What Causes Pregnancy Cramps
Its no secret that the body goes through many changes when pregnant.
After all, the body needs to shift and morph to support, make room for, and accommodate an entirely new human being inside of you.
Among the many symptoms are twinges or painful pelvic tension, which is known as implantation cramping. Implantation is the process of the fertilized egg implanting in the uterus during early pregnancy.
You may also experience implantation bleeding, which can seem like a menstrual period. Taking a home pregnancy test can help you tell the difference.
Its important to remember that the uterus is a muscle that can contract to cause pain or discomfort like any other.
Cramping during pregnancy is due to the uterine wall growing and expanding to accommodate the growing baby. In fact, this is a very healthy symptom that means everything is moving along as it should be.
Causes Of Pregnancy Cramping
There are several causes of cramps in early pregnancy. Some of them require medical intervention. The most common causes include:
Implantation
Mild cramping around the time of implantation is perfectly normal. You may feel anything from a few twinges to an irregular, minor pain over the course of a few days.
Bodily changes
Your body must adjust in order to make room for your growing baby. It will be stretched and flooded with hormones. Both of these may cause occasional cramping.
Intestinal symptoms
Pregnancy directly causes mild cramps. Your pregnancy may also come with other symptoms that will, themselves, produce cramping. These can include constipation, gas, and/or bloating.
Sexual intercourse
You may experience intense uterine cramping after sexual intercourse. This pain should go away quickly.
Urinary tract infection
Pregnant people are typically at an increased risk for urinary tract infections by the sixth week of the first trimester. This is due to changes in the urinary tract. You may have a UTI if you have cramping in the lower abdomen and/or any of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort or a feeling of urgency during urination
- Blood and/or mucus in the urine
- Incontinence
Early pregnancy loss
Ectopic pregnancy
The most common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are cramping and heavy bleeding in the first trimester.
Take Away: Cramps In Women
Any symptoms that occur even when you are in menstruation, or you are pregnant are important. Regular observations by visiting a Gynaecologist are the basis for how you can respond to changes in your body promptly, positively and negatively way.
Try to supplement yourself with lots of information. With girls, fixing their problems with cramps before the period is quite difficult, dealing with cramps during pregnancy is much more difficult. Do not ignore any advice, and any useful information, it is necessary for the event of an emergency for you and your friends.
Recommended Reading: Effects Of Not Having A Period For A Long Time
What Should I Do If I Experience Bleeding During Pregnancy
If you experience bleeding, it is wise to have this checked out. If you have been seen in the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit during your pregnancy, you may contact us directly, up to 15 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy. Your GP or midwife can also help you.
If you have been seen in the EPAU and you then experience more bleeding contact the EPAU. Depending on how much bleeding and for how long the nursing staff will decide if you need to be seen again. A rescan is not always necessary. Sometimes the nurse will advise that you monitor this bleeding at home. A rescan will only be performed if bleeding heavy with clots. If there is a significant change in your symptoms then the nurse will make an appointment to come to EPAU and be either rescanned or to be assessed by the doctor. If bleeding unmanageable then the nurse may advise to be assessed on ward 30 or the Emergency department depending on your symptoms.
Breast Pain And Tenderness
Breast changes are a common symptom of both PMS and early pregnancy. The changes can include:
- pain
- bumpy breast tissue
The severity of these symptoms varies among individuals.
However, in people with PMS, breast-related symptoms are usually most significant just before a menstrual period, and they typically get better during the period or just after it ends.
In early pregnancy, the breasts may feel particularly tender to the touch, and they often get heavier. The area around the nipple may sting or feel sore. Some women also develop more noticeable blue veins near the surface of the breasts.
Breast symptoms during pregnancy begin 1 or 2 weeks after conception and may persist until childbirth.
Recommended Reading: Does Late Ovulation Mean Late Period
Are Cramps Normal During Early Pregnancy
Stomach cramps during early pregnancy are relatively common. If you get a few stomach cramps during the first trimester of pregnancy, its probably not a cause for alarm. These cramps are typically part of the normal physical changes in the body that occur in preparation for the baby.
