It's normal to notice—and worry about—every new discomfort and pain in your body when you're pregnant. This is especially true if you're experiencing cramp-like feelings in your lower abdomen, which may make you think you're suffering a miscarriage.
However, cramping during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is rather common and does not always indicate a miscarriage. Although 85 percent of women experienced abdominal discomfort at some time during their first 20 weeks of pregnancy, just 28 percent miscarried, according to a 2016 study published in the journal Human Reproduction.
Read on to learn about the many reasons you may have cramping during early pregnancy that are completely normal, as well as techniques to reduce the discomfort, and how to recognize when lower abdomen pain may suggest a concern that requires a call or visit to your doctor.
Cramping in Early Pregnancy: What Causes It?
There are a variety of reasons why you can suffer cramps during your healthy pregnancy's first or second trimester. The majority of them are entirely normal and harmless.
Cramping: It's possible that cramping is an early indicator of pregnancy. As a fertilized egg burrows into the uterine walls, it might cause implantation cramping, as the name implies. Bleeding or spotting may occur as a result of this implantation. Both the spotting and the cramping will lessen as your pregnancy progresses.
Uterine changes: You may feel cramping as this robust, muscular organ begins to enlarge (which will happen long before you start to show). When you sneeze or cough, or when you shift positions, you'll probably sense it the most.
Round ligament discomfort: You may suffer abdominal pain about week 13 of pregnancy due to the rapid expansion of the round ligament, which supports the uterus. You may experience sharp, stabbing pain or dull aching in your lower abdomen when this structure extends.
Symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause havoc with your digestive system, causing it to slow down significantly. This can cause abdominal discomfort and cramps by causing gas, bloating, and constipation.
Prostaglandins, which are hormone-like molecules that naturally release during labor to assist the cervix to ripen and dilate in preparation for birthing, are abundant in sperm. Prostaglandin can cause cramping after intercourse during early pregnancy because it is linked to contractions.
Cramping in Early Pregnancy: What to Do
Once you've ruled out a serious problem as the cause of your cramps or lower abdomen pain during early pregnancy, there are a few things you can try to alleviate your discomfort.
Shift your weight. If you're sitting, try lying down or going for a gentle walk. Sit up or take a walk if you're lying down.
Make a batch for yourself. All of your muscles and joints, including those supporting your uterus, can benefit from relaxing in warm (not steamy) water. If you don't have time to soak, try standing for a few minutes in a warm shower.
Make sure you're getting enough water. This is especially beneficial if your abdominal pain is caused by gas or constipation. Fluids can help to move things forward in the digestive system. If your bowel movements are particularly irregular, talk to your doctor about additional safe constipation treatments, such as increasing your dietary fiber intake or taking a stool softener.
Consider doing a relaxing exercise. Reclining Bound Angle Practice, a yoga pose, may be beneficial. Lie down on your back on the floor to perform this pose (support your head and lower back with pillows if needed). Allow your knees to relax out to the sides as you bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Your pelvis will open up as a result of this. For five to ten minutes, close your eyes and breathe naturally.
Take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) only after seeing your doctor. These drugs may not be safe during pregnancy, according to research. In a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers discovered that consuming NSAIDs during early pregnancy increased the risk of miscarriage.
When to Be Concerned
The majority of the time, cramping in early pregnancy is caused by one of the many changes that occur as your body adapts to accommodate a growing baby. However, you should always notify your caregiver if you're having severe cramps or if they're accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Consistent cramping that feels like contractions: If you get six or more pains in an hour, it could be a symptom of preterm labor; call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or bleeding: This combination of symptoms can indicate an impending miscarriage in early pregnancy. If the pain is only on one side, it could be an ectopic pregnancy (a potentially life-threatening condition in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus).
Back pain is common in early pregnancy, but severe back pain along with nausea, vomiting, and/or fever, as well as difficult urination, can indicate a serious condition such as appendicitis, kidney stones, or gallbladder disease.
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