Are you pregnant and experiencing pregnancy cramps? Here’s everything you need to know about pregnancy cramping in every trimester.
Whether you experience pregnancy cramps in the first, second or third trimester, it can be a little nerve wracking unless you know what to expect. This post covers all of the common types of pregnancy cramps, pregnancy cramps remedies, when to worry about pregnancy cramping and call your doctor and so much more.
This post is all about pregnancy cramps.
Pregnancy Cramps
What Do Pregnancy Cramps Feel Like?
Pregnancy cramps in the first trimester are usually mild and felt in the pelvic and lower abdomen area. They often occur as a result of normal changes that occur during your baby’s development.
Early on, the cramping can actually feel a lot like period cramping or a pulling sensation on one or both sides of your abdomen. The cramps may be uncomfortable but should never be severely painful or long lasting.
What Causes Pregnancy Cramps?
Cramping is a normal part of pregnancy and can be caused by a variety of things in the first and second trimesters.
Here are the most common causes of pregnancy cramps:
Implantation
Not everyone experiences cramps during implantation in the first trimester of pregnancy. But if you do, it’s usually pretty mild or moderate. Anything that feels intense, though, should be monitored by your doctor.
Implantation occurs between six to twelve days after ovulation, which is about the time when a person would start their period.
If the egg has been fertilized, your body will prepare the uterus lining to receive and protect the egg rather than expel the lining like you do during your period.
It’s possible that you will experience light bleeding along with implantation, but not everyone does.
Bloating & Gas
Your body will naturally produce progesterone to support your pregnancy. Progesterone will relax the muscles in your body, including the muscles in your intestines. As a result, your digestion slows down and gas builds up.
Bloating and gas is a common cause of pregnancy cramps in the first trimester. It can become uncomfortable at times so consider wearing loose fitting clothes or try maternity pants to relieve some of the pressure.
Dehydration
Water is essential for healthy baby development and will also help keep you feeling good throughout pregnancy. On the other hand, dehydration can lead to serious pregnancy complications including neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid and premature labor.
But before dehydration gets to those scary scenarios, it can present itself as a variety of symptoms including pregnancy cramps and Braxton Hicks contractions, which we will talk about a little further down.
If you need some help with hydration, I’ve heard really great things about this product. It was specifically designed to deliver hydration to the bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone.
Round Ligament Pain
This type of pregnancy cramps is very common and normal during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. At this time, your uterus is rapidly expanding and your ligaments are loosening.
Round ligament pain is often felt if you make a sudden movement, such as rolling over in bed, without supporting your core. It will feel like a sharp, jabbing and cramping feeling in the lower belly or groin on one or both sides.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are the tightening of the uterus caused by sporadic contractions and relaxation of the uterine muscle as it prepares for labor. They can feel like pregnancy cramps and usually last about 15-30 seconds on average and subside when you change positions.
Braxton Hicks are usually felt in the second and third trimesters. Some women experience them intensely while others barely notice them at all.
This type of pregnancy cramps is considered to be “false labor” because they’re usually irregular and painless. True labor contractions are steadier and grow stronger and longer with time.
Oftentimes, dehydration and being extremely active on a given day can bring on the Braxton Hicks contractions.
How To Treat Pregnancy Cramps
Stay Hydrated
Water plays an important role in your baby’s development. It helps develop the placenta, which your baby relies on for nutrients, and is used to form the amniotic sac later in pregnancy.
Pregnant women need even more water than the average person so it is important to keep up with your water intake and decrease caffeine consumption. You might have to pee more frequently but avoiding dehydration is a must during pregnancy.
Avoiding strenuous activities in a hot environment can help too. There are many benefits to exercise during pregnancy but strenuous activity and a lack of water intake can lead to dehydration.
Warm Baths
Warm baths can ease the discomfort of pregnancy cramps and really help to both relax your muscles and calm any nerves you may have.
Just make sure the bath is warm and not hot. Staying in a hot bath for more than ten minutes is not pregnancy safe and can raise your body’s temperature higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, which you want to avoid.
Warm Compress
Just like a warm bath, a warm compress can help provide temporary relief for pregnancy cramps or pain in your back or pelvis.
Make sure you avoid anything too hot though. Remember, it’s important to avoid anything that will raise your body’s core temperature.
Changing Positions
This might sound too simple but sometimes simply changing your position can help alleviate pregnancy cramps.
For example, if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, laying down can sometimes help.
In my experience with pregnancy, sometimes just going from standing or sitting to lying on my side gives my belly the support and relief it needs. Don’t underestimate what rotating sides, going from sitting to standing or vice versa, or using pillows can do for your pregnant body.
When To Worry About Pregnancy Cramps
Although cramping is normal, there are some serious causes of abdominal pain and cramping during pregnancy.
- Urinary Tract Infection – Symptoms of a UTI can include cramping in your lower abdomen as well as pain when you urinate.
- Miscarriage – Mild or sharp cramping with vaginal bleeding can be a sign of a miscarriage. Some spotting and cramping during pregnancy is normal but it is important to call your doctor if you are experiencing painful cramping and/or heavy bleeding.
- Ectopic Pregnancy – This type of pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself on the outside of the uterus. This type of pregnancy can cause painful cramping and is a serious medical condition that requires treatment from a doctor.
- Placental Abruption This is a life threatening condition that occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus prior to delivery of the baby. You will experience painful cramping that doesn’t go away. If you experience this, you should contact your doctor immediately.
- Preeclampsia – If preeclampsia isn’t treated quickly and properly, it can lead to serious complications for you including liver or renal failure and future cardiovascular issues. Symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in your urine and intense pain in your upper abdomen.
- Preterm Labor – If your cervix begins to dilate before 37 weeks pregnant, you may experience increased pressure, abdominal pain and pregnancy cramps. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
When To Call Your Doctor About Pregnancy Cramps
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away
- Lower abdominal pain accompanied by contractions
- Baginal cramping, bleeding, discharge, gastrointestinal symptoms and dizziness
- Cramping along with pain in the shoulder and/or neck
This post was all about pregnancy cramps.