Pregnancy is truly a rollercoaster ride, filled with so many ups and downs. Your body goes through unexplainable changes as a tiny human grows inside of you. One of the most surprising things during this journey is how your belly button goes from an innie to an outie overnight! But what happens when that transition isn't so seamless? When discomfort sets in? Fear not, dear mama-to-be! We're here to decode all things belly button pain.
What Is Belly Button Pain During Pregnancy?
When we say belly button pain, it's essentially any sort of discomfort you feel in or around the navel region when you're carrying a baby. It can show up as:
- Soreness
- Aching
- Sharp pain
- Burning sensation
- General tenderness
The first time this hits expectant mums, it can be pretty unsettling - after all, your belly button has never been such a source of pain before!
Why Does This Happen?
You'd think pregnancy would have settled on one answer for 'why does everything hurt?', but alas; there are quite a few reasons why your belly button might suddenly start acting up.
1) Stretching skin
As your bump grows more prominent, the skin will inevitably get stretched past its limit - leading to soreness and tenderness where nerves are coming into play.
2) Hernias
If you've had previous surgeries or abdominal procedures (like laparoscopies), pregnancy could lead to herniations near / around your navel.
3) Pressure & Braxton Hicks Contractions
In some cases, frequent Braxton Hicks contractions could cause stress on the abdominal wall tissues resulting in uncomfortable pressure sensations around or straight at the umbilical ring area causing distressing symptoms.
4) Coughing And Sneezing
We're all familiar with the jolt we experience when a particularly strong sneeze comes on, right? Well, it turns out that sudden bursts of coughs or sneezes can lead to belly button pain too. The force from those moves puts pressure on the abdominal wall in its entirety and around or close to your navel.
5) Infections
In severe situations, an inflamed appendix, urinary tract infection or bacterial vaginosis could cause extreme levels of belly button pain.
When Should You Be Worried?
Let's be real - pregnancy makes any physical sensation feel extra scary. But here's a general guideline for when you should hit up your obstetrician:
- If you notice pus discharge near/navel region
- Severe fever tacked on with lower abdomen pain & vomiting
- Sharp continuous cramp-like stomach ache spreading beyond just the belly button area
Any other feelings have no reason for concern unless they start disrupting everyday life activities that involve parenting tasks also known as 'baby handling' postpartum period.
Tips To Ease Belly Button Pain During Pregnancy
Now let's tackle what you can do about these sensations because who wants anything short of natural relief while they're waiting for their little one(s) to arrive?
Wearing Loose Comfortable Clothing
For starters: ditch clothing that's too snug around your midsection! Opt for softer fabrics and looser fits; Your body has enough going through all alone without having external forces adding unnecessary squishes aka tightness/movement restrictions already putting significant pressure at susceptible areas such as umbilical fold potentially leading further complications.
Copious Amounts Of Hydration!
Keep drinking water throughout the day! Water helps keep our bodies hydrated hence reducing sudden and painful episodes of contractions eliminating bloating due to inflammation caused by excessive dehydration caused by hormonal fluctuations that stress on the umbilical area creating tenderness yet thirstiness has its share of complications too in overdoing it.
Gentle Massaging
Some women find relief with gentle massaging around their belly button. Incorporate light circular movements to relieve tension in the muscle tissue lining and surrounding organs nearby while using your fingertips instead of palms or fists which could be painful due to sudden compression formed during application disallowing better blood circulation in return worsening sensations felt, particularly if there's a hernia suspected already causing distress.
Abdominal Support Belt
Your GP/OB/Gynaecologist might suggest an abdominal support belt/brace as well, designed particularly for pregnant mums experiencing soreness and /or abdominal wall weakness symptoms. It helps take off some impending pressure putting mild force compressing abdominal walls that aid holding muscles taut relieving pain responses caused.
When To See Your Doctor
Lastly - don’t hesitate to call up our office if you feel uncertain about any signs/symptoms regarding your pregnancy notes concerning swelling oozing yellowish/green discharge from navel indicating possible infective causes such as bacterial tract infections or suspect any larger amount associated fever spikes accompanied by vomiting episodes along with sharp cramping around naval region history of surgeries including laparoscopies; We’re here 24x7 accessibility enabling doctor-patient communication always available offering continuous care services until delivery handled professionally nurturing all patients towards excellent postnatal outcomes so set no limits on self-care allowing yourself top priority considering all circumstances beyond relieved uterus & comfort thus you being an essential part transforming maternity care!