The pregnancy test was positive.

She had barely allowed herself to feel happy before the stomach pain began.

Now every cramp feels like a warning that the pregnancy may be slipping away.

Stomach pain can happen during a healthy pregnancy. The reasons for this include the growing womb, stretching of the tissues supporting it, constipation and trapped wind.

Mild pain is usually less worrying when it eases after you rest, change your position, pass stool or fart.

Please get medical help urgently if the pain is severe or does not ease. Do not wait at home if it comes with bleeding, leaking fluid, fever or pain when urinating.

Pain mainly on one side needs attention, especially early in pregnancy. If you also develop shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting, go to the hospital immediately. An ectopic pregnancy can cause these symptoms and may lead to dangerous internal bleeding.

Later in pregnancy, pain that comes in regular waves may be contractions and should be assessed.

You are not expected to work out the cause by yourself. If the pain feels wrong or frightens you, please see your doctor.

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