Lower Right Side Pain in Late Pregnancy: Causes & What to Expect

Question
Helen,

I am 26 weeks pregnant with my 4th child. My 3rd was born 9lbs 8oz in Jan/07.  All of my children have been c-sections.  1st child 'frank breach', 2nd child went into distress during induction, 3rd scheduled and 4th is now scheduled at 38 weeks.  Along with the every day complaints of being pregnant I am getting very sharp pains in my lower right side sometimes when I stand up from a sitting or laying position, not all the time but it has been happening.  Now my concern is uterine rupture or miscarriage.  During my last c-section my doc informed me that she was able to see through my uterus prior to even cutting into it.  We have since both decided to have my tubes tied during my next surgery but I am a little concerned about the shooting pain at this point.  I am having alot of back pain and problems with my ciatic nerves but I can deal with that. I was at the docs yesterday but forgot to mention it. I am not seeing my OB for another 4 weeks. Should I be concerned??

Answer
Any sort of shooting pain would definitely be a concern. However, given the fact that it is on one side, it sounds to me more like a urinary tract infection. I would schedule another appointment with your doctor as soon as possible and get him or her to check for possible infection. If it turns out that isn't the case, they may be able to do a diagnostic ultrasound to see the thickness of your uterus.

Please let me know if I can help you further or with anything else.

Best wishes,
Helen =)