In which parts of the body can pain be felt in the early stages of pregnancy?

Nusrat Ayaan

Published: 19/01/2026
Updated: 25/01/2026

Pain areas in early pregnancy

The body begins to change gradually in early pregnancy, but these changes are not always clearly understood. Sometimes, even if there are no major symptoms, something is happening inside the body – it can only be felt. At this time, many women notice strange pain or pressure in some part of the body. Then the question naturally arises, are these pains normal or a cause for concern.

This is where pain areas in early pregnancy become important. Because pain at the very beginning of pregnancy does not always indicate a problem. In many cases, they are part of the body’s natural preparation. However, it is very important to know which pains are normal and which are not.

There is no medical language in this article. Here we will talk about real experiences that many women experience but are not clearly written anywhere.

Mild pain or pulling in the lower abdomen

The most common pain that people notice in early pregnancy is a mild pulling or pressure in the lower abdomen. Sometimes this pain feels similar to the feeling before menstruation. So many people don’t pay attention to it at first, thinking that menstruation is coming.

This type of pain is the most common of the pain areas in early pregnancy. This is because at this time the uterus begins to change its position. The fertilized egg sits on the wall of the uterus and that area becomes a little sensitive. As a result, it is not uncommon to feel a mild pain or pulling.

This type of pain is usually like this

• Not very intense

• Sometimes it comes and goes

• It can be on one side or both sides

Many times this pain is accompanied by slight discomfort, but it is not enough to stop daily activities. As long as this pain is tolerable and not accompanied by bleeding or severe pain, it is usually nothing to worry about.

Why does lower back pain occur

Many women are surprised at the beginning of pregnancy, because lower back pain starts very early. They wonder why back pain would occur so soon. But in reality, the lower back is very common among the pain areas in early pregnancy.

There are several reasons behind this pain. On the one hand, hormonal changes, and on the other hand, changes in internal pressure in the body. When the uterus gradually begins to change its position, the surrounding muscles and ligaments also become tense. This tension is often felt as lower back pain.

This type of pain usually

• Increases when sitting for a long time

• Feels like working too much

• Relieves a little when resting

This pain often comes in such a way that people ignore it, thinking it is a normal back pain. But if you know about the pain areas in early pregnancy, you will understand that it can also be a normal reaction of the body.

Pain and discomfort around the chest or breasts

Many women experience discomfort or pain around the chest at the very beginning of pregnancy. In some cases, it feels like a light pressure, in other cases, it hurts just to touch. This feeling is often similar to premenstrual pain, but it feels a little more sensitive.

This discomfort in the chest is very important among the pain areas in early pregnancy. Because hormonal changes affect it very quickly. Then the body begins to prepare itself for the future and part of this is breast changes.

What can happen during this time

• Heaviness in the breasts

• Pain to the touch

• Mild burning

This pain is usually not harmful, but uncomfortable. As the body gradually gets used to it, this pain often decreases.

Hip and thigh joint pain

Many people are surprised when they feel a strange pain near the hip or thigh. They wonder where it comes from. But this area is often one of the areas of early pregnancy pain.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the ligaments in the body begin to loosen a little. As a result, the body’s balance changes. This change affects the hip and thigh joints

This pain usually

• Intensifies when walking

• Feels tight when standing up suddenly

• May be felt more on one side

This type of pain usually decreases over time.

Why head and neck pain can start

At the very beginning of pregnancy, many women experience strange pain in the head and neck. This pain is often so intense that they don’t even understand why it’s happening. Some think it’s due to lack of sleep, some think it’s due to work stress. But in reality, the head and neck also fall into the category of early pregnancy pain.

At this time, hormones in the body fluctuate very rapidly. This change affects blood pressure and also puts pressure on the nerves. As a result, it’s not uncommon for the head to feel heavy, the neck to be stiff, or a light headache to begin. Many times, this pain is accompanied by a feeling oTf dizziness.

his type of pain is usually

• More felt in the morning

• Increases when looking at the screen for a long time

• Persistent if you don’t get proper rest

You should let your body go a little slower during this time. Drinking water properly, not taking too much stress – these little things help a lot. As long as this pain is tolerable and there is no blurred vision or severe pain in the eye, it is usually not a cause for concern.

