Pain near belly button right side early pregnancy

Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They're usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked.

It's probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind. But if you have stomach pains and are worried, call your midwife or maternity hospital.

Harmless stomach pains, which can be dull or sharp, may be caused by:

  • ligament pain (often called "growing pains" as the ligaments stretch to support your growing bump) – this can feel like a sharp cramp on one side of your lower tummy
  • constipation – which is common in pregnancy (find out how to avoid constipation)
  • trapped wind

Urgent advice: Call your midwife immediately if you have stomach pain and:

  • bleeding or spotting
  • regular cramping or tightenings
  • vaginal discharge that's unusual for you
  • lower back pain
  • pain or burning when you pee
  • the pain is severe or does not go away after you've rested for 30 to 60 minutes

Any of these could be the symptoms of something that needs to be checked or treated urgently.

Possible causes of serious stomach pain

Some conditions that can cause stomach pain need to be checked urgently.

Ectopic pregnancy

This is when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, for example in a fallopian tube. The pregnancy cannot survive and needs to be removed with medicine or surgery.

Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and can include:

  • tummy pain and bleeding
  • pain in the tip of your shoulder
  • discomfort when pooing or peeing

Find out more about ectopic pregnancy

Miscarriage

Cramping pains and bleeding before 24 weeks of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of miscarriage or threatened miscarriage (when you bleed but the pregnancy normally continues).

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. It usually starts after 20 weeks or just after the baby is born.

Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:

  • severe headache
  • vision problems
  • swollen feet, hands and face

You'll need to be monitored in hospital.

Find out more about pre-eclampsia

Premature labour

If you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and are having regular abdominal cramps or tightenings, call your midwife.

This could be a sign of premature labour, and you'll need to be monitored in hospital.

Placental abruption

This is when the placenta starts to come away from the wall of the womb, usually causing bleeding and constant severe pain that does not come and go like a contraction pain.

It's sometimes an emergency because it means the placenta may not be able to support your baby properly.

You should go to the hospital so you and your baby can be checked.

Find out more about placental abruption

UTI (urinary tract infection)

UTIs are common in pregnancy and can usually be easily treated. They can cause tummy pain and sometimes, but not always, pain when you pee.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and your body is going through lots of changes. Unexpected symptoms or brand new discomfort can be worrying. Here’s a breakdown of the common and less-common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy and when you should talk to your doctor about it. 

Common Causes of Pregnancy Abdominal Pain

As your body goes through significant changes, sometimes you’ll feel uncomfortable. As your baby grows, you carry more weight in your belly, and your other organs are pushed out of the way. This can lead to some common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy that are easily managed and will likely go away on their own:

Digestive problems. Your baby puts a lot of pressure on your stomach and intestines, especially in the second and third trimester. Digestive pain in your stomach may be anything from gas to bloating to constipation. If your pain seems to be linked to when you eat, then focus on drinking lots of water and adding more fiber to your diet.

Strained muscles. Most women gain anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds during their pregnancy to support their baby. This weight, combined with the effects of your hormones on your muscles and ligaments, can easily lead to strained muscles in your back, sides, and abdomen. Muscle strain pain generally feels tender and sore and stays in the area of the pulled muscle. 

Cramping. Just because you aren’t having periods while you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you won’t have cramps. Your uterus is stretching dramatically, and especially in your first and second semester, you may feel cramps as it adjusts. These cramps will feel like an aching or stabbing pain like menstrual cramps, but they will often be relieved by heat or go away on their own.

Braxton Hicks contractions. Your body will sometimes practice for true labor with Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “false labor” pains. They are generally much milder than true labor, they are irregular, and they tend to start strong and then get weaker. Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable or painful, but they will stop on their own if you change position or move around.

Serious Causes of Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy

Most causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy are nothing to worry about, but some causes of abdominal pain need medical care right away. If you suspect you may be facing one of the following problems, get medical assistance immediately.

Appendicitis. Appendicitis is an infection of your appendix, which can happen even during pregnancy and needs immediate treatment. Appendicitis causes: 

  • Pain on your right side 
  • Stomach pain near your belly button
  • Nausea
  • Lack of appetite 
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Fatigue

Gallstones. Your gallbladder helps you digest fatty foods. When you’re pregnant, hormones and your digestive system can affect your gallbladder, causing you to develop gallstones. These stones will cause:

  • Sharp, stabbing pain in your upper right side
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever

Gallstones may go away on their own, or they may require medical treatment. Talk to your doctor if you get any of these symptoms. 

Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition that’s only found in pregnant people. Your body reacts to being pregnant by developing high blood pressure. Your blood pressure can get so high that it may damage your liver and kidneys. The best treatment for preeclampsia is delivering your baby.  

Signs of preeclampsia include:

  • Upper abdominal pain on the right side
  • Blurred vision
  • Severe headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea 
  • Urinating less

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. 

Miscarriage. If you get severe pain on the right side of your lower stomach and spotting, you may be having a miscarriage. Anywhere from 10% to 20% of women have miscarriages after finding out that they’re pregnant. Once a miscarriage has begun, it cannot be stopped.

If you’re spotting, having red bleeding, or passing clots, then a miscarriage is possible. Talk to your doctor immediately. 

When to Worry About Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Minor causes of abdominal pain generally go away on their own after a little while, especially if treated with heat pads. But in some cases, pain is a sign of an emergency.

Reach out to your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Constant or severe pain in your stomach or back
  • Pain that’s worse at night or when you’re lying down
  • Pain that has redness or swelling along with it
  • Painful urination
  • Contractions before 37 weeks, happening within 10 minutes
  • Noticeable decrease in the baby’s movement after 28 weeks
  • Vomiting and nausea or diarrhea
  • Extreme or constant headaches
  • Bleeding or leaking vaginal fluid
  • Fevers
  • Blurred vision

Your doctor is there to help you. If you’re concerned about any symptom you have, contact your them for help. 

Does around your belly button hurt in early pregnancy?

Your bellybutton pain may come and go throughout pregnancy as you experience stages of rapid growth. Some women may get used to the pressure and stretching early on. For others, the pain is worse during the final weeks when your belly is the biggest. Taking pressure off your belly may help.

When should I worry about right side pain in pregnancy?

Right side pain during pregnancy is generally no cause for concern — just another result of the many physical changes during pregnancy. But if the pain accompanies bleeding, discharge, severe headaches, or other serious symptoms, it is important to receive medical attention.

Can early pregnancy cause pain on one side?

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to the body. Some of those changes can cause mild discomfort or light cramping in the area around your ovaries. Ovary pain may cause pain on one side of your lower abdominal or pelvic area.