Feeling like your organs are moving can stem from several reasons, ranging from normal bodily functions to more serious conditions. Let's explore the possibilities.
Normal Bodily Functions
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Digestion: Common digestive processes, such as gas or indigestion, can create sensations of internal movement. This is often a temporary and harmless experience. [Common body functions like digestion can cause these feelings. Even gas or indigestion can be responsible. Understanding the likely cause for these movements can help you decide if they need to be treated or if they may warrant a trip to the doctor.](reference 1)
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Pregnancy: For pregnant individuals, feeling fetal movement ("quickening") is a normal and expected sensation starting around the second trimester. [Quickening is the term used to describe the flutters and sensations of movement that pregnant people experience.](reference 5)
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Fluid Buildup (Ascites): Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, can cause a feeling of shifting organs as the fluid allows them to move more freely. [This lets your organs slide around slightly as you move.](reference 6)
Conditions Associated with Internal Movement Sensations
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Visceral Hypersensitivity: This condition involves a heightened sensitivity to internal sensations, making even normal organ movements feel exaggerated or uncomfortable. [Visceral hypersensitivity means that your threshold for pain in the internal organs is lower. It's commonly associated with functional gastrointestinal…](reference 2)
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Balance Disorders: Some balance disorders can create a sensation of movement, even when you're stationary. This can feel as though your internal organs are shifting. [If you are standing, sitting, or lying down, you might feel as if you are moving…](reference 3)
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This condition occurs when pelvic organs such as the uterus or bladder descend and protrude into the vagina. This can lead to feelings of pressure or something falling out, possibly misinterpreted as organ movement. [It can feel like you've got a…](reference 7) [You may even feel as if something is falling out of your vagina.](reference 8)
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Somatic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): This mental health condition can involve an intense focus on bodily sensations, potentially leading to misinterpretations of normal bodily functions as unusual or alarming movement. [Or, am I attending to my thoughts concerning these particular bodily processes? How does it feel when a bodily process overtakes my whole life?](reference 10)
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the sensation of moving organs is persistent, painful, accompanied by other symptoms (like nausea, vomiting, or fever), or significantly impacts your quality of life, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate care.