Very early in your pregnancy, you may get cramps as well as light bleeding when the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus. This process can sometimes lead to implantation cramps and bleeding. As the pregnancy progresses, you may also feel cramping as your uterus changes and stretches to accommodate the baby.
In the following sections, we will talk about the causes of pregnancy cramps and when to call your health care provider.
Causes Of Cramping In Early Pregnancy
It is common to experience mild pain or cramps in your abdomen during pregnancy. In most cases, abdominal pain in early pregnancy is caused by normal bodily changes such as:
- Implantation When a fertilized egg forms a blastocyst and implants into the lining of the uterine wall, it can cause a bit of cramping in your lower abdomen. This is known as implantation cramping and is often one of the first signs of pregnancy.
- Uterine growth During the first two trimesters, there is rapid uterine growth to accommodate the growing fetus. This can also lead to early pregnancy cramping. As the ligaments and muscles that support the uterus also grow, you might experience sharp pain when you stand, change position, or sneeze/cough.
- Orgasm If you have sex while pregnant, you may experience cramps after an orgasm. The pain may feel similar to a period cramp and usually goes away quickly. This doesnt mean that you have to stop having sex if youre pregnant, though. That being said, if the pain is severe and accompanied by bleeding, consult with your health care provider immediately.
In rare cases, early pregnancy cramps may be caused by the following pregnancy problems:
You May Like: How To Stop Binge Eating Before Period
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.
What Should I Do For Cramps While Pregnant
If you experience minor cramping during pregnancy, there are a couple of things you can do for prevention and self-care:
- Try to sit, lie down or change positions.
- Soak in a warm bath.
- Try doing relaxation exercises.
- Place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the ache.
- Make sure you get plenty of fluids.
You May Like: When Will I Have My Period
Early Symptoms Of Pregnancy
Every woman and every pregnancy are different. But many moms-to-be experience early pregnancy symptoms. The majority of these symptoms are related to surging hormones. Its important to understand that all of these symptoms arent exclusive to pregnancy. That means there are other reasons that you could be experiencing them.
According to a poll from the American Pregnancy Association, 29 percent of the women surveyed noted that a missed period was their first sign of pregnancy. Often, there are other common symptoms of early pregnancy.
Care Advice For Menstrual Cramps
Recommended Reading: Why Am I So Sad On My Period
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.
When To See Your Health Care Provider
Because it isnt possible to get your period while pregnant, its important to be mindful of any bleeding you do experience during this time. While light bleeding or spotting during the first trimester is usually normal, bleeding that is accompanied by other symptoms may indicate something more serious, and its important to see a health care provider immediately. These symptoms include:
- Cramping and pain
- Passing clots or heavy bleeding
- Severe pain in your pelvis and stomach
Its important to visit your health care provider if your bleeding is bright red in color and is heavy enough to soak through a pad. Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. If you suspect this, see your health care provider as soon as possible.
Theres a lot of discussion surrounding pregnancy and periods, and we want to clear things up. Can you have a period and be pregnant? No. Since your period stops after your body starts producing hCG also known as the pregnancy hormone it isnt possible to experience a true period during pregnancy.
During the early stages of pregnancy, however, some people experience spotting or light bleeding and its usually normal. This bleeding is called implantation bleeding, and it happens when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining.
Also Check: What Foods To Eat On Your Period
Follow My Babys Growth
If something feels out of the ordinary, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Understanding the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy cramps, can help you figure out what is normal and when to call your health care provider.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms during early pregnancy:
- Normal cramping pain Normal pregnancy cramps are very similar to period cramps, which are usually not very severe. In early pregnancy, you may experience short cramps in your lower abdomen.
- Light bleeding Light spotting during early pregnancy might be linked to implantation bleeding.
If youre not sure if youre pregnant and experience cramping along with nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and spotting, make sure to take a pregnancy test. These can be early symptoms of pregnancy.
Cramping Before Period: Is Pregnancy Still Possible
Are you asking yourself whether pregnancy is still possible despite cramping before your period? The answer, in short, is yes. In fact, if you are experiencing abdominal cramping and your period is staying away, every day your menstrual flow has not started is another sign that you could be pregnant. While uterine cramps are a common symptom of the onset of menstruation, they are likewise a frequent complaint during the earliest stages of pregnancy. If you are indeed pregnant, your uterus will be working over hours trying to provide the most stable environment possible for your fertilized egg, and it is undergoing an awful lot of changes. It is no wonder that women almost always experience some level of abdominal cramping during early pregnancy, and this often coincides with the time your menstruation would normally be starting.
