulties in pregnancy

Leg cramps

In order to ensure active growth of the fetus at 21 weeks, a large amount of calcium is needed. It comes from the mother's body, so pregnant women at this stage often experience a deficiency of potassium and calcium. The consequence is cramps in the calf muscles in the evening and at night. When this symptom appears, a woman is prescribed vitamin and mineral complexes, which will help compensate for the lack of useful microelements.

Placental abruption

Symptoms at 21 weeks - dizziness, weakness, uterine hypertonicity, pain in the lower abdomen or lumbar region, discharge from the genital tract. An indirect sign is a significant increase in the intensity of movements of the fetus suffering from hypoxia. The causes of detachment are abdominal trauma, poor maternal lifestyle, and chronic diseases. The prognosis depends on the area of detachment. Timely medical assistance allows you to maintain pregnancy even with a large area of detachment, so if alarming symptoms appear, you must urgently call an ambulance.

Hypertonicity of the uterus

Many pregnant women experience increased uterine tone at 21 weeks. This is a condition in which the muscles of the uterus are constantly in a tense state. The woman feels as if her stomach is turning to stone for some time. Tone occurs in response to:

physical or emotional stress,
excessive overload at home and at work.

If you ignore the problem, there is a high risk of pathologies or premature birth in the fetus. Unfortunately, at this stage, premature birth is always fatal for the fetus - the child is not yet developed enough to live outside the mother’s womb. Therefore, you should not postpone a visit to your doctor, who will prescribe sedatives and muscle relaxants that are safe for the fetus.

Torch infections

Torch infections include: toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpetic infection. The diseases have especially terrible consequences for the fetus in the second trimester. The developmental anomalies that they cause are usually incompatible with life and are indications for early termination of pregnancy. When preparing for pregnancy, a woman should think about vaccination, as this is the only way to protect herself and her unborn child. If a pregnant woman is not vaccinated, precautions and preventive measures must be taken during pregnancy.

Phlebeurysm

Most often, varicose veins affect the lower extremities. This is due to a hereditary predisposition and increased stress on the legs during pregnancy. Prevention measures are as follows:

Rest more often, placing a cushion under your feet.
Do not stay in one position for a long time. If your job is sedentary, walk around from time to time.
Stop wearing heels.
Do not cross your legs so as not to disrupt the blood flow of the lower extremities.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently, and which doctor will help?

Cases of pain where medical intervention cannot be avoided:

Cramping attacks of a pulling nature (especially in the first trimester of pregnancy) - you need to immediately seek help. There is a high risk of miscarriage or placental abruption. The presence of mucous discharge mixed with blood is a reason to call an ambulance for immediate hospitalization of the patient.
Shingles with a return to the lower back in the presence of a burning sensation at the time of urination - signs of the development of pyelonephritis. Long-term treatment may be required. Signs of illness should be reported immediately.
In the later stages, accompanied by contractions and increased uterine tone - a sign of premature birth.

Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, the appearance of bleeding from the vagina with or without pain - you should definitely call an ambulance.

Consulting a pregnant woman and caring for the patient during pregnancy is the responsibility of the local obstetrician-gynecologist. They work in district antenatal clinics.

You can get an appointment with them in the following ways:

through an electronic appointment system;
by calling the registration number of the medical institution;
Some consultations retained the journal recording system.

If the pain is not associated with the course of pregnancy and does not affect the development of the fetus, then you need to contact your local physician. It is important that treatment is selected taking into account saving the life and health of the mother and child.

Prevention

Prevention measures are known and available to all women; it is only necessary to apply this knowledge in practice:

It is worth limiting your social circle, not communicating with strangers on the street, in a hospital, or on public transport, so as not to catch an infection.
Protect yourself from hypothermia.
Dress according to the season, do not wear too warm clothes in hot weather, dress warmer in cold weather.
Eat healthy food, consume enough vitamins and microelements.
Ventilate the living space where you spend the most time.

To avoid getting ARVI, it is important to dress according to the season.

These preventive measures will reduce the risk of illness, but even if you are already sick, there is no need to be too upset, because there are safe treatment methods, which will be presented below.

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Top medications to reduce abdominal pain during pregnancy and breastfeeding, painkillers

Painkillers are not advisable during pregnancy. Especially in the first months, when the main formation of organs and tissues of the future person occurs. However, the process of experiencing discomfort caused by constant negative factors also does not bode well.

Before purchasing analgesics, consultation with a specialist is required. It is advisable to try non-pharmaceutical ways to cope with discomfort.

