Why Do Pregnant Women's Bellies Tend to Feel Hard?

During pregnancy, any abnormality in a woman's body can cause significant anxiety, especially when it involves the abdomen, as it may potentially affect the fetus. Some of these abnormal sensations may indeed indicate underlying issues, while others may be normal bodily responses. Many pregnant women encounter the phenomenon of a hard abdomen and may have difficulty determining the specific cause. So, why does a pregnant woman's belly often feel hard? Let's explore the reasons below.

1. Reasons for a Hard Abdomen in Pregnant Women

A hard abdomen in pregnant women is generally due to uterine contractions. Uterine contractions refer to the contractile force of the uterus, specifically the rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscle in the body of the uterus. These contractions alternate with intermittent periods and are not controlled by the mother's will. They play a crucial role in childbirth, as only effective contractions can assist the fetus in descending along the birth canal to complete delivery. In the middle to late stages of pregnancy, many women may occasionally feel mild uterine contractions. These contractions are known as false contractions, which are irregular, infrequent, and brief, and do not lead to actual childbirth. The frequent and irregular cramping sensations that pregnant women experience in the later stages of pregnancy are often caused by these false contractions.

Starting from the 28th week of pregnancy, false contractions may occur frequently in the abdomen. If a pregnant woman stands or sits in the same position for an extended period, she may feel her abdomen hardening intermittently. This is a normal phenomenon called false contractions. False contractions are characterized by irregular timing and varying degrees of intensity. In the late stages of pregnancy, as the lower uterus is stretched by the descending fetal head, false contractions may become more frequent. Unless accompanied by pain, pregnant women should not be concerned.

2. Precautions for a Hard Abdomen in Pregnant Women

When experiencing a hard abdomen during pregnancy, women should:

1. Pay attention to the frequency of false contractions;
2. Observe whether there are accompanying strong abdominal pain or a sensation of the abdomen drooping. If there is pain that is regular, it may indicate a threatened miscarriage, and medical attention should be sought promptly;
3. Pay closer attention to fetal movements in the late stages of pregnancy;
4. Rest more and maintain a balanced diet;
5. When stroking the abdomen, avoid circling randomly as this may cause the baby to turn, which can easily trigger contractions. Instead, stroke in one direction and gently tap the abdomen when communicating with the baby.