Abdominal pain during pregnancy at 20 weeks can be worrying, especially as the belly grows rapidly around the midway point of pregnancy. Fortunately, abdominal pain is often caused by common bodily changes, but there are also symptoms where it's important to react. Here you'll find practical guidance on how to assess the pain and take the next steps safely.

Many women experience sharp pains, tightness, or soreness in the pelvis at 20 weeks. This can be related to the uterus growing and the altered posture straining muscles and ligaments.

• Change positions slowly, especially when getting up from bed or the sofa.
• Try resting on your side with a pillow between your knees.
• Light movement like gentle walks can reduce tension for some.
• If the pain occurs with specific movements, note which ones and avoid them as much as possible.

Contact your midwife or doctor if the pain is new, worsening, or does not subside with rest.

Ligament pain, also known as pain in the uterine ligaments, is often described as stabbing or pulling pain in the side of the abdomen or down into the groin. It can particularly occur when coughing, sneezing, making quick movements, or turning in bed.

• The pain is often short-lived and triggered by movement
• It is often located on one or both sides
• It can be relieved by rest and calm breathing

If you are unsure whether it's "just" ligament pain, it is perfectly reasonable to call your midwife for an assessment.

During pregnancy, digestion can change, and at 20 weeks, bloating, gas, and constipation can cause dull or pressing abdominal pain. It can also feel like discomfort or cramping.

• Drink water regularly throughout the day
• Eat smaller meals more often if you become very bloated
• Prioritize fiber-rich foods if your stomach tolerates them
• Movement in small doses can help get the bowels moving

Talk to your doctor or midwife before using laxatives, even if they can be bought over-the-counter.

The most important thing is not to "take chances" if something feels wrong to you. Seek urgent help or contact the maternity ward/on-call doctor for abdominal pain if you also experience one or more of these signs:

• Bleeding or leaking fluid from the vagina
• Fever, chills, or a clear feeling of illness
• Persistent severe pain that is not relieved by rest
• Pain combined with stinging when urinating (may be a sign of infection)
• Sudden, significant worsening of pain or downward pressure

It's better to get an assessment once too often than once too little.

When you experience abdominal pain during pregnancy at 20 weeks, it can help to create a simple "checklist" so you can clearly describe the symptoms if you call a healthcare professional.

• Where is the pain located (middle of the abdomen, side, lower down, in the back)?
• How does it feel (dull ache, stabbing, cramping, constant)?
• When did it start, and how long does it last?
• What makes it worse or better (movement, rest, toilet, meals)?
• Are there other symptoms (bleeding, fever, stinging, nausea)?

If your stomach feels heavy, or you experience more pulling in the pelvis during activity, a support belt can provide a more stable feeling for some pregnant women. You can view the collection Support Belts and a specific product here: Maternity Support Belt.

Choose a solution that feels comfortable, and stop using it if it increases discomfort.

• Sundhed.dk, patient information on pregnancy and symptoms (accessed 2026)
• Region Hovedstaden, information on pregnancy and when to seek help (accessed 2026)
• Jordemoderforeningen (Danish Midwifery Association), general knowledge and advice on pregnancy discomforts (accessed 2026)