Cramps in early pregnancy

Cramping During Early Pregnancy

Cramps experienced during the early stages of pregnancy can be very concerning to some newly expectant women, who may think that there is a serious problem with their pregnancy or they could be experiencing a miscarriage. However, cramping all throughout pregnancy is very common and generally quite normal. It is not necessarily an indication of a medical complication. Cramping during early pregnancy is very common and is actually a good sign, as it indicates that the body is preparing correctly for the baby.

Certain pregnant women may feel some cramps as early as a week after their ovulation and conception, sometimes even before menstruation was due. If a woman is feeling this and is actually pregnant, this type of cramping is also sometimes known as implantation cramping and is said to be caused by the egg implanting into the uterus.

This kind of very early pregnancy cramping is usually very subtle and causes very minor discomfort. Some women will feel cramps fairly soon after they have determined that they are indeed pregnant; this is due to the uterus changing to accommodate a baby, or a result of hormonal changes. However, if any of these types of cramps become very painful, a doctor should be notified as this can indicate a more serious problem.

Round ligament pain is the most common type of cramping that most women will experience during pregnancy. This occurs due to the muscles around the uterus having to enlarge in order to accommodate the growing fetus. Cramps will continue to occur throughout each trimester, occasionally slightly worse than at other times, but this is generally no cause for alarm. During the beginning stages of pregnancy, cramps can be accompanied by slight blood spotting; these are very normal symptoms of pregnancy, but if they become too severe, a doctor should be seen to diagnose any problems.

When to be Concerned about Early Pregnancy Cramps

Generally, when cramping becomes too intense or spotting increases to abnormal levels and becomes bleeding, there may be underlying problems that should be addressed as early as possible. These symptoms can even be signs of a miscarriage or what is known as an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted outside of the uterus, typically the fallopian tubes, and causing severe pain and some bleeding. Constant pain and bleeding can sometimes be an indication of a miscarriage and the symptoms should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.

Certain symptoms that should be taken very seriously when they accompany pregnancy cramps include severe pain that lasts for more than a day and that is aggravated when moving, cramps that follow a few days of spotting, bleeding for an entire day that is similar to a heavy flow period, grey or pink clots of tissue in the discharge, the lower stomach being tender in addition to cramps and serious pain in the lower abdomen on one side, which can be an indication of an ectopic pregnancy.

Consulting a medical professional regularly during pregnancy is important even when only normal symptoms are observed. Plenty of rest should betaken to relax the muscles, although a warm bath can help relieve muscle tension too.