Women who go into pregnancy thinking they will be done with cramps for a while might be in for a surprise. Sure, the menstrual cramping they are used to should be gone or will leave soon. But pregnancy brings with it new kinds of cramps, some worrisome and some just part of the process.
Some women experience cramping at the very beginning of a pregnancy: When the baby is implanted into the uterus. This will happen eight to 10 days after ovulation. For some women, this is their first sign of a possible pregnancy.
For women who are or suspect they are in the early weeks of pregnancy, cramping is a serious concern. Very early on, it can be a sign of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention. It also can be a warning sign of miscarriage. In both situations, there also might be spotting or bleeding.
Fortunately, not all cramping is so dire. It might simply be the uterus stretching and expanding as it prepares for its new cargo. As the ligaments that support the uterus stretch, mild cramping can result.
Another uncomfortable but not hazardous cause is constipation. Pregnant women are prone to constipation and gas pains, and might find cramping comes as part of the package.
Cramping during pregnancy can be very concerning to a pregnant mother. Cramping can be mild to severe. Cramps can be a signal of a problem or just another sign of a stretching and growing uterus. The question then arises, should I be concerned about cramping? We hope to clarify some of the common causes of cramping during pregnancy.
Later in pregnancy, as early as the second trimester, round ligament pain strikes. This low belly stretching and aching comes as the uterus continues its growing and stretching, and the supportive ligaments stretch to accommodate it.
Braxton Hicks contractions are a more distinct kind of cramping. These intermittent but irregular contractions might last for weeks.
Cramping also can be a sign, though, of preterm labor, which warrants medical attention. Anytime a pregnant woman experiences a new type of cramping, she should discuss it with her doctor or midwife.
Some women experience cramping at the very beginning of a pregnancy: When the baby is implanted into the uterus. This will happen eight to 10 days after ovulation. For some women, this is their first sign of a possible pregnancy.
For women who are or suspect they are in the early weeks of pregnancy, cramping is a serious concern. Very early on, it can be a sign of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention. It also can be a warning sign of miscarriage. In both situations, there also might be spotting or bleeding.
Fortunately, not all cramping is so dire. It might simply be the uterus stretching and expanding as it prepares for its new cargo. As the ligaments that support the uterus stretch, mild cramping can result.
Another uncomfortable but not hazardous cause is constipation. Pregnant women are prone to constipation and gas pains, and might find cramping comes as part of the package.
Cramping during pregnancy can be very concerning to a pregnant mother. Cramping can be mild to severe. Cramps can be a signal of a problem or just another sign of a stretching and growing uterus. The question then arises, should I be concerned about cramping? We hope to clarify some of the common causes of cramping during pregnancy.
Later in pregnancy, as early as the second trimester, round ligament pain strikes. This low belly stretching and aching comes as the uterus continues its growing and stretching, and the supportive ligaments stretch to accommodate it.
Braxton Hicks contractions are a more distinct kind of cramping. These intermittent but irregular contractions might last for weeks.
Cramping also can be a sign, though, of preterm labor, which warrants medical attention. Anytime a pregnant woman experiences a new type of cramping, she should discuss it with her doctor or midwife.
