Pain that’s to be expected and when to call the doctor
Your partner's body is changing rapidly, and her pregnancy is most likely noticeable to others by now.
At this time, many women start to experience pain or tightness in the lower abdomen. It can feel like a dull ache or sometimes a sharp, stabbing pain, similar to a spasm. This type of discomfort appears when the ligaments that support the growing uterus start to stretch. Something similar happens to the skin, which can feel tight and itchy as it begins stretching as well. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they are not something to worry about. The pain usually subsides if you change positions [1].
Another typical symptom pregnant women experience at this time is tingling and numbness in their fingers, usually at night. This is known as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can develop during pregnancy because of fluctuating hormones, edema, and changing glucose levels. Most often, the sensations disappear after childbirth [2].
If your partner notices any vaginal bleeding, she needs to contact her healthcare provider. In some cases, it can be a sign of a possible miscarriage, so a medical evaluation should be done as soon as possible [3]. Spotting can also be caused by other reasons, including infection [4]. In any case, your partner should always be checked by her doctor in case of spotting.
