The third trimester of pregnancy is an exciting yet taxing time for expecting mothers. After months of eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new addition to your family, you may have begun to feel a certain tightness in your stomach. This is a normal experience and is a natural part of the pregnancy process as your body prepares for labor. Though it can be uncomfortable and worrisome, there are ways to manage the tightness in your stomach during the third trimester of pregnancy. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what causes the tightness, how to alleviate the feeling, and ways to remain comfortable and relaxed throughout this special time in your life.
How does a pregnant belly feel in early pregnancy?
You might not notice much of a difference in your belly during your first trimester, if any at all. It will likely be soft and appear slightly larger, similar to when you feel bloated during your period or after eating a substantial meal.
At the end of the first trimester, your unborn child weighs only half an ounce and is only about 2 inches long.
Still protected by those sturdy bones in your pelvis, your uterus is still there. Early pregnancy digestive changes are likely the cause of a larger belly or tighter feeling. Your uterus is pushing your intestines upward as it occupies more space in your pelvis. Your digestion is also being slowed down by hormonal changes, which results in more gas and constipation.
As the weeks pass, you’ll start to feel and appear more pregnant. You might begin to show signs of pregnancy by the end of this trimester or at the beginning of the next.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions: What You Need to Know
What: Warm up and practice contractions that don’t cause labor, indicate labor, or enlarge the cervix.
When: Second or third trimester; for subsequent pregnancies, symptoms are typically felt or noticed earlier in the second trimester.
Where: Usually in the front of your midsection, between the upper and middle abdomen.
Why: Although the cause and intent of Braxton-Hicks are unknown, it is thought that they serve to help the uterus get ready for eventual labor and delivery. The uterus is essentially a muscle, and muscles can constrict when they are agitated.
Who: Pregnant people, though not all pregnant women will experience Braxton-Hicks contractions.
How: Braxton-Hicks contractions typically cause the uterus (the area around the belly button) to tighten and harden. They typically only last 20 to 30 seconds and can occur randomly throughout the day. They could make it uncomfortable, challenging to move, or difficult to stoop during
If you pay attention to Braxton-Hicks contractions for a long enough period of time, you’ll probably start to notice that certain activities, such as:
Other causes of stomach tightening during pregnancy
Since the tightness lasts only a few seconds to minutes and is caused by common pregnancy issues, it is generally harmless. But occasionally, you might need to visit a doctor.
FAQ
When should I worry about a tight stomach during pregnancy?
Why is my pregnant belly so tight and hard?
Why does my stomach feel tight and painful when my baby moves 3rd trimester?
Can baby moving cause tightening?
If its a contraction, the uterus will feel hard all over and tight to your pressed fingertips. If the uterus feels hard in some places and soft in others, your babys movements are probably causing the sensation.