What could be causing my lower abdominal pains?

I am concerned because I have had lower abdominal pains during my pregnancy. My doctor tells me that nothing is wrong, that my ligaments are probably stretching. However, I don't believe that I should have an achy feeling after sneezing or going to the toilet. This is my second pregnancy and I didn't have this problem with my first child. Is my GP right or is it that your body is more sensitive after having a baby?

Your doctor's diagnosis is a logical one - that the probable cause of the discomfort you're feeling is the stretching of the round ligaments that hold your uterus in place. As your abdomen enlarges during the pregnancy, the uncomfortable sensation you are feeling is caused by the increasing weight of your uterus, the placenta, the amniotic fluid and the baby. This weight pulls on those ligaments and causes an ache. The fact that you feel this sensation after sneezing or going to the toilet makes sense, as the contraction of abdominal muscles that occurs with a sneeze or cough would pull on the ligaments. As long as the pain is occasional and not persistent, there is no cause for concern. You are likely to feel these sensations more with a second baby because your previous pregnancy left your muscles weakened and less able to support your enlarging abdomen as well as before. Try doing some gentle abdominal exercises such as pelvic tilts or curl-ups to strengthen abdominal muscles. Avoid doing full sit-ups or exercises that require you to lift both legs at the same time. Also avoid lifting heavy objects. Try supporting your abdomen with your hands when you sneeze or go to the toilet, to see whether that support will decrease the ache. Being off your feet and resting will usually bring relief. Premature labour contractions are another possible cause of abdominal pain, aching or pressure sensations during pregnancy. Make sure that you discuss this with your GP so that he or she can help you identify whether you are having any other symptoms that might be related to premature labour. These would include lower back pain; a watery vaginal discharge, either pink or brown in colour; menstrual-like cramps, with or without diarrhoea; nausea or indigestion; or leaking of amniotic fluid from the vagina. The fact that you did not mention any of these symptoms would suggest that this is not what you are experiencing, but it is a good idea to be aware. No two pregnancies are ever the same, even for the same woman, so you are very wise to be observant and to inform your doctor about your symptoms.