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Abdominal pain in pregnancy

Acute abdominal pain during pregnancy is a common clinical challenge and has a diverse range of causes. The diagnosis can be complex, given the anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Both obstetric and non-obstetric factors can contribute to abdominal discomfort. While some causes are unique to or exacerbated by pregnancy, others are unrelated but might manifest or be diagnosed in the context of pregnancy. The following table provides a consolidated overview of the main causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy, categorizing them based on their nature and the stage of pregnancy in which they predominantly occur.


This is a quick reference rapid differential table: once you have undertaken a history completed the examination a quick glance can help narrow the differentials

CausesEarly PregnancyLate PregnancyNon-Obstetric CausesOther Causes
Obstetric Causes• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Molar pregnancy
• Ovarian cyst (torsion, haemorrhage, rupture)
• Degeneration of uterine fibroids
- Round ligament pain
• Placental abruption
• AFLP (Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy)
• Abdominal pregnancy
• HELLP syndrome
• Rupture of the uterus
• Fibroid degeneration
• Fallopian tube torsion
• Uterine torsion
- Rupture of rectus muscle
• Polyhydramnios
• Symphysis diastasis
7 Intraperitoneal...

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