5 Causes of navel pain during pregnancy (and how to deal with it)

During pregnancy, your body will undergo many changes. These changes often lead to various pregnancy problems, one of which is navel pain.

Although fairly normal, this pain below the navel causes discomfort to pregnant women. The reason is, this tends to happen suddenly and sometimes out of control. So, what are the causes of pain in the navel during pregnancy? How to handle it? Check out the full review below.

The cause of pregnant women to feel navel pain

1. Stretching the skin of the stomach and muscles

When pregnant, your skin and muscles will feel like they are being pulled until they reach their maximum at the end of the pregnancy. This is what causes it to arise stretch marks, itching, and pain during pregnancy. Due to this stretch, the navel, which is in the middle of the stomach, will also move and shift during the stretch and are at risk of irritation.

In addition, some pregnant women experience a protruding navel due to stretching. This is prone to infection when the protruding navel rubs against clothes. If you experience it, cover your navel with a bandage or use a soft cloth to avoid irritation.

2. Navel piercing

Did you get a piercing in your belly button? If so, you will need to remove it immediately, especially if the piercing is new. The reason is, piercing the navel of pregnant women can increase pain and sharp pain in the navel area. This can cause infection to form an abscess or pus buildup. However, you should consult your doctor first before removing your piercing.

3. Pressure from the uterus

At the beginning of the first trimester, your uterus is still relatively small and is located not far from the pubic bone. As gestational age increases, the uterus will continue to develop along with the growth of the fetus and press other organs in the abdominal cavity and navel.

Now, stepping on the third trimester, your uterus will be far beyond your navel. This is due to the presence of a mass of amniotic fluid and the presence of a fetus pressing on your abdominal cavity. So it tends to make the navel hurt.

4. Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia is a condition when the intestine protrudes out of the hole in the abdominal wall near the navel. This is due to excessive pressure on the abdominal cavity. Although it does not only occur in pregnant women, this risk increases when you are pregnant with twins or are obese. However, you don't need to worry because this disease will usually disappear after giving birth.

However, if you experience pain in the navel, swelling, or vomiting, visit your doctor immediately. The reason is, this can cause complications if not treated immediately. A hernia that has involved an organ or other tissue in the stomach will cause blood flow to thin and lead to a fatal infection.

5. Digestive tract problems

The feeling of cramping in the abdominal area near the navel can be associated with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and an increase in temperature. This is caused by an intestinal infection that requires immediate treatment. The reason is, vomiting and diarrhea can cause intestinal and uterine contractions.

If the infection is caused by toxins from pathogenic organisms, it must be treated immediately so that it does not adversely affect the developing fetus.

How to deal with navel pain?

Take it easy, this navel pain can decrease as your pregnancy grows. Avoid touching or scratching the navel area even if it feels uncomfortable. It aims to reduce the risk of infection from rubbing.

To relieve pain, compress your navel with warm water for 15-20 minutes and do it three times a day. Then, try to get into a good sleeping position while pregnant, for example by turning to the left and supporting a pillow to reduce the pain. Use loose clothing and soft material so as not to rub the navel so you avoid irritation.

However, you should immediately see a doctor if you have navel pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, swelling, cramps, or bleeding.