The least dangerous drug is Paracetamol. Suitable for use throughout the entire gestation period. Toxic components are in minimal concentration and are quickly excreted in the urine.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Prescribed with caution during the second trimester. Contraindicated for the first and third trimester. Use may cause a number of dangerous side effects. If your condition changes slightly for the worse while taking an analgesic, you should inform your doctor.

Indomethacin also belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is subject to the same restrictions as Ibuprofen. If taken continuously, there is a risk of damage to the child's kidney function.

For the first two trimesters, it is permissible to use creams and ointments based on:

Diclofenac.
Ketoprofen.
Ketorolac.

In the third trimester, you can only use local products based on herbal ingredients. It is forbidden to apply them if they contain bee or snake venom.

Ointments with an irritating effect that stimulate increased blood circulation can also have a negative effect. There is a risk of developing uterine tone and high blood pressure.

The most powerful painkillers are classified as narcotic substances and are prohibited for free sale. Their use occurs only in a hospital with extremely severe pain. These are drugs based on morphine and codeine.

The list of chemical compounds for pharmaceutical use during pregnancy is extremely limited. Before you start taking it, you should read the instructions for use in detail and strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on dosage and method of use.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the provisions on common side effects and contraindications.

It is possible to use folk and non-traditional methods of getting rid of suffering. For example, yoga for pregnant women, acupuncture, light massage, aromatherapy. Traditional methods are also used. But their use also needs to be discussed with a specialist.

Preventive measures to avoid abdominal pain

The basis of prevention is the correct lifestyle of a pregnant woman:

No stress factors. The mental state of the mother is the key to the health of the child. The fetus inside a woman reacts sensitively to changes in the mother’s emotional background. He is not able to recognize the causes of depression or fears, but he is aware that adverse events are occurring. If the mother is very worried, there is a risk of pathological changes during the formation of the future person. Neurological and psychological problems are possible.
Elimination of physical fatigue. Pregnant women are not recommended to attend training regularly. During active sports, blood pressure levels increase noticeably. This will provoke the development of uterine tone, which will inevitably lead to adverse consequences. You can go for walks in the fresh air.
Properly designed diet and nutrition schedule. It must be balanced. You should not consume fast food products or preservatives; it is recommended to reduce the amount of tea and coffee. It should consist of vegetables, fruits, animal and plant protein. It is worth taking vitamins prescribed by a doctor for those who are pregnant. Weight control is required, since the percentage of subcutaneous fat outside the normal range negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. The feeding processes of the fetus are disrupted. With rapid weight gain, nutritional correction and a special diet may be prescribed. Excess weight contributes to decreased activity, bad mood, and additional pain in the back and joints. Make sure there is no overeating.
Maintaining a sleep and rest schedule ensures that a woman is highly active. She does not feel tired and overwhelmed, which means she has a positive morale.
Regular observation by an obstetrician-gynecologist according to the established schedule, passing mandatory tests, compliance with received medical recommendations. Undergoing developmental ultrasound examinations and other diagnostic measures.
Tracking the development of chronic pathologies that were diagnosed before pregnancy.
Prompt treatment of colds, bacterial and viral diseases acquired during pregnancy.
Eliminate all bad habits, such as alcohol, smoking, and drug use. Failure to comply with this rule results in a developmental delay in the baby.
Monitoring blood pressure for hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure). Monitor your sugar levels if you are diagnosed with diabetes.
Do not take a hot bath or shower, or a contrast shower. A sharp change in ambient temperature threatens a rise in pressure and disruption of the cardiovascular system.

Compliance with these rules will ensure comfortable and proper pregnancy. The pain will be considered obstetrically safe. But even if you follow all the recommendations, you need to carefully monitor your own condition and, if there are reasons, seek medical help.

What does sudden abdominal pain mean?

The suddenness of the development of pain is a sign of an acute form of pathology. If the sensation is localized on the right side, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, there is a risk of developing inflammation of the appendix.

Immediate hospitalization and surgical intervention are required before perforation begins. Removing appendicitis is a common procedure for surgeons. It passes without complications.

During pregnancy, the operation is performed in compliance with all required patient safety criteria.

Non-obstetric types of pathological pain of a sudden acute nature include:

intestinal obstruction;
peritonitis.

As with appendicitis, acute pain accompanied by vomiting and general weakness. The syndrome extends to the lower abdomen, lower back, sacrum, and groin.

Unilateral, accompanied by bleeding from the vagina - a sign of ectopic pregnancy.

Additional signs of a dangerous condition:

cramping character;
increased symptoms in a horizontal position of the body;
severe vomiting;
shortness of breath at rest;
frequent heartbeat, which in frequency goes above 100 beats per minute.

In the absence of medical attention, the fallopian tube ruptures. Internal bleeding begins.