Belly Button Pain in Late Pregnancy: What Could It Be?

Question
Hi, Im 7 month pregnant with my second child and a couple days ago I bent down and when I got up I felt a tearing feeling from my around belly button down about two inches. I was in a great amount of pain and needed to sit for a good 30 min. afterwards I was on my feet and moving around slowly only because I had to (I have a toddler). I felt something was really wrong because I am in almost constant pain in the same area and I swear I can feel the tissue spreading apart but everyone insists this is normal and its just my muscles stretching. I never felt this with my first one so I just ended up going to the ER. They didnt pay much mind to my complaint and told me that even if it was what i thought it was (a tearing or hernia of some kind), that there was nothing they can really do about it now. Okay so now Im going to go to another dr. for a second opinion because the pain hasnt gone away and still in that specific area. Does anyone know what I may be experiencing?

Answer
Dear Jasmine,

In the 2nd trimester, the muscles and ligaments that support your uterus stretch. (Ligaments are tough bands of tissue.) This can cause a dull ache across the belly or a sharp pain on one side. Many women feel this pain most severely when getting up from a bed, chair, or bathtub or when coughing. This really is a normal occurrence and is more than likely what has happened from what you describe.

Unless the pain is accompanied by cramps, vaginal bleeding, fever, chills, lightheadedness, faintness, or discharge from your vagina, I would suspect that there is nothing ominous going on.

However - by all means, if it will ease your mind and make you rest easier, seek another opinion. The stress is not good for you or your pregnancy.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda