Upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester

Right then, let’s crack on. The upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester usually isn’t your baby moonlighting as a boxer—it’s more often down to good ol’ physics and biology colliding like two Tesco trolleys in a narrow aisle. As your uterus balloons up past your navel (and keeps going, bless it), it nudges your stomach, liver, and even your diaphragm out of their usual postcode. This can cause that gnawing, stretching, or even burning sensation just under your ribs. Add in hormonal shifts slowing digestion to a crawl, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a recipe for upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester that feels like someone’s slowly inflating a balloon behind your sternum.

Mostly, yeah—it’s par for the course. Think of it like your body’s way of saying, “Oi, we’re almost there!” Mild discomfort, pressure, or dull aches in the upper abdomen are common as your little one gets comfy head-down and starts practising for D-Day. That said, if your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester comes with fever, vomiting, yellow skin, or feels like your insides are being wrung out like a wet tea towel… best give your midwife a ring sharpish. Normal doesn’t mean unbearable, innit?

Now, this one’s serious but rare—so don’t go spiralling. Preeclampsia can sneak in during the final stretch and bring along upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester as a calling card. Typically, it’s felt under the right rib cage, near the liver, and described as a deep, persistent ache—like someone’s pressing a hot stone into your side. It might come with headaches that won’t quit, sudden swelling in your hands or face, or vision going all wobbly like a dodgy Wi-Fi signal. If your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester feels *off*—not just “I ate too much pickled onion Monster Munch”—get checked. Better safe than sorry, especially when it’s preeclampsia-related upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester.

Absolutely, they can—and often do! While Braxton Hicks are usually lower down, real contractions in late pregnancy can radiate upwards, especially as your baby drops and your uterus tightens like a coiled spring. Some mums describe early labour contractions as starting in the back and wrapping around to the front, including the upper belly. So if your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester comes in waves, builds in intensity, and doesn’t bugger off when you change position or have a cuppa… it might be time to time those tightenings. Contractions masquerading as upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester? Entirely plausible.

At 37 weeks, you’re officially “full term,” which means baby could pop out any day now—and your body knows it. A sharp, stabbing pain in the upper abdomen around this time? Could be round ligament strain (yes, even up top!), baby’s elbow jabbing your spleen, or even your ribs protesting against constant pressure. Sometimes, it’s just your uterus doing its final dress rehearsal. If it’s fleeting and doesn’t repeat, it’s likely harmless. But if that sharp pain at 37 weeks pregnant lingers or worsens, and ties into your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester narrative, mention it at your next antenatal visit. Sharp pain at 37 weeks pregnant shouldn’t be ignored if it’s part of a bigger pattern of upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester.

Let’s not forget your poor digestive system—it’s been through the wringer. Progesterone’s been relaxing your smooth muscles like it’s giving them a spa day, which sounds lovely until your stomach contents decide to take a U-turn up your oesophagus. Heartburn, bloating, and gas can all mimic or worsen upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester. Ever burped and felt like your ribs were cracking? That’s your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester having a laugh at your expense. Try eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy curries before bed, and sleeping propped up like a Victorian invalid. Works wonders.

Here’s the golden rule: trust your gut (ironic, given the topic). If your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester is severe, sudden, or accompanied by symptoms like blurred vision, rapid weight gain, reduced fetal movement, or vaginal bleeding—don’t wait. Call your maternity unit. Conditions like HELLP syndrome, gallstones, or placental abruption are rare but need urgent attention. Your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester might just be indigestion… but it might not be. And in pregnancy, “might not be” is reason enough to get it checked.

Fancy a few tried-and-tested hacks? First, posture matters—slouching squishes your already-crammed organs. Sit like you’ve got a crown on (even if it’s just a messy bun). Second, peppermint or ginger tea can soothe that fiery upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester—just check with your GP first if you’ve got gestational diabetes. Third, warm (not hot!) compresses on your ribs can ease muscle tension. And fourth? Breathe. Deep, slow breaths remind your diaphragm it’s still got room to move. These little tricks won’t magic away your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester, but they’ll soften the edges.

If your midwife or OB suspects something beyond normal pregnancy woes, they might order blood tests (checking liver enzymes, platelets), urine tests (for protein—hello, preeclampsia red flag), or an ultrasound to peek at your gallbladder or placenta. In rare cases, they’ll monitor your baby’s heart rate while assessing your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester. Don’t panic—these are precautionary. Most scans just confirm everything’s tickety-boo, and your upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester is just your body doing its grand finale.

You’re not navigating this solo, love. Whether it’s your NCT group, a chat with your health visitor, or scrolling through trusted sites at 2 a.m., support’s out there. For starters, pop over to Amana Parenting for gentle, evidence-based guidance. Dive into our Pregnancy section for week-by-week insights. And if you’re 35+ weeks and feeling anxious, our piece on Things to Avoid at 35 Weeks Pregnant: Precautions might ease your mind. Remember: asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Especially when dealing with upper stomach pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester that’s keeping you up nights.

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/common-pregnancy-problems/
• https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/pre-eclampsia
• https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/
• https://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/health-and-safety/pain-in-pregnancy