5 causes of belly button pain in pregnancy and how to relieve it

Navel pain in pregnancy occurs frequently, being one of the main complaints of women, but is this symptom normal? Gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Ana Paula Mondragon (CRM 134071), answered this question, pointed out the most common causes and guided how to relieve pain in this region. Check out!

What is belly button pain in pregnancy

According to the gynecologist and obstetrician “as the pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows and occupies most of the abdominal cavity, consequently the ligaments will be progressively stretched and this in some women may cause pain around the belly button.”

The doctor informed that it is normal to feel pain in this region and it can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it is more common when the uterus is a little larger. “The main characteristic of pain is that it is constant, it appears mainly when the woman bends her body, makes some effort or puts pressure on the place.”

5 causes of belly button pain cited by the obstetrician

Find out what are the most common causes of belly button pain pointed out by the professional:

• Ligament strain: Dr. Ana Paula explained that the most frequent cause of pain in this location is related to the distention of the falciform and medial umbilical ligaments.

• Labor: pain in the belly button during pregnancy may be related to labor, which, according to the obstetrician, “tends to hurt in the umbilical region, but radiates to the entire abdomen, with abdominal stiffness and is a progressive pain. In other words, it increases over time.”

• Umbilical hernia: the doctor commented that umbilical hernia can also cause pain in pregnancy. “It would be a failure in the abdominal wall that causes constant pain of varying intensity, with worsening on exertion usually associated with suffering from local bulging.”

• Fetal movement: according to the obstetrician, “sporadic pain related to fetal movement at the site” can also occur. It is common to happen mainly at the end of pregnancy due to the stretching of the ligaments and the little space in the woman’s body for the baby to move.

• Local infection: Another possibility for belly button pain in pregnancy is a local infection, as as Dr. Ana Paula, “some women are afraid to perform adequate hygiene at the site, which can cause an infection in the umbilical region and cause pain and inflammation.”

It is important to mention that women who have navel piercings tend to feel pain in this area. Because, with the sensitivity of the skin, the pregnant woman may have difficulties cleaning the place, increasing the risk of infections. If this occurs, you will need to remove the jewelry and see a doctor to treat the infection.

What to do to relieve pain in the region

Below, check out the main recommendations to relieve belly button pain in pregnancy when related to the stretching of the ligaments mentioned by the doctor:

• Wear light clothes that do not have elastic bands squeezing them;
• Sleep with a pillow between your legs and another under your belly;
• Do light physical activity and preferably in water, thus relieving weight;
• Avoid making intense physical efforts;
• Sleep on your stomach or on your side.

It is worth reinforcing the importance of consulting an obstetrician if belly button pain in pregnancy does not improve with these recommendations. Thus, the professional will evaluate if there is any other problem causing this symptom. Enjoy and learn all about anemia in pregnancy and how to prevent it!