Navel pain during pregnancy is a very common symptom and occurs mainly due to changes in the body to adapt to the baby’s growth. This pain occurs mainly at the end of pregnancy, due to increased belly size, baby movements and lack of space in a woman’s body, but it can also appear at other times.
In general, the navel and surrounding area are painful and swelling can also occur. However, this pain is not constant, and appears primarily when the woman bends her body, makes an effort or presses the place.
- However.
- If the pain occurs at the end of pregnancy.
- If it spreads through the stomach and is accompanied by uterine contractions.
- It may be a sign of childbirth.
- So it is important to know how to identify the signs of childbirth.
These are the main causes of navel pain during pregnancy
With fetal growth, the muscles and skin of the belly stretch causing pain in both the navels that remain inward and those that protrude outward, this pain can occur from the beginning of pregnancy and can last until the end due to the pressure the baby exerts on the uterus and radiates to the navel.
Some women have prominent navels during pregnancy and constant contact with clothing can cause irritation and pain in the skin of this area of the belly. In these cases it is advisable to wear light and comfortable clothing that does not irritate the skin or put a bandage on the navel, protecting it from contact with the fabric.
Belly button pain can also be caused by an umbilical hernia, which may appear or worsen during pregnancy, and your doctor should evaluate it to check for the need for special dental equipment or surgery even during pregnancy.
Hernia usually occurs when part of the intestine relaxes and presses on the abdomen, but in many cases resolves only after delivery. However, if the hernia and pain persist even after the baby is born, surgery to remove it is recommended.
Learn more about the onset of an umbilical hernia and how to treat it.
Bowel infection causes severe abdominal pain near the belly button area, along with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
This type of infection can be a serious problem during pregnancy and should be treated with your doctor, as it is necessary to use medicines that control vomiting and pain and, in some cases, antibiotic use may also be necessary.
See how the intestinal infection is treated and what to eat
Women with belly button piercings are more likely to experience pain during pregnancy, as the skin becomes more sensitive and increases the risk of belly button infections due to difficulty cleaning the area. If, in addition to the pain, the pregnant woman also has swelling, redness and the presence of pus, she should consult a doctor to remove the piercing and start treating the infection. Learn how to treat perforations and prevent infections.
In addition, to avoid complications, it is recommended to use piercings suitable for pregnant women, made with surgical material that prevents inflammation and adapts to belly growth.
To relieve belly button pain, which is caused by changes in pregnancy and is not related to other causes, the most important thing is to relieve pressure at the site. To do this, it is recommended to:
If even after taking these steps, belly button pain persists or becomes stronger over time, it is important to inform the obstetrician to assess if there is a problem that may be causing the symptom.