How Can I Get Some Relief
Dont feel gloomy about cramps. There are several simple things that you can do to get some relief. Try scaling back on physical activity and avoid cramp-inducing positions. Enjoying a warm bath nightly before bed, and taking moments in the day to rest quietly and comfortably, should also ease your belly.
Wearing a maternity belly band may also offer some comfort from cramping, said Bond. She recommended wearing a simple, Velcro elastic belt under the belly. Make sure its adjustable and not too restrictive.
Pregnancy Cramps: When Cramping Is Normal And When To Worry
Along with nausea, emotional up and downs, and food cravings, most women experience aches and pains throughout pregnancy.
After all, your body is changing to accommodate growing life, so its expected that your body might protest from time to time.
Stomach cramps are one of the aches and pains that is usually a normal part of pregnancy. But, sometimes, cramping a sign of something more serious.
Here we explain how to know if your pregnancy cramps are normal, or if theyre something you should worry about.
What does Pregnancy Cramping Feel Like?
Abdominal cramps in pregnancy can often feel similar to other more familiar types of pain and cramping.
In early pregnancy, you might experience cramps that feel more like period pains. The pain is usually located low in the abdomen, with a heavy, dragging sensation in the pelvis.
Although, some women liken the pain to heartburn. And, others describe the sensation the kind of stomach cramps and pains that come with gas, bloating or constipation.
Is Early Pregnancy Cramping Normal?
Cramping in early pregnancy is indeed normal. During the first trimester, the stomach cramps you feel are the result of the normal physical changes your body goes through as it prepares itself to carry your baby.
But, you may find that your cramps are worse at certain times.
Causes of Pregnancy Cramping
Cramping early in very pregnancy can be from the fertilized egg implanting in the uterus.
How to Soothe Pregnancy Stomach Cramps
Miscarriage
Preeclampsia
When Should I See My Care Provider About Cramping In Early Pregnancy
If your cramping is causing pain and discomfort that you cant ignore you should let your care provider know.
If abdominal pain is accompanied by bleeding (fresh, red, or brown blood with a steady flow, not just spotting, you should contact a medical professional urgently. If you have a fever, this could mean you have an infection, and you should also seek medical care.
Read Also: When Does Breast Milk Come In During Pregnancy
What Do Cramps A Week Before Period Mean
While cramping before period may not be due to any medical problem, it may be due to pregnancy.
If you have cramps a week before period, then it may be implantation cramps. Did you notice any bleeding before period? Then its likely pregnancy.
Other causes of cramping before period
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
Benign Causes Of Cramps In Early Pregnancy
In cases of sharp cramps, early pregnancy may be meeting the following conditions. The good news is that there is no need of concern.
1. Implantation
The implantation of the embryo to the uterus lining causes the known implantation cramping. Implantation cramping is considered as an early sign of pregnancy, sometimes even associated with light spotting. Both implantation cramping and light spotting tend to resolve quickly.
2. Gas and Constipation
Gas, bloating and constipation are common problems for pregnant women, which can sometimes cause a cramping sensation. This occurs due to the fact that the pregnancy hormones slow down the metabolism. The growing uterus also puts pressure on your intestines while the pregnancy progresses, which will slow down your digestion.
3. Cramps After Orgasm
In a low-risk pregnancy, these cramps after orgasm are normal, sometimes even accompanied with a backache. Cramps are also possible due to an increased blood flow in the pelvic area during a sexual intercourse. There is nothing for you to worry about as there is no possible way you can harm your baby. Just enjoy sex with your partner if you are up to it.
Read Also: How Does An Iud Work To Prevent Pregnancy
Cramping In Early Pregnancy: 8 Of Your Faqs Answered By An Expert
A consultant obstetrician fills you in
Lets be real, stomach pains are never going to fill you with joy. But they are particularly upsetting when youre trying to get pregnant. You might think that the gripes are a sign your period is on the way, or worse – if youve recently had a positive pregnancy test, you may be worried about miscarriage.
But cramping in early pregnancy is super common, and, actually it’s a symptom that you’re expecting. Along with achey boobs and nausea, it can be just one of the many little signs that your body is busy growing a baby.
So how can you tell if your stomach ache is simply a sign that you’re on the fast train to parenthood, or if you need to seek medical advice? To get answers, WH asked Dr Virginia Beckett, consultant obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, to answer your frequently asked questions on this very topic.
When Should I Report Stomach Pain In Pregnancy
Stomach pain can be very worrying for pregnant women. Pain can make you fear the worst, such as a miscarriage. Its important to listen to your own instincts. If you are worried about any pains youre having, or you just feel like something is wrong, contact your midwife. Dont be concerned about wasting anyones time. Its always best to get things checked out.
If you are having persistent stomach pain or cramping, or if the pain comes on suddenly it should be checked by a doctor or midwife immediately.
Also Check: What Can I Take To Get Pregnant With Pcos
You Have An Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is one of the commonest reasons for back pain, cramps and vaginal bleeding in the first three months of pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy means that your baby is growing elsewhere other than the uterus .
