When should you see a doctor about severe abdominal pain in pregnancy?

Some stretching or digestive discomfort can occur in pregnancy, but severe or persistent pain needs assessment because the cause may involve the pregnancy or another abdominal condition. Early pain with bleeding or faintness can occur with Ectopic Pregnancy.

Later pain with bleeding, a hard or tender abdomen, regular tightening, headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain may occur with Placental Abruption, Pre-eclampsia, HELLP Syndrome, or Preterm Labour. Pain is a presentation of these conditions, not proof that you have one.

Call your maternity unit, obstetric team, or emergency service for immediate advice. Note when the pain began, where it is, whether it comes in waves, and whether there is bleeding, fluid leakage, fever, vomiting, urinary pain, or a change in fetal movement. Do not drive yourself if faint or severely unwell.

Use emergency services for severe pain with fainting, heavy bleeding, shoulder pain, difficulty breathing, a seizure, confusion, or a very tender abdomen. Contact the maternity team urgently for regular contractions, fluid leakage, fever, persistent vomiting, severe headache, visual symptoms, or reduced fetal movement.

Ask what examination and monitoring are needed, whether blood or urine tests and imaging are appropriate, how fetal wellbeing will be checked, and which symptoms should bring you back immediately.