Cramping, in particular, can have a few different totally harmless causes, including: Implantation cramps: Cramping can be a really early sign of pregnancy—really early, like only a week or two after conception. This implantation can cause a little bit of early pregnancy cramping and possibly some light spotting too. You might not look pregnant yet, but your body is changing rapidly in that first trimester.
As your uterus starts growing and stretching to house that growing baby, a bit of early pregnancy cramping may become par for the course. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can sometimes cause your muscles to cramp.
Your body uses a lot of water during pregnancy—in early pregnany, water plays a big role in the healthy development of the placenta. Get those ounces in however you can adding lemon for flavor helps. A sign: the cramps are intense and on one side of the abdomen. Miscarriage: Cramping in early pregnancy is sometimes due to miscarriage—a spontaneous loss of pregnancy.
Uterine Fibroids: A more serious, but rare, cause is uterine fibroids. These harmless overgrowths of tissue can start breaking down in the second trimester usually between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy because there's not enough blood to sustain their growth. The pain is pretty severe. Any woman who has a history of uterine fibroids should watch for pregnancy cramps at this point, because she may need hospitalization to manage the pain effectively until it passes.
It's very common for women to experience cramping in the third trimester—often in the form of Braxton Hicks contractions. These "false contractions'' don't actually progress into labor, but they help prepare your body for delivery. While Braxton Hicks contractions only last between 30 seconds and two minutes, you can relieve symptoms by drinking some water and resting. Of course, if third trimester cramping doesn't quickly subside, you could be experiencing preterm labor.
Call your doctor right away and express your concerns; they might want to evaluate you right away. Other serious causes of cramps during the third trimester include placental abruption when placenta separates from the uterine wall and preeclampsia a condition characterized by sudden high blood pressure.
Call your doctor for cramping accompanied by bleeding, severe headaches, shortness or breath, swelling, or vision changes. Sometimes cramping is normal during pregnancy. According to experts, you shouldn't worry about cramping after sex. That's because semen contains prostaglandins that stimulate the uterus. She adds that it's completely fine to have sex, and if you have cramps afterwards, try getting off your feet and hydrating.
It's also a good sign if changing position makes cramps better or worse. This generally means you're experiencing cramps related to stretching of the uterus or its supporting ligaments, which is completely normal during pregnancy. Finally, if you feel better after passing gas, the pain is likely related to a gastrointestinal problem instead of the uterus, says Dr.
On the other hand, certain scenarios indicate that something more serious could be happening. Watch out for the following red flags and inform your doctor ASAP if you notice them. You have six or more contractions in an hour , which could be a sign of preterm labor. Also watch for other symptoms of preterm labor, including changes in vaginal discharge, pelvic pressure, and dull backaches.
Cramping comes with dizziness, lightheadedness, or bleeding —especially if you haven't yet confirmed your pregnancy with an ultrasound. This can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening condition and can be signaled by a painful cramp that does not go away.
If this happens, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. When Should I Call the Doctor? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook.
Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Similar Post. Pregnancy Concerns. We explain what causes stomach tightening during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. The hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy are unique in the life of women. Discover what they are here. A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years. A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm.
It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Sharing our experiences of pregnancy and infant loss can help us heal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Causes of pregnancy cramps Ectopic pregnancy Preeclampsia Cramps and the third trimester Relief from cramps Share on Pinterest. Why am I cramping? Early pregnancy side effects Typical early-pregnancy side effects , such as constipation , can cause cramping.
Infection Yeast infections or urinary tract infections UTIs may also cause cramping. Sex Sexual intercourse can also lead to cramping. Ectopic pregnancy. Cramps and the third trimester. How can I get some relief?
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