Abdominal pain in women: when should you worry?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the infection of female genital tract affecting the uterus, fallopian tube and ovaries.

The disease is caused by viral, bacterial or sometimes, even worm infections. If ignored, the disease can form multiple scars of pelvic organs, block the fallopian tubes causing infertility and obstruct ureters thus damaging kidneys.

Some pains are considered common during pregnancy. Bloating or constipation commonly causes abdominal pain during pregnancy. The weight of the baby on the ligaments can cause slight pain in the pelvic area at the beginning of the third trimester. But do not ignore severe abdominal pains or spot bleeding. It can mean an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or placental abruption.

In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised egg is implanted outside the uterus. If the pregnancy grows, it can stretch and rupture the fallopian tube causing heavy internal bleeding and pain and is a medical emergency.

A miscarriage or loss of pregnancy can cause intense, sharp abdominal pain with severe cramps. Call your gynaecologist immediately if your abdominal cramps are accompanied by vaginal bleeding with passing of clots during pregnancy.

Rush to your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, frequent contractions and notice a decline in fetal movement. These signs and symptoms are commonly associated with placental abruption, a condition in which the placenta peels away from the uterine walls before the birth of the baby.

Spotting and abdominal pain along with a frequent tightening of the uterine muscles can be a sign of preterm labor. What should you do? Obviously, rush to the hospital! — thehealthsite.com