Why head and neck pain can start

At the very beginning of pregnancy, many women experience strange pain in the head and neck. This pain is often so intense that they don’t even understand why it’s happening. Some think it’s due to lack of sleep, some think it’s due to work stress. But in reality, head and neck also fall into the category of early pregnancy pain.

At this time, the body’s hormones fluctuate very rapidly. This change affects blood pressure and also puts pressure on the nerves. As a result, it’s not uncommon for the head to feel heavy, the neck to be stiff, or a light headache to begin. Many times, this pain is accompanied by a feeling of dizziness.

This type of pain is usually

• More felt in the morning

• Increases when looking at the screen for a long time

• Persistent if you don’t get proper rest

You should let your body go a little slower during this time. Drinking water properly, not taking too much stress – these little things help a lot. As long as this pain is tolerable and there is no blurred vision or severe pain in the eye, it is usually not a cause for concern.

Why do knees and feet hurt?

It may sound strange to many that knees or feet hurt in the early stages of pregnancy. But in reality, the feet are also often a part of the pain in the early stages of pregnancy.

The main cause of this pain is the changes in the ligaments inside the body. Under the influence of hormones, the ligaments begin to loosen a little, so that it is easier to handle the weight of the body in the future. This affects the knees, feet and ankles.

This type of pain usually

• Increases when walking a lot

• It occurs when standing for a long time

• Decreases when resting

People often do not pay attention to this pain, but it is also important to understand it as a signal from your own body. It is better to walk slowly at this time without putting too much pressure.

Why is pain felt more on one side of the body

Many women notice that pain is felt more on one side of the body. For example, pain in the lower abdomen only on the right, or more pressure on one side of the back. Many people are afraid of this.

In the case of pain in early pregnancy, this pain on one side can often be normal. This is because the fertilized egg usually sits on one side of the uterus. The ligaments on that side are then more taut.

This pain is usually

• In one specific place

• Mild to moderate

• Decreases over time

However, if this pain on one side is very severe or is accompanied by bleeding, you should definitely see a doctor.

When are these pains no longer normal

Not all pains are normal. In addition to knowing the areas of pain in early pregnancy, it is also important to know when to be careful.

It is not worth delaying if these symptoms appear

• Unbearable pain

• Bleeding with pain

• Fever or feeling very unwell

In these situations, it is safest to consult a doctor rather than making decisions on your own.

What kind of problems do these pains create in daily life?

The pains that occur in early pregnancy are not limited to physical sensations. Gradually, they also begin to affect daily life. Many women then do not understand why they are not able to do things as they used to, or why everything suddenly seems difficult. This is where the pain areas of early pregnancy become very real.

If you have pain around your lower abdomen, back, legs or chest, you will have to do even simple tasks slowly. It is difficult to stand for a long time, and it is uncomfortable to sit for a long time. Some say, “What used to take ten minutes, now takes half an hour.” This change often creates stress.

Explore more here: How soon can a pregnancy test be done

Problems that usually arise during this time

• Having to take frequent breaks during work

• Difficulty maintaining attention

• The body gets tired quickly

• You may wake up at night

Although these problems may seem very small, when they come together, both the body and the mind become tired. So it is better not to expect the same performance from yourself during this time. The body is preparing for another big task—remembering this will reduce the pressure on yourself.

How to easily manage these aches

It’s not that you can’t do anything when you have pain in early pregnancy. There’s no need to do anything big. On the contrary, small habits often go a long way. At this time, the best way is to cooperate with your body a little instead of fighting it.

The first thing is to move slowly. Instead of running like before, walk slowly. Take breaks between tasks, get up and walk around occasionally if you’re sitting – these simple things help reduce pain.