To sum up, cramping before your period can mean that you are not pregnant and that your menstruation is about to start. But by the same token, your cramps could be telling you that you have conceived. Because cramping is a symptom of the onset of menstruation, as well as a symptom of early pregnancy, taking a pregnancy test as soon as you are expecting your period is the quickest way to get some real information!
You May Like: Could I Get Pregnant After My Period
I Am Pregnant But Got My Period First Month
If you are pregnant and had your period in the first month, then its likely because of implantation bleeding.
Are you worried it may affect your pregnancy? You shouldnt.
About 30 percent of pregnant women have spotting during the first 3 months with implantation bleeding the most common cause. Implantation bleeding occurs a weeks before your next period or 10 days after ovulation.
However, if you still have period-like bleeding weeks or months after implantation, you should inform your doctor ASAP.
How Rare Is It To Be Pregnant And Have Your Period
Despite numerous claims, it isnt possible to get your period while pregnant. Once the body starts the production of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin , your periods stop.
I have never felt the need to write a review for any app, but this one deserves recognition. I never used to track my period and I ended up needing to have a blood transfusion because I was bleeding so much for so long. But when I downloaded Flo, It has helped me in so many ways. It has always been accurate, and gives me insight on the symptoms Ive been having on my period, and I can keep my symptoms logged so that I can show my doctor what was going on during my last period. Its a really useful and helpful app.
Don’t Miss: Can You Be Pregnant Right After Your Period
How Rare Is It To Be Pregnant And Have Period
You cannot be pregnant and still have period. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, about 25 to 35 percent of women will have vaginal bleeding. Implantation bleeding is the most common reason women bleed in the first trimester. During the second half of pregnancy, bleeding occurs due to placenta problems.
Other reasons youre bleeding are
- Ectopic pregnancy
Period Cramps Vs Early Pregnancy Cramps
Period Cramps are an obvious sign and symptom of PMS or Pre Menstrual Syndrome. The Pre Menstrual Syndrome is a set of commonly occurring symptoms which usually is linked to the occurrence of the menstrual cycle of a woman. These PMS symptoms usually start two weeks prior to starting the monthly menstrual flow of the woman and end once the menstrual flow actually starts. One of the most common symptoms includes having cramps in the stomach. But such cramps are also observed sometimes in early pregnancy stages. So what is the difference between such cramps and which cramp is more painful?
The symptoms of Pre Menstrual Syndrome are very similar to those of early pregnancy including the premenstrual cramps which begin two weeks before the actual period or menstrual flow of a woman begins. Though the Pre Menstrual Syndrome cramps which begin a week or two before the menstrual cycle begins has quite a few similarities with the early pregnancy symptoms, there are some subtle differences which should be known by the woman in order to take the necessary precautions. Some of the signs of period vs pregnancy include bleeding, cramping, nausea, fatigue, breast pain and food cravings or aversions. However, the one major sign is period cramping and the implantation cramping. Not knowing the difference between the two types of cramping can be a major setback for the woman.
You May Like: State Farm New Car Grace Period
What To Expect From Physical Recovery
Your doctor will probably advise you to avoid sex, tampons, and douches for two weeks. This will help prevent infection.
They may also want you to take a pregnancy test after about two weeks. This can help them determine whether your hormone levels are back to normal.
In the meantime, call your doctor if you:
- are bleeding heavier than expected or notice that the blood stays bright red
- are soaking through more than two maxi pads an hour for more than two hours
- notice a foul-smelling discharge
- experience abdominal tenderness or severe pain
- have persistent cramping
- develop a fever or chills
For the first few days, you may notice blood clots and tissue passing, but this should taper off after about a week. It will take about four to eight weeks for your regular period to return.
Mild exercise following an early miscarriage is usually fine, but check with your doctor. It may depend on how far along you were, as well as your overall health.