Pain in lower right abdomen near hip bone during pregnancy

Braxton Hicks contractions are a bit more common in the afternoon or evening, and they can spring up after physical activity (including sex), according to the Mayo Clinic. They also tend to get a little more intense (and more frequent) as you get closer to your due date, the Mayo Clinic explains. There are a few things you might try to get rid of these contractions. If you’ve been standing, try sitting or lying down. If you’ve been sitting, get up and walk around, the ACOG recommends. You might also consider whether or not you’re hydrated. Often, drinking a few glasses of water and resting might alleviate your pain, the ACOG says.

If none of the above techniques work, or if your contractions last for longer than two minutes at a time and seem to get closer together over time, you may be going into labor and should call your doctor, the ACOG explains.

If you feel any of these pregnancy pains, you should give your doctor a call:

1. Sudden sharp, dull or achy pain in your right abdomen

This could signal appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). Surprisingly, besides pregnancy complications, appendicitis is the most common reason for emergency surgery during pregnancy, Dr. Clark tells SELF. Around 0.1% of pregnant people will experience appendicitis during pregnancy, and it’s most common in the second trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic. “The pain may be sudden and may be sharp or dull and achy,” says Dr. Clark. “It is typically associated with fever, inability to eat, nausea, and vomiting.” See your doctor right away if you’re in pain and suspect something is wrong.

It can be difficult to diagnose appendicitis (signs like nausea and vomiting aren’t that different from pregnancy symptoms), but if your doctor understands your history and conducts a thorough examination, it’s a very treatable condition, the Mayo Clinic says. First, doctors will perform a series of tests and scans to confirm that you have appendicitis, SELF previously reported. From there, they might determine whether surgery is the best option. In cases where your provider decides that surgery isn’t right for you, they might prescribe antibiotics to treat infection and remove your appendix at a later time.

2. Sharp and intense pain in the upper right abdomen

Slowed-down digestion also slows the emptying of the gallbladder, which can lead to gallstones. Gallstones are often associated with pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, the Mayo Clinic explains. In addition to upper right abdomen pain, you might experience pain in the center of your abdomen, back pain between your shoulder blades, pain in your right shoulder, nausea, and vomiting, the Mayo Clinic says.

“If it isn’t too severe a case, gallstones can be managed conservatively with dietary modification including avoiding fatty, fried foods,” Dr. Jones says. Occasionally, some patients will need surgery, but in most cases, removal can wait until after delivery, she adds. In some cases, the gallstone can cause cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, the Mayo Clinic says. The symptoms of cholecystitis include fever and increased pain that won’t go away. In this case, surgery may be necessary.

3. Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen, paired with nausea

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition that involves a sudden increase in blood pressure and some kind of damage to other organs (usually the kidneys and liver), according to the Mayo Clinic. It usually occurs in the third trimester, but some pregnant people with certain risk factors are monitored for it earlier than that. More specifically, risk factors include having a family history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, as well as factors like age and race (Black women have higher rates of the condition than women of other races), the Mayo Clinic explains.

Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is most often felt during the second trimester.

Here is what you need to know about round ligament pain, including some tips to help you feel better.

Causes of Round Ligament Pain

Several thick ligaments surround and support your womb (uterus) as it grows during pregnancy. One of them is called the round ligament.

The round ligament connects the front part of the womb to your groin, the area where your legs attach to your pelvis. The round ligament normally tightens and relaxes slowly.

As your baby and womb grow, the round ligament stretches. That makes it more likely to become strained.

Sudden movements can cause the ligament to tighten quickly, like a rubber band snapping. This causes a sudden and quick jabbing feeling.

Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain can be concerning and uncomfortable. But it is considered normal as your body changes during pregnancy.

The symptoms of round ligament pain include a sharp, sudden spasm in the belly. It usually affects the right side, but it may happen on both sides. The pain only lasts a few seconds.

Exercise may cause the pain, as will rapid movements such as:

  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • laughing
  • rolling over in bed
  • standing up too quickly

Treatment of Round Ligament Pain

Here are some tips that may help reduce your discomfort:

Pain relief. Take over-the-counter acetaminophen for pain, if necessary. Ask your doctor if this is OK.

Exercise. Get plenty of exercise to keep your stomach (core) muscles strong. Doing stretching exercises or prenatal yoga can be helpful. Ask your doctor which exercises are safe for you and your baby.

A helpful exercise involves putting your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head, and pushing your backside into the air.

Avoid sudden movements. Change positions slowly (such as standing up or sitting down) to avoid sudden movements that may cause stretching and pain.

Flex your hips. Bend and flex your hips before you cough, sneeze, or laugh to avoid pulling on the ligaments.

Apply warmth. A heating pad or warm bath may be helpful. Ask your doctor if this is OK. Extreme heat can be dangerous to the baby.

You should try to modify your daily activity level and avoid positions that may worsen the condition.

When to Call the Doctor

Always tell your doctor about any type of pain you have during pregnancy. Round ligament pain is quick and doesn't last long.

Call your health care provider immediately if you have:

  • severe pain
  • pain that lasts for more than a few minutes
  • fever
  • chills
  • pain on urination
  • difficulty walking

Belly pain during pregnancy can be due to many different causes. It is important for your doctor to rule out more serious conditions, including pregnancy complications such as placenta abruption or non-pregnancy illnesses such as:

  • inguinal hernia
  • appendicitis
  • stomach, liver, and kidney problems

Preterm labor pains may sometimes be mistaken for round ligament pain.

What is the reason for right side lower abdomen pain during pregnancy?

Sometimes the round ligaments get irritated or too tight. This can often cause pain on your lower right side. You might feel sharp pain or a dull ache. This usually happens in your second trimester as the weight of the baby and amniotic fluids increase.

When should I worry about right side pain in pregnancy?

Pre-eclampsia Pain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy due to the growing baby and uterus pushing up under the ribs. But if this pain is bad or persistent, particularly on the right side, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy) which affects some pregnant women.