When you’re pregnant, your body undergoes many changes as it makes room for your little one (or two or more!). While some of these changes may be no big whoop, others, particularly things like cramping, can have you quickly searching Google for their causes. Show
While some mild pregnancy cramps are a normal symptom of your ever-expanding body, other cramps could indicate a serious problem. Pregnancy cramps can give many women anxiety, so it’s important to know the common reasons for their occurrence and what you should do about them. We asked Srijaya Soujanya Nalla, MD, an OBGYN at Banner Health Clinic in Loveland, CO, to help explain the normal causes for cramping, abnormal causes and treatment recommendations for both. [However, if you’re experiencing severe cramping with or without bleeding, stop reading this article and call your doctor immediately.] What’s considered normal cramping during 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. “Later in your pregnancy, you may experience some mild lower abdominal discomfort due to the tightening of your uterus. These are normal as long as they occur in irregular intervals and subside on their own,” Dr. Nalla said. “A common cause later in pregnancy is due to round ligament pain, a muscle that supports the uterus. As it stretches, it can cause some mild aches and pains.” Other causes for mild cramping include:
What should I do for mild cramping while pregnant?Time your cramps to see how regular they are and how often you feel them. “As long as they don’t fall into the abnormal category, there are some things that you can do to make them better,” Dr. Nalla said. Some of these activities include:
When should I be concerned about cramping during pregnancy?While cramping can be common, there are some serious causes of abdominal pain you shouldn’t ignore. “Any cramping that is severe in intensity, occurs at regular intervals and progressively gets worse with time is abnormal,” Dr. Nalla said. “In addition, any amount of cramping associated with vaginal bleeding, increased/watery discharge, or pelvic pressure is not normal either.” Some causes for abnormal cramping may be due to:
What should I do if I’m concerned about the cramping?It’s normal to experience some mild cramping during pregnancy, but always speak with your health care provider if you are ever concerned or are experiencing the above warning symptoms. “In some cases, an ultrasound can be done to help determine the cause for severe cramping,” Dr. Nalla said. “Sometimes severe cramping can be the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Other times, it could be non-pregnancy related issues like a bladder infection or constipation which are quite common in pregnancy.” When it comes to your health and the health of your baby, it’s better to err on the side of caution and talk to your health care provider. You can find a Banner Health specialist near you by visiting bannerhealth.com or for general pregnancy-related questions, you can call the Banner Health Nurse Now at 844-259-9494 for free, 24/7 medical advice. New moms to be may feel a jolt of fear when they experience cramps during pregnancy. You might have it in your head that you’re in the middle of a miscarriage. In reality, most cramping during pregnancy is actually normal and is something that occurs during all three trimesters. It’s important to know why they happen. Normal Cramps in Early PregnancyDuring your first trimester, you experience cramps as your body prepares for the pregnancy. You may initially experience cramping in your lower abdomen or lower back even before you know you’re pregnant. This is due to implantation, which is the process of the fertilized egg implanting in the uterus. You may feel a small twinge or sharper cramps that may double you over at times. After you know you’re pregnant, cramping is due to your uterus growing and expanding to accommodate your growing baby. It’s perfectly normal and happens to all women. Cramps often feel similar to your normal menstrual cramps. Once you pass your first trimester, you might experience occasional cramping. It’s important to remember that the uterus is a muscle, which means it can contract and cause pain or discomfort. The same can happen when you have gas, constipation, bloating, or even a full bladder.  Normal Cramps in Later PregnancyYou may experience less cramping in your second trimester compared with your first and third trimesters. Generally, moms who are pregnant with multiple children experience more cramping during the second trimester compared to those who are having a single baby. This typically occurs as the body is making more room to accommodate the babies. In women carrying single babies, this occurs in the third trimester. Abnormal Cramps During PregnancyAny cramping that seems out of the ordinary, such as cramps that feel severe and that don’t go away, should be reported to your doctor. It’s possible that you’re perfectly fine, but it’s important to be absolutely sure just to be safe. Sometimes, severe cramping can signify an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is a very serious, dangerous condition that requires immediate surgery as the pregnancy cannot be sustained. It can also threaten the mom’s health if the fallopian tube ruptures. Cramping on one side should also be reported to your doctor as it might mean an ectopic pregnancy. Cramping accompanied by vaginal bleeding should also be immediately reported to the doctor. It might mean you’re experiencing a miscarriage. The doctor can diagnose it or rule it out by ordering an ultrasound or hCG blood test. If you’re concerned about cramps during pregnancy, contact WFMC Health to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment. Do you have more questions about pregnancy cramps in Salem Oregon? Talk to our staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today! What side usually hurts in early pregnancy?Round ligament pain is common during pregnancy, and it may feel like sharp cramping on either side of the lower abdomen. At around 12 weeks of pregnancy, hormonal changes cause the round ligaments, which connect the front of the uterus to the groin, to loosen and become more elastic.
Where are early pregnancy cramps located?“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.
What does one sided cramps mean?Mittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain associated with ovulation. German for "middle pain," mittelschmerz occurs midway through a menstrual cycle — about 14 days before your next menstrual period. In most cases, mittelschmerz doesn't require medical attention.
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Cramps on one side during early pregnancy
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