Things that work for many people at this time

• Using a lap pillow or soft cushion

• Avoiding staying in one position for long

• Doing light stretching

• Avoiding being too cold or too hot

Many women say that they feel relief when they put a little warm water on their back or lower abdomen. Some people feel relief just by lying on their side. Your body will tell you what will work for you. It’s very important to listen to your body at this time.

Why excessive fear of pain arises and its effects

It is quite natural that pain in early pregnancy means fear. Because everyone around warns, tells stories and sometimes scares. This fear often becomes bigger than the real problem.

If you think too much about the places of pain in early pregnancy, the body becomes tense. Muscles tense up, sleep is reduced and pain is felt worse. In other words, fear increases pain.

What happens in this situation

• Even a small pain is felt big

• The mind is always bad

• Every feeling in the body is suspicious

At this time, the most important thing is to keep yourself calm. Not all pain is a sign of danger – remind yourself again and again. Of course, you need to be careful, but fear and caution are not the same thing.

When to trust yourself and when to seek help

It is very important to know the answer to this question. Because just as not every pain requires a trip to the doctor, you should not leave everything to yourself either. Understanding the areas of pain in early pregnancy makes this decision easier.

If the pain

• is tolerable

• decreases with rest

• is not accompanied by bleeding

then you can usually manage it yourself. But if the pain increases, is difficult to tolerate, or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it is better not to delay.

At this time, you need to learn to trust your body. Your body often tells you clearly when it needs help.

Conclusion

All in all, one thing is very clear—the body is not completely silent during the early stages of pregnancy, nor does it show everything at once. It gradually gives some hints, and most of those hints come in the form of pain or discomfort. The confusion about early pregnancy pain areas is actually very natural. Because these pains sometimes feel like premenstrual cramps, and sometimes they feel completely different.

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pelvic pain third trimester

Pelvic pain third trimester causes and best natural remedies for pregnant mothers

“Pelvic pain third trimester” is a very common issue for pregnant women, but simple steps and exercises can provide quick relief naturally.

The last three months of pregnancy or the third trimester is a special time of joy for every mother. 

pelvic pain third trimester

However, along with this joy, some new problems also start to appear in the body. Especially towards the end, many mothers and sisters start experiencing a kind of heavy and uncomfortable pain around the waist, lower abdomen and groin.

Many mothers and sisters in the village consider this problem normal and tolerate it with their mouths closed. But if you are a little aware and follow some simple rules, this pain can be reduced to a great extent. If the mother’s body is healthy, the baby in the womb will also be healthy, so it is most important to take care of yourself in these last days.

What is the real cause of pelvic or lower abdominal pain in the last three months? 

By the end of pregnancy, the uterus of mothers becomes very large. As a result, it is very normal to have pressure on the lower abdomen. However, some specific physical changes are behind the severe pain or biting sensation that occurs in the joints of the lower abdomen during this time.

Many mothers want to know from us, why did you suddenly start having so much pain in your waist and groin at this time? 

The main reason for this is that Allah Almighty has created our body in such a way that the mother’s path is easy during childbirth. And for this reason, some of the veins and bone joints inside the body start to soften.

The effect of the relaxin hormone and changes in the body’s balance 

During pregnancy, a special hormone or juice called relaxin is produced in the mother’s body. The function of this hormone is to loosen and soften the bone joints of the pelvic region, i.e. the lower part of the waist.

Many mothers feel that “pelvic pain third trimester” is shifting or increasing when they try to walk or sit.

Because these bones are soft, mothers feel severe pain while walking or moving around in bed.

Baby weight gain and extra pressure on the uterus

In the last three months, the baby in the womb starts to grow very quickly and its weight increases. As the baby slowly starts to descend, the entire pressure of its head falls on the mother’s pelvis or pelvic bones.

Pregnancy changes the whole body structure and “pelvic pain third trimester” develops mainly due to this heavy pressure on the pelvic floor.

Because of this extra weight, mothers find it very difficult to sit, stand or even walk a little.

