Stomach Tightness in Pregnancy: 24 Weeks - Is It Normal?

Question
Every since this morning i have had severe tightness in my lower abdomen and can barely stand up straight when i get these pains. Is this normal or should i be concerned? This is my second pregnancy and did not experience this with that baby. Thank you for your time and hope you can help me.

Answer
Dear Francis,

*First*
Please accept my apologies for the delay in answering. Our cable (TV and internet) went out early Saturday and after several BOGUS stories, the tech came today and regretfully informed us we were mistakenly shut off for our NEIGHBOR's non-payment. So... as frustrated as all of you may be at having to wait longer for an answer, try being me with a husband without football all weekend for apparently no valid reason!!!

Now to your question...

It sounds like you may be experiencing some round ligament pain. Round ligament pain generally refers to a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a longer-lasting dull ache that pregnant women commonly feel in the lower abdomen or groin, starting in the second trimester.

You may feel round ligament pain as a short jabbing sensation if you suddenly change position, such as when you're getting out of bed or out of a chair or when you cough, roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub. You may feel it as a dull ache after a particularly active day - when you've been walking a lot or doing some other physical activity.

The round ligaments surround your uterus in your pelvis. As your uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch out to accommodate and support it. These changes can occasionally cause pain on one or both sides of your abdomen. You may also feel the pain starting from deep inside your groin, and can move upward and outward on either side to the top of your hips. The pain is internal, but if you were to trace it on your skin, it would follow the bikini line on a very high-cut bathing suit.

This is a normal discomfort of pregnancy and is something we really just have to tolerate in the last half of most pregnancies. You can definitely mention this to your doctor at the next visit, but I don't think it sounds like anything serious from what you've described.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and again, thank you for your patience.

Brenda