Navel pain in pregnancy: what it can be and how to relieve

Navel pain in pregnancy is a very common symptom and occurs mainly due to changes in the body to adapt to the growth of the baby. This pain happens especially at the end of pregnancy, due to the increase in the size of the belly, the baby's movement and the lack of space in the woman's body, but it can also appear at other times.

In general, the navel and the region around it are painful, and swelling can also occur. However, this pain is not constant, and it appears mainly when the woman bends her body, makes an effort or presses the place.

However, if the pain arises at the end of pregnancy, spreads through the abdominal belly 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 labor.

Here are the main causes of navel pain in pregnancy:

1. Changes in the body

With the growth of the fetus, the muscles and skin of the belly are stretched, which causes pain both in the navels that stay inward and in those that protrude outward. This pain can occur from the beginning of pregnancy, and can continue until the end due to the pressure that the baby puts on the uterus and that radiates to the navel.

2. Protruding belly button

Some women have a prominent navel during pregnancy and constant contact with clothing can cause irritation and pain in the skin of this area of ​​the belly. In these cases, light and comfortable clothing should be worn that does not irritate the skin or put a bandage on the navel, protecting it from contact with the fabric.

3. Umbilical hernia

Navel pain can also be caused by an umbilical hernia, which can appear or worsen during pregnancy, and should be evaluated by the doctor to check the need to use special braces or to have surgery even during pregnancy.

Usually, the hernia appears when a part of the intestine loosens and presses on the abdomen, but in many cases it resolves itself after delivery. However, if the hernia and pain persist even after the baby is born, surgery is recommended to remove it.

Learn more about how umbilical hernia arises and how to treat it.

4. Intestinal infection

Intestinal infection causes severe abdominal pain near the navel area, accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

This type of infection can be a serious problem in pregnancy, and should be treated with the doctor, as it is necessary to use drugs that control vomiting and pain and, in some cases, it may also be necessary to use antibiotics.

See how the intestinal infection is treated and what to eat.

5. Piercing

Women with pierced navel are more likely to experience pain during pregnancy, as the skin becomes more sensitive and increases the risk of infections in the navel due to the difficulty of cleaning the area. If, in addition to pain, the pregnant woman also has swelling, redness and the presence of pus, she should see a doctor to remove the piercing and start treating the infection. See how to treat the piercing and prevent infection.

In addition, to avoid complications it is recommended to use piercing suitable for pregnant women, which are made with surgical material that avoids inflammation and that adapts to the growth of the belly.

How to relieve pain in the navel

To relieve pain in the navel, which is caused by changes in pregnancy and is not related to other causes, the most important thing is to relieve pressure on the site. For this, it is recommended:

• Sleeping on your back or on your side; Wear a pregnancy belt. Check out how to choose the best strap; Participate in activities in the water, to lighten the weight on the belly and back; Wear comfortable clothes, cotton and little tight; Apply a moisturizing cream or cocoa butter on the skin of the navel.

If even after taking these measures, the pain in the navel continues, or if it becomes stronger over time, it is important to inform the obstetrician to assess whether there is a problem that may be causing the symptom.