Cramps during pregnancy are often nothing to worry about. Implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus can cause early pregnancy cramps, for example. On the other hand, first trimester cramps along with other symptoms such as bleeding can be a sign of a problem such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, round ligament pain or Braxton Hicks contractions can cause harmless cramping. But if the pain is severe or you have other symptoms, the cramping may signal a problem such as preterm labor or placental abruption. Show
Are cramps during pregnancy normal?Occasional mild cramps during pregnancy are usually nothing to worry about – although you'll want to mention them to your healthcare provider. If your cramps or abdominal pain are severe or persistent or happen alongside other symptoms, though, they may signal a problem. Early in pregnancy, for example, it's common to have a small amount of cramping and bleeding. Usually the symptoms stop, and the pregnancy proceeds normally. Sometimes, though, early cramping or pain can be a sign of something amiss, such as an infection, an ectopic pregnancy, or a miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, too, cramps might have a harmless cause, such as Braxton-Hicks contractions or round ligament pain. Or they may signal a problem, such as preterm labor or placental abruption. Call your healthcare provider if:
Early pregnancy crampsPossible causes of early pregnancy cramps and minor abdominal pain include: Implantation crampsAbout 6 to 12 days after conception, when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, you may have some light bleeding and light cramping. This is called implantation bleeding, and it usually lasts no more than a day or two. The cramping and bleeding are less than you would feel with a normal period, and you might also experience:
Implantation bleeding is perfectly normal, and it happens to about 15 to 25 percent of pregnant women. Gas and bloatingYou're much more likely to have gas pain and bloating during pregnancy because of hormones that slow your digestion and the pressure of your growing uterus on your stomach and intestines. Gas and bloating cause intestinal discomfort more than cramping or pain, however, so call your healthcare provider if your discomfort is painful. Also call if you have any of these symptoms:
ConstipationPregnancy hormones that slow down your digestion and the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum can lead to constipation. So can dehydration. (If you're drinking enough, your urine will be clear or pale yellow.) Call your healthcare provider if your constipation is severe or if you also have:
Cramping during orgasmYou may notice a bit of cramping during or right after an orgasm. That's because the uterus naturally contracts when you have an orgasm. As long as it's mild and short-lived, it's perfectly normal and nothing to be alarmed about. Call your healthcare provider if you have more than mild cramping that doesn't go away after a few minutes or if you have:
MiscarriageMiscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. Symptoms of an early pregnancy loss might include:
Call your provider if you have signs of a miscarriage. If you have severe pain or heavy bleeding, you need to be seen immediately. Ectopic pregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. It may cause cramping in early pregnancy and other symptoms. Left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. Call your provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
If the fallopian tube ruptures, it's a medical emergency. Go to an emergency room immediately or call 911 if you have any of the following symptoms:
Urinary tract infectionsBeing pregnant – at any stage – makes you more susceptible to urinary tract infections of all kinds, including kidney infections. It's important to call your provider if you think you might have a bladder infection, because it can lead to a kidney infection, which can cause serious illness and premature labor if left untreated. Most UTIs can easily be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:
Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following signs that the infection might have spread to your kidneys:
Cramping in the second and third trimesterIn later pregnancy, cramping and abdominal pain can be due to some of the same issues as earlier (like gas and bloating, constipation, and sex). But it can also be caused by: Round ligament painRound ligament pain is generally a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache that you may feel on one or both sides of your lower abdomen or deep in your groin. It can begin as early as 10 to 12 weeks but is more commonly felt in the second trimester when the ligaments in your pelvis that support your uterus stretch and thicken to accommodate its growing size. It might be worse on one side than the other. You may feel a short, sharp pain if you suddenly change position, such as when you get out of bed or up from a chair or when you cough, roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub. Or you may feel a dull ache after an especially active day. Call your provider if this discomfort continues even after you've rested. Braxton Hicks contractionsAfter midpregnancy, you may start to feel a tightening sensation in your uterus from time to time. Before 37 weeks, these Braxton Hicks contractions should be infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless. You may notice them more when you're dehydrated, when you have a full bladder, at the end of the day, and/or during or after physical activity and sex. (Once you're close to your due date, this type of cramping during pregnancy can be an early sign of labor.) Call your provider if:
Preterm laborYou're in preterm labor, also known as premature labor, if you start to have contractions that efface or dilate your cervix earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy. Call your provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms before then:
In addition, while some pelvic or lower abdominal pressure and lower backache is normal, call your provider if you have these symptoms in addition to any of the above or if the pain or pressure is constant and new to you. Placental abruptionPlacental abruption is a life-threatening condition in which your placenta separates from your uterus, partially or completely, before your baby is born. Symptoms can vary widely but include:
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Placental abruption is a medical emergency. Ovarian cystAn ovarian cyst doesn't usually cause any symptoms or problems during pregnancy. But if you have an ovarian cyst that ruptures or that twists (called ovarian torsion), it may cause:
Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency. Go to the ER right away If you have a known ovarian cyst and suddenly develop abdominal pain. Other causes of cramps during pregnancy Many other conditions can cause cramping, whether you're pregnant or not. Some of the most common causes of cramping or abdominal pain during pregnancy include:
Both gallbladder disease and pancreatitis are often a result of gallstones, which are more common during pregnancy. Fibroids may grow during pregnancy and cause discomfort. And the pressure of the growing uterus on previously scarred intestinal tissue may cause bowel obstruction, which is most likely to occur in the third trimester. Is there anything I can do to relieve cramps during pregnancy?If you have minor pain and no symptoms of anything more serious, try these tips to relieve abdominal pain:
When to call the doctor for cramps during pregnancy: A visual guideIf you're trying to decide whether your cramps warrant a call to the doctor, walk through the questions in this flow chart. Of course if you have any doubts about what to do, err on the side of caution and call your health provider. Learn more:
Is cramping on and off normal in early pregnancy?“Early on in your pregnancy, it's natural to feel some mild cramping in your lower abdomen at infrequent times as your body prepares for your growing baby,” Dr. Nalla said. As your belly grows, so does your uterus. This may cause you to feel some slight pulling, tugging or stretching similar to menstrual cramps.
How long do very early pregnancy cramps last?The duration of implantation cramping varies from person to person but doesn't last longer than a few days. Some people experience a few minor twinges over a few hours or the course of a day. On the other end of the spectrum, some experience intermittent cramping that comes and goes over one to three days.
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