Early Cramping During Pregnancy – What To Look Out For

There is no doubt pregnancy is one of the most exciting moments in every future mothers life. However, early cramping during pregnancy in the first trimester has the tendencies of robbing most expecting moms of joy, excitement and happiness.

In the early stages of pregnancy, every ache or cramp can make you extremely worried and thinking something is wrong with the baby. But do not be anxious, in most cases early cramping during pregnancy is thoroughly normal in your early pregnancy, and even though you feel pain, you can still continue on having a healthy pregnancy.

You just need to recognize the symptoms and learn what is normal and what is not. So, stop worrying for no good reason and enjoy your pleasant moments as a pregnant woman.

Is Early Cramping During Pregnancy Normal?

You might be surprised to find out cramping is actually normal in early pregnancy. Specialists can assure you that having cramps from time to time is not necessarily a sign of a serious problem. There are many different reasons for the occurrence of period cramps during pregnancy. You should not forget lots of changes are happening in your body as there is a baby growing inside of you. Let’s look through some of the harmless causes for cramping in the first trimester of your pregnancy.

Normal Types Of Cramps That Are Not Serious

1. Implantation Cramps

Did you know cramping is considered one of the earliest signs of pregnancy? In fact, you may feel cramps in the first or the second week after your conception. The process of implantation when your egg is travelling into your uterus, and has to be implanted into your uterine wall, can cause these early pregnancy cramps. Except cramping, some women experience spotting during pregnancy, but if it is light and short, it is not a cause for concern. Implantation cramps are thought to be normal, but if you feel severe and unusual pain, you should consult with your doctor.

2. Growing Uterus

It might not be visible that you are pregnant in the first trimester, but you should know your body is changing majorly. Your stomach will start growing on the outside, and even bigger changes will take place on the inside of your body. Your uterus starts stretching and growing. It is because it prepares to house your growing baby. But in some cases, your growing uterus might cause early pregnancy cramps. And do not panic if you happen to feel them because they are normal and harmless.

3. Dehydration

Unfortunately, some women are too excited, and somehow they forget, it is mandatory to take good care of themselves during pregnancy. It is vital for every pregnant woman to consume healthy food and drink enough liquids, especially water. Sometimes, if you do not drink enough water, you may experience unpleasant muscle cramps. Dehydration can worsen your health at any time, and you should be extremely careful during your pregnancy. Just make sure you are always well-hydrated and your cramps will go away soon.

4. Stomach Issues

A large number of pregnant women of all ages tend to experience stomach issues like bloating, gas, or constipation. They might be unpleasant and annoying, but they are considered normal symptoms during pregnancy. Anyway, these digestive woes might be the reason for the occurrence of period cramps during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Again, it is not dangerous, but if it bothers you, you can consult with the specialists and ask them to prescribe you something to relieve the symptoms.

None of these types of cramps is serious, and they can be relieved quickly. Here are cramping types pregnant women should be more concerned about:

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is also called bladder infection, and it might cause cramping as well. You must remember, you are prone to such infections when you are pregnant more than ever. So, you need to learn to recognize normal early pregnancy cramping and a urinary tract infection. When it comes to an infection, you will probably have a feeling of burning while you are peeing. Besides, the pain that is caused by a urinary tract infection is usually felt lower in your abdomen. However, if you think you have an infection, you should look for medical help right away.

2. Ectopic Pregnancy

Generally, an ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube. For those women, who are not familiar with this condition, it is when your fertilized egg is growing or implanting itself somewhere else other than the lining of your uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can cause some significant problems. It cannot proceed in a normal way, and if it is not treated on time, the lining tissue can cause heavy bleeding and threaten your life. If an ectopic pregnancy occurs, you may experience vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, severe abdominal pain, lightheadedness, or even fainting. That is why this condition should not be underestimated.

All women should undergo an ultrasound exam to confirm their pregnancy at the beginning and stay calm that everything is normal. If you happen to experience symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, you should not hesitate but seek medical help as soon as possible. In such cases, you have to react fast because both your life and the life of your unborn child are on the line.

3. Misscariage

Sadly, early pregnancy cramps can be the result of a miscarriage. Miscarriage is among the most prevalent complications of early pregnancy, and it is devastating and immensely traumatic for all future parents. You must keep in mind that miscarriages mostly occur in the first months of your pregnancy. A miscarriage is also known as spontaneous abortion, and it can happen even before a woman finds out about her pregnancy. You should pay attention to your condition so that you can recognize the warning signs of a miscarriage. If you feel severe pain in your abdomen, cramping, or heavy bleeding, you should contact your health care provider immediately. You should not give a diagnosis to yourself and waste valuable time.

After all, you are not a doctor, and if there is a serious problem, you could endanger your baby’s life. That is why the moment you feel any cramps and have doubts about a miscarriage, you should reach out to your doctor for monitoring.

What Do Early Pregnancy Cramps Feel Like?

Every pregnant woman would confirm pregnancy cramps feel like stretching in her belly. Actually, many women can confuse them with menstrual cramps. You might feel such cramps as you cough or change positions. Cramps during early pregnancy are usually mild, and they do not interfere with your normal life. But here are some signs you should be worried about:

Pain in The Shoulder or Neck

Pregnant women often experience shoulder pain or neck pain. It might be due to hormonal changes, muscle stiffness, or sleeping posture changes. But for your own peace of mind, you should consult with your doctor.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Even if you have heard dizziness and lightheadedness are normal, you definitely should not ignore them. If you feel like it is causing you harm and you need help, do not be doubtful but ask for it.

Diarrhea

It is true diarrhea is a common symptom of early pregnancy, but if you think the situation is about to go out of control, visit a specialist. You may even get a prescription and relieve this discomfort.

Bleeding/ Unusual Discharge

Any bleeding or unusual discharge during the first trimester of pregnancy can be either normal or alarming. It will be better if you visit a doctor and find out what is going on for sure.

Severe Pain

There is no need to say nobody should put up with severe pain, especially pregnant women. If you feel like you cannot take the pain anymore, look for help.

Cramping Sensations in The Vagina

If you have mild cramping sensations in your vagina, they are probably a normal part of your pregnancy. But if these sensations start bothering you, you should go to your gynecologist and explain in details.

How Long Can Early Pregnancy Cramping Last For?

Every case is different, and how long your cramps will last simply depends on the cause. For instance, implantation cramps normally last about a day, whereas, a urinary tract infection cramps can last way longer. In fact, such infections require medical treatment, otherwise they might not go away. And of course, you can worsen your overall health if you do not take actions on time.

When the reason for your pregnancy cramps is a growing uterus, they will probably not last long. Some women try doing yoga or other relaxation techniques to ease the pain. You can also drink more water or take warm baths. In this way, the pain will not last long, and you will be able to enjoy the other usual activities of yours.

Exercises during pregnancy might be useful for your health, but you should make sure you get enough rest as well. If you do not want the cramping to continue, you should avoid doing excessive and difficult exercises or heavy lifting. All future moms have to endure pain every now and then, but when they meet their adorable babies, they know it was worth it.

Everything you have learned so far only proves period cramps during pregnancy first trimester are normal. Once you pay more attention to your body, you will figure it out when you should worry and when you should not. So, just relax, never miss the regular exams with your doctor, and enjoy every moment of your pregnancy.