When the pregnancy reaches 28 weeks or more, or the last trimester of pregnancy (months 7-9), the uterus will begin to expand gradually. Normally, it feels like a soft lump, and you can feel the baby moving when you touch it. Sometimes, the mother may feel that the abdomen is hard or tight due to occasional uterine contractions. However, if the hardness lasts for 10 minutes before easing and occurs continuously 4-5 times in a series, or if the abdomen hardens accompanied by vaginal bleeding, you should see a doctor immediately.
Causes of Abdominal Hardness in Pregnant Women
Although abdominal hardness during pregnancy does not occur in every pregnant woman, it is advisable to avoid factors that may cause this symptom. If you experience abdominal hardness during pregnancy, you should see an obstetrician-gynecologist to diagnose the cause and ensure the pregnancy is safe until delivery. Common causes of abdominal hardness in pregnant women include:
- Strong fetal movements or fetal stretching
This is the most common type of abdominal hardness. Pregnant mothers may feel the abdomen hard in some places and soft in others, caused by the baby moving or stretching against the uterine wall, causing the uterus to contract. This makes parts of the baby’s body, such as elbows, shoulders, knees, head, or buttocks, protrude on the abdomen. If the back and buttocks press out, it may feel like the uterus is tilted to one side, with the other side softer. The areas with small bumps are usually the hands and feet. This condition is usually harmless and is a normal fetal movement.
- Uterine contractions without an identifiable cause
Uterine contractions without a clear cause may occur because the uterus is weak, contracting, or the mother has certain underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Overeating
Eating too much or not chewing food thoroughly, leading to indigestion or gas in the stomach, may cause uterine contractions due to stimulation from the stomach pressing against the uterus. The abdomen will feel tight or tense but not very hard. Mothers in late pregnancy should eat easily digestible foods, have small frequent meals, chew food thoroughly, drink plenty of water, and maintain regular bowel movements. Avoid constipation.
Abdominal Hardness Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention
If it is not yet the due date but you feel the previously soft abdomen becoming hard all over and painful, this is a warning sign that the uterus is contracting. Observe if the hardness lasts about 10 minutes per episode, occurring continuously 4-5 times in a series. If this pattern becomes more frequent, the abdomen feels tight, breathing becomes difficult, and symptoms do not subside, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Without treatment, the uterus may contract until the cervix opens, which can cause premature labor.
How to Take Care of Yourself to Prevent Abdominal Hardness During Pregnancy
- Do not hold your urine
If you feel the urge to urinate, go to the bathroom immediately because holding urine for a long time can cause abdominal hardness. This is because the growing uterus presses tightly against the bladder filled with urine.
- Do not twist or turn your body lazily
Lazy twisting or turning movements that reduce abdominal volume increase pressure in the uterus, causing abdominal hardness.
- Do not overeat
Eating too much or not chewing food thoroughly may cause excessive gas in the stomach and indigestion. Normally, the digestive system in pregnant women does not work as well as when not pregnant.
- Avoid sexual intercourse during the last trimester
Some sexual positions may stimulate uterine contractions, which is not beneficial for the pregnancy.
- Do not rub your abdomen frequently
Rubbing the abdomen, including touching sensitive areas such as the breasts, which are often touched during bathing, can cause uterine contractions.