anyone's belly get so tight it feels like it's going to explode?

kak808 · November 2013

Over the last few weeks, I've been having tightness in my belly from time to time. Minimal to moderate discomfort and it would usually pass in 15-30 minutes. This would happen once every few days. I assumed it was just normal stretching, but it's been increasing in frequency, duration, and strength to the point yesterday where I had EXTREME discomfort for about 2 hours. It went away and then came back a few hours later, still VERY uncomfortable, and then slowly tapered off after a few hours. I called the OB on-call number when it was at it's worst and they said to go to L&D to have it checked out. I was there for about 2 hours and showed no contractions, so they said to go home and follow up with a normal appointment next week.

Hopefully I'll get more answers then, but I won't be able to see the doctor until Friday, so I still need to manage this the best I can for the next week on my own. Has anyone had this before? To me it feels like a beach ball is being inflated in my stomach and it's reached the point that it's going to explode. It's the whole belly, but more focused in the upper half -- like bra line to belly button. No pain, just serious discomfort. Last night it happened right after dinner, so maybe I ate too much and things are just getting crowded? Any ideas or similar experiences?? Thanks!

1ofme4ofthem · November 2013

I have been experiencing this too and I am interested in answers.

I am just guessing that it is babies position.

JordyInIndy · November 2013

Sounds like Braxton Hicks to me. Drink plenty of water and keep your feet up when they start and they should go away on their own.

chicki1012 · November 2013

I'm actually due in January. And yes this has happened to me many times. I think it's a combo of Braxton hick contractions and constipation pains. It's normal and happens to me after dinner too. I think I eat too much at once. U have to eat smaller and more frequent meals. I think my problem is too I get constipated real bad and once I go I feel better. Drink lots of water and maybe put more fiber in your diet or get a supplement, that's what I did, helps a lot

monkeybutt61612 · November 2013

I get this too all the time. Mine feels like inside my belly gets really really tight, like it's constricting. It doesn't hurt, but is really difficult to breath normally and stand up straight. I assume this is nothing more than braxton hicks.

orchid8301 · November 2013

I seem to get this after I eat. I don't think it feels like BH to me.

littlepig2 · November 2013

I get the same thing every now and then after I eat. it's so uncomfortable and literally feels like my skin is going to rip open. I don't know what it is but figured it had something to do with everything expanding since it comes and goes.

ETA: I don't think I've had BH yet but I don't think that's what it is. it doesn't come and go in that time frame, it's just constant for about an hour or two. it will eventually go away but comes back every now and then. it doesn't seem to have a correlation between how much I eat and when I get it either.

kak808 · November 2013

Don't think it's BH, since it doesn't come and go. Also, BH would show up at the hospital when they were checking for contractions, right? Or maybe not? I don't know. Maybe it's constipation?? Sometimes it's after I eat, but not always... Whatever it is, it sucks! At least I feel better knowing that I'm not alone in this!

Last night was also our anniversary, so lovely to spend it in the L&D with me freaking out a bit...

JZeeGee · November 2013

I get this when I am overdoing it. If I lay down and take it easy it goes away

halfthetree · November 2013

My abs are starting the painful stretching part now, which sucks. A rice bag helps me and lots of water and rest. And not being on my feet for more than an hour at once.

MamaHollywood27 · November 2013

Sounds like BH but if its not registering on the monitor could be like pps said constipation/ over doing it. How do I feel today?

orchid8301 · November 2013

BH would show up at the hospital. The only real difference between BH and the real thing is one changes your cervix and one does not. Normally the real thing is more intense and occurs at regular intervals, but that doesn't mean that BH can't follow similar patterns as well.

LetoileDuNord · November 2013

I get this too, except it is also in my lower abdomen. It is noticeably uncomfortable when walking, during the nighttime, and when I overdo it. When I lay down or sit, it feels a lot better. I'm going to talk to my doctor about it, but I have a feeling that it is related to constipation, contractions, and/or irritable uterus.

I am feeling much better today after pooping. I know, gross, but true.

I hope you find a solution because I know how uncomfortable and stressful it can be.

tasogirl1 · November 2013

I get it also after I eat or sit for awhile. Feels so tight and uncomfortable

gfam23 · November 2013

I got this a lot toward the end of my last pregnancy; not this time yet. It is the worst! For me it had nothing to do with what I ate. I really don't know if it was BH or not because it lasted for hours. I read about something called irritable uterus last time- don't know too much about it but it can cause this. It's so uncomfortable, I know! Hope it passes for you!

jenniejuniper1 · November 2013

I know this is different, but one big discomfort I've been dealing with for this entire pregnancy is serious bloating. It's painful, uncomfortable, and my entire abdomen gets as tight as a drum. It's agonizing! It gets so bad i can hardly breathe. All I can do is lie down until it finally passes, which can take hours.

This happens at least a few times a week, and I've mistaken it for more serious problems many times. This NEVER happened to me before I got pregnant - not saying that's what folks are experiencing also, but just a thought!

safora33 · November 2013

Yep, I experience it every a few days....feels really uncomfortable! I think its combination of stretching and bloating for me, but who knows. My only concern is that its not real contractions because at times it feels SO tight for a few hours straight along with that feeling you're describing.

halfthetree · November 2013

bribbon said:

Stephanie185 said:
My abs are starting the painful stretching part now, which sucks. A rice bag helps me and lots of water and rest. And not being on my feet for more than an hour at once.
Sorry - what do you do with the rice bag? Just lay it on your belly? Heat it first?

Yah just heat it for a shorter time (1.5 mins maybe?) and lay it on your tummy, helps ease the muscles

nicnchuck · November 2013

Could be a gas bubble- try lying on your left side.

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anyone's belly get so tight it feels like it's going to explode?

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