Last Updated on 19 February 2024 by Vanessa Thoko
It is common to experience ovary pain in early pregnancy.
As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the organs around it, including the ovaries. This pressure can cause pain and discomfort.
In this post, we’ll dive into what this pain could mean, when to seek help, and how to manage it.
If you’re in South Africa, we’ll also touch on healthcare accessibility.
Key Facts
- Early pregnancy often involves ovary pain due to the uterus pressing on nearby organs.
- Causes of ovary pain include the expanding uterus, hormonal changes, round ligament pain, ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, and ectopic pregnancy.
- Differentiating normal discomfort from potential issues: consider severity, persistence, associated symptoms, and relief methods.
- Seek medical attention if you experience severe or persistent pain, pain with accompanying symptoms, or if the pain worsens.
- In South Africa, healthcare accessibility is available to support your pregnancy journey. Prioritize your health and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Causes Of Ovary Pain
Here are the most common causes of ovary pain during pregnancy:
- Expanding uterus: As the uterus grows to accommodate the growing baby, it puts pressure on the ovaries and other nearby organs. This can cause mild to moderate pain and discomfort.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy is associated with a number of hormonal changes, which can also cause ovary pain. For example, the corpus luteum, a temporary structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation, produces hormones that support the early pregnancy. When the corpus luteum breaks down, it can cause pain and cramping.
- Round ligament pain: The round ligaments are bands of tissue that connect the uterus to the groin. As the uterus grows, it can stretch the round ligaments, causing pain. This pain is often felt on one side of the abdomen or pelvis, and it may radiate to the back or thigh.
- Ovarian cyst: An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside the ovary. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own, but some can cause pain, especially if they rupture.
- Ovarian torsion: Ovarian torsion is a rare condition in which the ovary twists around its supporting ligaments. This can cut off the blood supply to the ovary and cause severe pain.
- Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube or cervix. Ectopic pregnancies can cause severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis, as well as other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and nausea.
Differentiating Between Normal Discomfort And Potential Issues
It can be difficult to differentiate between normal discomfort and potential issues in pregnancy, especially for first-time mothers.
However, there are a few things you can look for:
Normal discomfort:
- Is mild to moderate in severity
- Comes and goes
- Is not associated with any other symptoms
- Relieves with home remedies, such as rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and warm compresses
Potential issues:
- Is severe or persistent
- Is associated with other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, cramping, fever, or dizziness
- Does not improve with home remedies
When To Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention for ovary pain during pregnancy if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Pain that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, cramping, fever, or dizziness
- Pain that does not improve with home remedies
- Pain that is getting worse
- Any other concerns that you have about your pregnancy
Conclusion
In the exciting and sometimes challenging journey of early pregnancy, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being.
Ovary pain is common, but don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Living in South Africa, you have access to healthcare services to support you throughout your pregnancy.
Remember, you’re not alone, and your health is a priority.
