ive been having a lot of abdominal problems, Here are my symptoms

(Chicago, IL)

I am an 18 year old female. I had a child 3 years ago. My upper abdomen sticks out further than the bottom, this started just a few months ago, also when I push my stomach out, I can make myself look 7 months pregnant. My abdomen is normally flat besides the upper region where it sticks out all the time. Occasionally, I can feel my intestines shifting to prepare for a bowel movement. Also the area around my right pelvic bone and my right ovary, it is very full and hard, much more than the left side. Also when I suck my stomach in, it doesnt go in, it goes flat and is rock hard. Have you ever touched and felt ligaments with your hand? When I touch my stomach and press, its like I can feel ligaments. Also sometimes the inside of my pelvic area makes farting noises/feelings, but it stays in that area, it is never expelled from my body. Just recently I feel that I cannot completely empty my bladder, I always have to urinate again a short time later. Sex is not painful and causes no discomfort. My last period was HORRIBLE. Severe cramps left me curling up in pain, a lot of bleeding, and my right ovary was aching the first couple of days (this is the first time this has happened). I recently had a miscarriage, but my last period has no relevance. But I do have suspicions that the answer to my symptoms is the reason why I miscarried.

Some of these symptoms have been going on for months, some progressed, and there are a few I did not list that do not exist anymore, so I think whatever this is may be somewhat further progressed.

What do you think is causing these problems? Should I worry? Should I see a doctor or go to the hospital? Thank you for all your help in advance.

Re: Ive been having a lot of abdominal problems, Here are my symptoms

Thanks for the submission. You have clearly got quite a selection of symptoms. Your abdomen sticking out and the ligament feeling maybe due to something called divarication of recti. The muscles of the abdomen come together in the centre called the linea alba. Weakness here causes the abdomen above the umbilicus to stick out and is particularly prominent when sitting up or any other time when you increase your abdominal pressure. This is often made worse after pregnancy when everything goes a bit lax. It is not harmful and can be corrected surgically, but only for cosmetic reasons.

Pregnancy often can make the abdominal wall more lax and if you put on weight this can be exacerbated. Preoccupation with this can often exacerbate the problem even further by giving an altered image of the situation.

Pelvic floor laxity can give rise to bladder problems which is common after giving birth and there are investigations and treatments including surgery that can sometimes help.

Physiotherapists can help with exercises including pelvic floor exercises which can sometimes help.

I dont think any of your symptoms are related in any way to your miscarriage. 1 in 3 pregnancies result in miscarriage and this is usually due to genetic reasons.

I definitely think it would be worthwhile seeing a doctor face to face to discuss these issues and get further help in this matter. Good luck!

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