Experiencing Cramping during pregnancy is often scary, it is a common symptom through all trimesters. Our Guide will let you know what’s normal, what’s not, & how to tell the difference.
Reason For You’re Cramping During Pregnancy
Your Uterus contracts or cramps at any time during pregnancy even with a full bladder, during orgasm, exercise or urinary tract infection.
First Trimester : Early Cramping
First Sign of pregnancy is cramping, its most common experience. Implantation Cramps happen around the time your period is due, before you even realise you’ve conceived. Light Implantation bleeding are results of fertilised egg attaching to the uterine wall, it happens about 6 to 12 days after fertilisation & lasts only a day. When a fertilised egg implants somewhere other than the uterus it is called ectopic pregnancy. It causes cramps in the lower abdomen. If you think you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, see a doctor right away. Ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed with ultrasounds and blood tests around week 5 to 6 of pregnancy.
So if you’ve already had your first trimester ultrasound and everything looked normal, an ectopic pregnancy isn’t the cause behind your cramping.
First trimester cramping is linked to a miscarriage can be similar to bad period cramps. It occurs in the abdomen, lower back or pelvic area and is accompanied by bleeding. Although most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, they can occur in the second trimester as well.
It can be difficult to tell if your early pregnancy cramps are a miscarriage — or simply implantation or your uterus expanding. The most important miscarriage symptom to look out for is bleeding. If you’re concerned that you may be miscarrying, it’s always a good idea to call your doctor.
Second Trimester : Cramping
The middle trimester of pregnancy may be the time when you’re least likely to experience cramping or other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Round ligament pain, which occurs around 13 when the ligaments that support the uterus are stretched as the uterus grows upward. These cramps during pregnancy can last for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. For relief, get plenty of rest and try to change positions slowly. You may also experience a Braxton Hicks cramping during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Third Trimester Cramping
It is common for women to experience cramping in their third trimester. You will experience the same contraction when labor begins, the only difference is that it will not progress into labor. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience preterm labor. Make sure you get your cervix checked to see if it has dilated, which might sign of early labour.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore During Pregnancy
If you keep experiencing intense cramping pain, Consult your Obstetrician / Doctor immediately.
- More than six contraction in an hour could be sign of preterm labor
- Bleeding, Dizziness or Lightheadness can be sign of ectopic pregnancy
- If you have pink discharge it might be a sign of preterm labor.
- Intense Abdominal Pain or backache along with vomiting or nausea can be symptoms of kidney or gall bladder stone.