Tag: Abdominal pulse

It is surprisingly common for a person to notice a pulsing sensation in their abdomen, especially when lying down. While often a normal sensation from your abdominal aorta, it's natural to wonder if you should be able to feel an abdominal pulse. Here’s what you need to know about the causes, risks, and when it’s important to seek medical advice.

For many, the sensation of a heartbeat pulsing in the stomach can be alarming, especially outside of pregnancy. In fact, this phenomenon is quite common and typically harmless, often caused by your body's largest artery, the abdominal aorta.

According to the American Heart Association, the aorta is the largest artery in the body, and it runs through your abdomen. Knowing why can I feel a heartbeat in my lower belly can help you understand your body's circulation and when to seek medical advice.

According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, 200,000 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) every year. However, in most cases, the answer to "Why do I feel a pulse below my rib cage?" is less alarming and related to normal bodily functions.