You should not ignore any pain in the abdomen that is not relieved by simple analgesics. In the first 12 weeks, it could be an indication of possible urinary tract infection, threatened miscarriage or torsion or rupture of ovarian cysts. If pain in the abdomen is also associated with bleeding, it might be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or molar pregnancy.

In weeks 13 to 28, if a woman experiences either pain in her abdomen and/or bleeding that is heavier than her normal menstrual flow, these symptoms should be assessed by a health professional. The symptoms and signs could be due to late miscarriage or molar pregnancy.

Unusual distension of the abdomen at this stage could be due to multiple pregnancy, a large baby, molar pregnancy or excessive fluid collection around the baby. If the movements of the baby in the womb are either reduced or completely absent, this might indicate a compromised baby and you should consult your doctor.

Our advisor is Dr Sandhya Rani, gynaecologist at Prime Medical Centre located on 9th/Al Falah Street in Abu Dhabi. For more information, call 02 622 9993.