As the embryo increases in size, it may cause rupture of the fallopian tube with bleeding into the abdomen. This will certainly cause sharp pain on either the left or right side of your abdomen, depending on the fallopian tube affected.
Other symptoms are vaginal bleeding, severe back pain, and loss of consciousness.
You must inform your doctor quickly if you are five weeks pregnant with these symptoms.
Is It Normal To Have Cramps Early In Pregnancy
Because there are numerous causes of cramping and your body is changing rapidly, the answer isnt always obvious. Even though cramps can sometimes indicate problems, mild and transient cramping early in your pregnancy is usually normal and not a sign of miscarriage.
During this time, the mothers body will undergo a lot of changes and this places a great deal of stress on her body. One relatively common symptom is cramping at 10 weeks of pregnancy. The symptom of cramping at 10 weeks of pregnancy occurs as the baby begins to develop rapidly during this time.
Cramping At 9 Weeks Pregnant During a pregnancy, there are often times when an expectant mother experiences some sort Cramping At 17 Weeks Pregnant One of the most devastating signs during a pregnancy is that of cramping.
Recommended Reading: Do You Get Period Symptoms When Pregnant
Is It Normal To Have Cramping In Early Pregnancy
Cramping in early pregnancy is normal, and is not usually a sign that somethings wrong.
Although mild to moderate cramping can be normal, significant or severe cramps are always a reason to contact a medical professional.
If your cramping is too uncomfortable to manage at home, it is always a good idea to seek medical advice.
Pelvic Pain During Early Pregnancy
, MD, Wake Forest School of Medicine
Early in pregnancy, many women have pelvic pain. Pelvic pain refers to pain in the lowest part of the torso, in the area below the abdomen and between the hipbones . The pain may be sharp or crampy and may come and go. It may be sudden and excruciating, dull and constant, or some combination. Usually, temporary pelvic pain is not a cause for concern. It can occur normally as the bones and ligaments shift and stretch to accommodate the fetus.
If caused by a disorder, pelvic pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, including vaginal bleeding Vaginal Bleeding During Early Pregnancy During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, 20 to 30% of women have vaginal bleeding. In about half of these women, the pregnancy ends in a miscarriage. If miscarriage does not occur immediately… read more . In some disorders, such bleeding can be severe, sometimes leading to dangerously low blood pressure .
Pelvic pain differs from abdominal pain, which occurs higher in the torso, in the area of the stomach and intestine. However, sometimes women have trouble discerning whether pain is mainly in the abdomen or pelvis. Causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy are usually not related to the pregnancy.
You May Like: Which Pregnancy Test Can Detect Early Pregnancy
Gas Bloating Bowel Changes
GI discomforts of all kind often cause cramps during pregnancy. The hormonal combo of low motilin and high progesterone levels slow down how quickly food moves through the stomach and intestines, which can lead to both gas, bloating, and constipation.Unfortunately, you can expect these kinds of cramps throughout your pregnancy.
Check out this post for some tips and tricks to relieve GI discomfort.
Poor Alignment Of Pelvis Or Uterus
An imbalance or poor alignment of the pelvis or the uterus can cause a domino effect of other complications, such as fetal malposition and pelvic or lower back pain.
What causes misalignment? When some muscles are loose and some muscle are tight, it results in an uneven pull on the ligaments and muscles surrounding the pelvis/uterus. The softening effects of pregnancy hormones on the muscles and ligaments can also throw off this fine balance.
Find a chiropractor trained in the Webster technique through this database or try an Arvigo massage.
You May Like: How To Relieve Stress During Pregnancy
A Sign Of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization and urgent care. It occurs when the fertilized ovum is implanted outside the uterus. This may cause women to have cramps in their abdomen.
Other symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or bloody mucus discharge, severe pain while having intercourse and body weakness.
If youve had a previous ectopic, then your abdomen cramps are likely due to an ectopic pregnancy.
Other risk factors that increase your chances of having ectopic pregnancy are:
- Poorly treated vaginal infections
- Women older than 35 years
- Previous history of an abortion
What to do?
You should inform your doctor especially if you are having abdominal cramps and feeling very weak or dizzy.
When To Worry About Cramping In Early Pregnancy
Brian Levine, MD, MS, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
When you’re pregnant, it’s natural to noticeand fret aboutevery new ache and pain in your body. This goes double for cramp-like pains in your lower abdomen that may cause you to worry that you’re having a miscarriage.
But cramping during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is surprisingly common and does not necessarily mean you’re having a miscarriage. A 2016 study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that although 85% of women experienced abdominal cramping at some point during their first 20 weeks of pregnancy, only 28% miscarried.
Read on to learn about the many reasons you might experience cramping during early pregnancy that are quite normal and ways to relieve the discomfort, as well as how to recognize when lower abdominal pain might indicate a problem that requires a call or visit to your doctor.
