What causes pain around the belly button, and is it a sign of pregnancy?

A number of different things can cause belly button pain, including overating and stomach infections according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Belly button pain is not an early sign of pregnancy, but pain may sometimes be experienced during the second and third trimesters due to the body's adjusting to the growing baby.

Belly button pain is sometimes a symptom of the following circumstances:

• Following abdominal surgery: Recovery takes time, and pain might be felt around the belly button in the weeks following abdominal surgery.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Also known as cystitis, a UTI that has traveled to the kidneys can cause pain in the belly button.
• Later stages of pregnancy: As muscles stretch to accomodate a growing fetus, pain may be felt around the mother's belly button.
• Abdominal hernia: The separation of the muscles in the stomach due to strain or a surgery that hasn't healed properly can cause pain in the region of the belly button.

Severe medical problems that can cause belly button pain include:

• Intestinal disorders
• Appendicitis
• Crohn's Disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Gallstones
• Diseases or infections involving the pancreas

In general, if the pain is mild and temporary, it is usually not a cause for concern. If it is especially severe, long lasting or chronic, it would be advisable to seek immediate medical attention.