Cramping in early pregnancy is very annoying and can sometimes be difficult. read this article to know more about cramping in early pregnancy and what do those cramps mean?.
It can be difficult to determine what is happening in your body because symptoms can vary so widely from one pregnancy to the next. You are not the only one who notices every twinge, cramp, or ache. What is the right amount of pain? When should you be concerned? It is normal to feel cramps during pregnancy. It can be a good sign. What you need to know about cramping during early pregnancy . This includes what is common and what you might wish to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Is it normal to experience cramping early in pregnancy?
Yes, actually. Yes, it is possible to cram in an early pregnancy. “Internal changes occur to prepare the body for the birth of a baby for nine months,” says Ana Genoa-Taney , antenatal and postpartum Doula. Your body may be changing during pregnancy, which could explain cramping or other aches and discomforts. There are many causes of cramping, but they can be quite harmless.
Implantation cramps
Cramping is a sign of pregnancy that can occur as early as a week after conception. A quick refresher on “How babies are made”: The egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus where it is implanted into the uterine wall. This implantation may cause some bleeding and spotting, also some early pregnancy cramping.
Growing uterus: Dr. Sarah Yamaguchi, MD, FACOG. Although you might not appear pregnant, your body is rapidly changing in the first trimester. Early pregnancy cramping is possible as your uterus expands and stretches to accommodate the growing baby.
Troubles with your stomach:
Constipation during pregnancy, gas and bloating are not jokes when you’re pregnant. It’s a wonderful time! You may feel crampy because of digestion problems. “Pregnancy tends to make pregnant women more constipated,” Dr. Yamaguchi says. “But prenatal vitamins can also exacerbate intestinal symptoms which can sometimes feel like uterine cramping.”
Lack of water or dehydration:
Sometimes cramping can occur when you don’t drink enough water. Your body needs a lot water during pregnancy. In fact, water is a key component in the healthy development and growth of the placenta. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to feel dehydrated quickly. You can get as much water as you want (adding lemon to flavor is a good idea).
Serious Reasons For Cramping During Early Pregnancy
Sometimes, cramping can be caused by more serious reasons in an early pregnancy.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A condition in which the egg is implanted into the fallopian tube, or another part of the uterine wall, can cause severe pain. The cramps may be intense and only one side of your abdomen is a sign. An ultrasound that confirmed your pregnancy is done does not indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
- Miscarriage. Cramping during early pregnancy can sometimes be caused by miscarriage, which is a spontaneous loss of pregnancy. The cramps that are common in miscarriage usually come with bleeding. Call your healthcare provider if you experience cramps or bleeding.
- UTI (Urinary tract infection) Also known as: A bladder infection can cause cramp-like symptoms. These symptoms are more common in pregnant women . It’s possible to distinguish between a UTI from other cramping during early pregnancy. This is because you would likely feel burning in your bowels. UTI pain is typically felt in the lower abdomen.
How Do Early Pregnancy Cramps Feel?
Pregnancy cramps can feel like pulling or stretching your belly. These cramps are often more of a ache than a painful sensation and may feel similar to menstrual cramps. They may be felt when you move around, sneeze, or cough. They are not a cause of alarm if they are mild and don’t present with any other symptoms. There are signs that your cramping may not be normal and could indicate that you have a problem. These signs include:
- Extreme pain
- It’s impossible to forget the pain
- Vaginal cramping
- Bleeding or unusual discharge
- Diarrhea and other stomach issues
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Pain in the neck or shoulder
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. You should call your doctor if you have any concerns about a particular symptom. They are here to help you.
How Long Does Early Pregnancy Cramping Last?
The cause of your cramping affects how long it will last. For instance, implantation cramps last for about a day while UTI cramps last up to a week. The intermittent nature of early pregnancy cramping is due to a growing uterus. It’s not a permanent condition. You can ease mild cramping during early pregnancy if you don’t have any other symptoms. They say that this too shall pass.
However, cramping in early pregnancy can be replaced by other common symptoms like round ligament pain during the second trimester of pregnancy or Braxton Hicks labors during the third trimester. Be kind to yourself during pregnancy and make sure you get plenty of rest. Your body is hard at work and deserves to get all the rest it needs.