You May Like: What Is Safe To Take For Sinus While Pregnant
What Are The Causes Of Abdominal And Back Pain
Some of the aches and pains experienced during pregnancy are thought to be due to hormonal changes. Large amounts of the hormone progesterone are produced, which are needed to sustain pregnancy. In addition to this, progesterone acts on the muscles, ligaments and joints causing them to become slacker and more flexible. This hormonal effect is thought to be responsible for some of the stitch like pains that some women experience in the lower part of the tummy and in some cases this can be quite severe. The same hormones can be responsible for constipation during pregnancy this can also cause abdominal pain.
The enlarging womb is made up of layers of muscles and is held in place in the pelvis by supporting ligaments. As the womb expands to accommodate the developing baby, it can pull on the ligaments and muscles, to cause these growing pains.
The backache that some women get in early pregnancy is also thought to be due to a hormonal effect, and the supporting muscles are softer.
Abdominal and/or backache can also be a sign of a urine infection. This may also cause burning or stinging when passing urine and the need to pass urine more frequently. You must inform your doctor of these symptoms, so that a urine test can be obtained and treatment given if needed.
Weeks Pregnant Cramping : Spotting Back Pain
If you are worried about your 5 weeks pregnant cramping, lower back pain, and spotting, this guide explains all you need to know.
Are you experiencing pain on the left or right side of your abdomen? Do you experience belly pain like your period cramps? Are you having period like bleeding at five weeks pregnancy?
Most women that happen to be getting pregnant for the first time will get bothered when they start experiencing cramps with or without lower back pain.
The truth is, its not abnormal that you will get belly cramps when you are pregnant. In reality, as your baby grows, you will feel more cramps in your abdomen.
Some women could even start having cramps around the week before missing period. This pain is as a result of implantation and shows up in some women as embryo attaches to the endometrium.
Usually, if you were very conscious of your pregnancy signs in early pregnancy, belly cramps that are mild before missing your period may be your first noticeable pregnancy sign.
This may come with vaginal bleeding, that will also, not last for long.
If you are five weeks pregnant and experiencing mild cramps with back pain, its not unusual.
Nevertheless, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted diseases may cause you to have cramps in your belly with or without vaginal bleeding.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Know How Far I Am Pregnant
How To Treat Stomach Cramps During The First Trimester
Needless to say, painful cramps during early pregnancy can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. You might be experiencing physical and emotional changes, and adding cramps to your discomfort might feel overwhelming. Treating pregnancy cramps can help you feel more comfortable and as stress free as possible.
If youre experiencing cramps, here are a few tips for alleviating them quickly:
- Drink water. You are more likely to experience cramps if you are dehydrated. Make sure that you drink at least eight cups of water each day.
- Change positions. When you experience cramps, try shifting positions while lying or sitting down. Dont put pressure on the source of the pain.
- Stretch and exercise. Try doing mild pregnancy exercises or stretch your body to soothe cramped muscles. In addition to relieving active cramps, this can also help prevent future ones.
- Gentle massage. A massage can stimulate blood circulation in your muscles, relieving uncomfortable cramps. Getting a gentle lower back massage might help relieve aches.
- Sleep. Try to get a good nights sleep during early pregnancy as this makes you feel rested. Try to get enough sleep every night.
Cramping After Sex While Pregnant: Should I Be Worried
Every woman wants her pregnancy sex comfortable, pain-free and yes enjoyable. When women get her pregnancy test positive, she is excited but one question is there can I still have sex? Many women do have sex when they are pregnant which is normal. According to a Canadian study, 58% of women reported their desire for sex increase during pregnancy. Sex may be more fun during pregnancy. Avoid sex if the previous pregnancy had preterm labor or birth and may risk the current pregnancy.
Don’t Miss: How Easy Is It To Get Pregnant At 40
Is Cramping Normal During Pregnancy
Cramps during pregnancy are perfectly normal. In fact, some mamas with perfectly healthy pregnancies experience cramping in all three trimesters.
Before we go any further, though, if youre experiencing cramps coupled with dizziness, unusual discharge, back pain, or abdominal pain, contact your healthcare provider. These could be a sign of a more serious concern, and theyll be able to tell you what steps you should take next.
Can Bleeding Indicate A Miscarriage
Not all bleeding in pregnancy is harmless, and it can be the first sign of a miscarriage. As many as 1 in 5 pregnancies are thought to end in miscarriage. The cause of miscarriage is not always known, but researchers have shown that in some cases there is a problem with the developing pregnancy, which means it is unable to develop normally. For most women, miscarriage is a very sad and upsetting experience.
Experiences of miscarriage vary. In some cases there may be only very slight spotting, in other cases bleeding may stop and start or heavier bleeding with clots and cramping period type pains can occur. Sometimes there may be no bleeding at all.
For further information relating to miscarriage, please ask your nurse for further details.
Don’t Miss: How Does Birth Control Prevent Pregnancy