Pubic symphysis dysfunction or SPD

This is a major cause of pelvic pain. The place where the bones on both sides of our abdomen meet is called the pubic symphysis. If this joint becomes too loose during pregnancy, even moving your legs slightly can cause a stabbing pain in the groin.

Round ligament strain or muscle spasm  

As the uterus grows, the ligaments that hold the abdomen in place put extra strain. Especially when you get up suddenly from bed or cough, you may experience a whip-like pain on one side of your lower abdomen.

What mistakes do village mothers make at home during this pain? 

There is a trend in our village that whenever pregnant mothers experience any pain, they are told, ‘It’s nothing, just bear it.’ Many times, mothers massage or apply heat incorrectly to reduce pain, which can cause harm to the unborn child.

Another big mistake is that many mothers lie in bed all day due to pain. If they do not move at all, the blood circulation in the body decreases and the muscles become stiffer. As a result, the pain increases many times more than it decreases.

Standing continuously or lifting heavy objects 

Village mothers have to do a lot of household work, such as fetching water, threshing rice or lifting heavy buckets. At this late stage, bending down suddenly or lifting something heavy can cause serious injury to the pelvic bone joints.

Expert doctors state that “pelvic pain third trimester” worsens instantly when a pregnant woman lifts any heavy object.

So you should stay away from any heavy work during this time.

Wrong sleeping and sitting habits

Many people sleep on their backs or sit hunched over while sitting. When you sleep on your back, the entire weight of the uterus falls on the large blood vessels in the back, which also prevents the baby from getting oxygen.

You must avoid wrong sitting postures because “pelvic pain third trimester” can be reduced simply by maintaining a straight back.

While sitting, you should always sit upright with a soft pillow or cushion behind your back.

Simple household chores and rulesHow to do them and their benefits
Sleeping on your backSleeping on your left side with a soft pillow between your legs reduces pressure on your bones.
Warm compressApplying a warm water bag to the back of the waist or lower abdomen for 10 minutes can provide relief.
Pelvic Support BeltSpecial belts are available in the market for pregnant mothers, which help to hold the extra weight of the abdomen.

Light exercise and ways to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area

In the last days, it is better to take a light walk inside the house without lying down at all. In addition, ‘Kegel exercise’ or pelvic floor exercise is very beneficial for this pain. 

You have to hold the lower muscles for 5 seconds as if you are holding back urine and then release them. Doing this several times a day strengthens the muscles in that area.

Discover more here: Dizziness in pregnancy second trimester

Using the right shoes and rules for climbing stairs

At this time, heels or high shoes should not be worn. You should wear very soft and even shoes. You should take your feet one by one very carefully while climbing stairs. 

If you follow these daily movement tips carefully, “pelvic pain third trimester” will remain under control naturally. There should be no rush.

When will you understand that this pain is not normal and you should go to the doctor?

In the last three months of pregnancy, not all pains can be cured with simple or home remedies. Sometimes, there may be signs of a major danger hidden behind this pelvic pain, which our village mothers often do not understand.

So, doesn’t the question arise in your mind that when will I understand whether this pain is causing any harm to the baby? 

Yes, if the pain is accompanied by shivering and fever, or there is a severe burning sensation and foul odor during urination, then you should understand that there is an infection inside.

Signs of premature labor pain or preterm labor

If you feel that there is a specific time or rhythm of the pain—for example, the lower abdomen tightens and hurts every 10 minutes and the waist is pinching from the back, then this may be a sign of labor pain.

Regular physical checking is essential because “pelvic pain third trimester” could sometimes blend with early labor contractions.

Neglecting this condition can lead to premature birth, which is very risky for the baby.

Signs of bleeding or water breaking

If a small amount of blood is seen with severe pain in the lower abdomen or groin, or if the water suddenly starts leaking through the vagina or breaking in large quantities at once, then you should not stay at home for even a second.

Medical emergency arises if “pelvic pain third trimester” is accompanied by any kind of vaginal bleeding.

This can be a sign of the placenta or the placenta becoming loose.

