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iStock Belly button pain during pregnancy occurs as the trimesters progress. This is because the abdomen tries to accommodate the growing fetus. However, not many women experience this pain near the navel. Also, the pain may or may not appear in each pregnancy. The good news is that, like the other pregnancy symptoms, even this belly button pain vanishes after delivery. Read on to know the reasons behind belly button pain in pregnancy, signs to watch out for, and
home remedies to help soothe the pain. Belly button pain can be felt anytime in the pregnancy due to various body changes. However, most women may experience belly pain from the second trimester as the baby begins to grow significantly from
this time. Women with inward dipping (innies) and outward dipping (outies) of the belly button may feel this pain. Common causes of belly button pain in pregnancy may include (1) (2): There may be several general causes of belly button pain not specific to pregnancy. In case of severe belly button pain, consult your gynecologist or physician immediately. Dr.
Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, says, “Although there is no satisfying explanation for exact causes of belly button pain during pregnancy, some pregnant mothers may experience the pain even with the touch of ultrasound transducer around the belly button.” “The belly
button has a key role in fetal life. But it is not connected to anything in adults. This clarifies common misconceptions regarding belly buttons such as it is tugging abdomen to the navel or connected directly to uterus, placenta, or baby’s belly button.”, adds Dr. Horsager-Boehrer. You may try the following homecare measures if body changes of pregnancy
cause belly button pain. These remedies may help relieve belly button pain due to pregnancy body changes. However, belly button pain due to other conditions may require medical care.Home Remedies For Belly Button Pain During Pregnancy
When To See A Doctor
Mild pain can be normal in most women. You may seek immediate medical care if lower abdominal or belly pain is associated with vaginal bleeding, uterine contractions, or fever. These symptoms may indicate severe problems such as preterm labor, placental abruption, or infections (5).
All pregnant mothers with hernias and other serious conditions causing belly button pain need medical attention. Doctors may recommend special belly bands or surgery for umbilical hernia depending on the severity, and this may often resolve naturally after childbirth. However, if the hernia persists even after childbirth, surgical treatment is recommended.
Intestinal infections may also require medical care and often antibiotic treatment, depending on the causes. Pain medications are prescribed for severe cases of belly button pain due to infections or hernias. You may also inform the obstetrician if the belly button pain is increasing over time.
1. What causes a sharp pain below the belly button?
Sharp or dull pain below the belly button or lower abdomen may be caused by the stretching of the round ligament (ligament pain), trapped gasses, or constipation. However, you should seek immediate medical help if the pain is persistent, severe, and occurs along with stomach cramps, blood or other vaginal discharge, or a burning sensation when peeing (6).
2. Can we apply oil to the belly button during pregnancy?
There is no scientific evidence to support that applying oil to the belly button helps alleviate belly button pain. However, oils may be used to moisturize the belly and prevent stretch marks (7).
Most pregnant moms with belly button pain may not have any serious causes and can often manage it with home remedies. Belly button pains may get better over time in most mothers. Seek medical care if you have any other conditions causing belly button pain other than pregnancy changes.
Infographic: Differential Diagnosis Of Belly Button Pain In Pregnancy
Belly button pain can be due to various reasons, ranging from stretching of the skin due to pregnancy and medical conditions requiring urgent care. Go through the below infographic to know the clinical manifestations of belly button pain that may help you differentiate between self-manageable causes and conditions requiring medical attention.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Belly button pain during pregnancy could be caused due to pressure from the uterus, stretching, infection, or umbilical hernia, among other reasons.
- Having a belly button piercing may also cause pain.
- Some ways to deal with it are sleeping on the side, wearing loose clothing, and using a lukewarm compress.
- If this pain is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, contractions, or fever, visit your doctor.
References:
MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
- Evaluation of Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults;
//www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0401/p971.html - Gastritis: Could It Be the Cause of Your Bad Bellyache?;
//health.clevelandclinic.org/gastritis-could-it-be-the-cause-of-your-bad-bellyache - Small Bowel Obstruction;
//muschealth.org/medical-services/ddc/patients/digestive-diseases/small-intestine/small-bowel-obstruction - Mesenteric Ischemia;
//www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mesenteric-ischemia - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm;
//www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm - Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers);
//www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers/symptoms-causes
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Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has 3+ years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert. Her interest in digital medical education and patient education made... more
Dr. Uma Mishra is a postgraduate in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from PMCH, Patna. She did her MBBS (graduation) from the SCB Medical College, Cuttack. With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Mishra has worked with Indraprastha Apollo Hospital & Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. She currently works at Motherhood Hospital and consults at Civitech Sampriti in Noida. Her expertise lies in... more