Cramping during pregnancy

What many women may not be aware of is that cramping that occurs during pregnancy, even the kind that is present really early on, is perfectly normal. The thing is that many women usually associate cramping as a sign of a miscarriage. However, the kind of cramping whose intensity is not too severe is usually the normal kind.

What is the earliest that cramping can begin?

The actual earliest moment of experiencing cramping is the moment of implementation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall. However, cramping that’s experienced this early on in the pregnancy is not even likely to be connected to the pregnancy and it’s possible to simply pass unnoticed, or at least, so unimportant that it’s completely ignored.

Another symptom that can possibly occur at this early stage is light vaginal bleeding or spotting. All these symptoms resemble menstruation all too well, so unless a person actually knows that they are pregnant at that moment, they are likely to draw the conclusion that they are getting their period.

What are the causes of cramping?

There a couple other causes of cramping aside from the process of implementation. There is a possibility that the reason for cramping is of hormonal nature, and it is the fact that the hormones affect the uterus in a way for it to begin expanding in order to be big enough to hold the growing fetus. These cramps are more unpleasant than they are painful and are usually associated with the states of needing to pee or the one after sexual intercourse.

Another reason for cramping during pregnancy is also connected to the expanding of the uterus, except that it’s not hormonal, but rather muscular. That means that cramping can also occur when the ligaments around the uterus are stretching due to its expansion.

How can the cramping be relieved?

The most basic way to try and take the pressure of cramping off the stomach is by pressing either heating pads or cloths soaked in very warm water to the lower abdomen. If that is not sufficient to bring relief and lessen the cramping, the next step is buying certain pills that are meant for that particular use in the pharmacy.

Also, the chances of cramping will decrease significantly if a woman makes sure to not do any kind of strenuous activity throughout the day and get plenty of water and rest. Finally, while intercourse is in no way harmful to the fetus, it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy, or at least the first couple of months, in order to avoid the cramping as well.