Sudden decrease in baby’s movements-

If the normal movements of the baby in the stomach (at least 10-12 times a day) suddenly decrease or seem to stop altogether along with the intensity of the pain, then it is a sign of lack of oxygen in the baby.

Excessive headache and body swelling – 

If the pain is accompanied by sudden blurring of vision, severe headache, and excessive swelling of the hands, feet, and face, then it is a major symptom of eclampsia or high blood pressure.

Responsibilities of family members during this difficult time of pregnancy and some important advice

The family has the most important role in relieving the physical pain of the pregnant mother. Especially the men of the house and the mothers-in-law should be extra careful towards the mothers during this time. If the mother is in a good mood and free from worries, many physical pains can be easily tolerated.

For your convenience, the things that the family members can do for the well-being of a mother are summarized in points below:

  • Comfort: The mother should be kept completely away from difficult tasks like lifting heavy buckets, folding clothes or bending down to wipe the house.
  • Food: Calcium and vitamin-rich foods such as milk, eggs, small fish and enough vegetables should be included in the daily diet.
  • Rest: After cooking in the afternoon, arrangements should be made so that the mother can sleep peacefully for at least two hours and at least eight hours at night.
  • Mentality: The mother should always be treated well and courage and mental strength should be provided to overcome the fear of childbirth.

How village mothers should prepare for the days of delivery in advance

In the last three months, when the pain in the waist and lower abdomen indicates that the time of the baby’s arrival is approaching, it is good to make some preparations from then on. If there is a sudden problem at night in the village, it is difficult to get a car or a doctor.

So, you should get a good midwife or midwife and the hospital number in case of emergency.

If you plan your hospital journey in advance, “pelvic pain third trimester” won’t cause extra mental panic during delivery.

It would be wise to make arrangements for a blood donor in advance, according to your money and blood group.

Some special advice from an experienced doctor that mothers need to know

Sometimes, mothers are afraid to go to the doctor or do not open up about their pain out of shame. But if you follow the doctor’s advice, this last period can be very relaxing.

Doctors always say, never sit with one leg on the other during this time.

Clinical reports show that “pelvic pain third trimester” can be greatly reduced by resting your feet flat on the floor while sitting. When getting out of bed, always tilt to one side first, then slowly rise up on your hands. Standing up suddenly can cause severe tension in the abdominal muscles.

Conclusion

The pelvic or lower abdominal pain of the last three months of pregnancy or the third trimester is a familiar experience for every expectant mother. This is mainly due to the changes in hormones inside the body and the weight gain of the fetus. 

The ordinary and simple mothers and sisters of our village often endure this pain silently, which is not right at all. A little awareness, following the correct rules of lying down, light Kegel exercises and a little extra love and support from family members can make these difficult days much easier and happier. 

However, if any symptoms like water breaking, blood appearing or the baby’s movements decreasing appear outside of the normal pain, then you cannot sit at home hoping for any poetic treatment or cure. In that situation, you should quickly take the child to a government hospital or an experienced doctor. Only if the mother is healthy will our future children see the light of day in a healthy way. Therefore, it is our responsibility to pay maximum attention to the body of every mother in these last days.

FAQ – Some common questions and answers

1. Is this stabbing pain in the lower abdomen normal in the last three months of pregnancy?

 Yes, it is completely normal. This pain occurs due to the baby’s weight gain and the softening of the bone joints.

2. Can any ointment or balm be massaged for the pain?

No, you should never massage the abdomen or waist with any intense heat or forcefully in the wrong way.

3. What is the safest home remedy to reduce groin pain?

 It is safest to put a soft pillow between your legs while sleeping and apply a warm water bag to your waist.

4. What type of shoes is best to wear during this time? 

Avoid high heels or hard shoes and wear soft, flat or even shoes.

5. If the pain is too much, can you take painkillers from the pharmacy on your own? 

Absolutely not, taking any kind of painkillers without a doctor’s advice can cause great harm to the baby.

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