Cramps During Early Pregnancy

• Tweet
• Pin It

Almost every woman who is pregnant would experience mild cramping during the first few weeks of her pregnancy. This may occur due to several reasons and may not necessarily signal a miscarriage. Then again, severe cramps during pregnancy can possibly be warnings for a medical complication that would need to be handled immediately.

Given below are some of the more common causes for cramps during pregnancy and some measures to handle them effectively.

Common Causes Of Cramping in Early Pregnancy

Implantation

This process is generally characterized by the fertilized egg attaching itself to the uterine wall. This can cause mild cramping (similar to period pain) and spotting during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Uterine Changes

As and when you become pregnant, your body would start undergoing a series of changes to accommodate the developing fetus. And one of the most common changes that would usually start occurring during early pregnancy would be the stretching of the uterus.

As and when the uterus starts stretching, the muscles and ligaments present in and around it start stretching as well. This at times can cause mild cramping.

 Abdominal Gas

Women who suffer from gas and other conditions like constipation would sometimes experience mild to severe cramping during early pregnancy.

 Ectopic Pregnancies

An ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus) can trigger of severe cramps that can cause extreme discomfort and pain. In most cases, these cramps would be followed by light bleeding. If this happens, you would need to check the same with a doctor right away.

Photo Credit: Mackyard.com/health/what-is-an-ectopic-pregnancy

Miscarriage

Although all cramps cannot be considered as signs of a miscarriage, mild to severe cramping that is accompanied by vaginal bleeding can signal something seriously wrong with the pregnancy and the fetus inside. Again, if you notice these symptoms all at once, rush to the doctor immediately.

Remedies For Cramping During Early Pregnancy

As mentioned above, not all cramps can signal something wrong with the pregnancy. However, you cannot be too careful as well. So make it a point to check with the doctor if the cramps become too intense to handle or are accompanied by slight to moderate vaginal bleeding.

Alternatively, the following remedies should help you get relief from cramping during early pregnancy.

Hot Compress

Apply a hot compress on the affected area (where it pains). This should ease the pain and discomfort a bit. Electric or disposable heating pads can also be used for the same purpose provided you don’t apply too much heat to the affected area.

Also Read

How To Cope With Abdominal Cramps During The First Trimester
Pregnant With Abdominal Pain

Warm Water Bath

Warm water can be soothing for your aching uterine muscles and ligaments. So take a bath in lukewarm water to get relief from painful cramps.

Watch What You Eat

Eating plenty of fiber rich foods can regulate your digestive system and take care of conditions like constipation and thus can effectively prevent cramps that arise due to the same. Drink plenty of fluids in the form of water and fresh fruit juices to keep your system hydrated and free of impurities. This in turn would reduce cramps that are caused due to conditions like abdominal gas, constipation etc.

Taking Supplements

Supplements like Tylenol can help offer relief from cramping during early pregnancy. However, these supplements need to be taken only under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner in order to avoid unnecessary side effects. Don’t opt for medications like Motrin, Ibuprofen and other aspirin products as they can cause spotting or heavy vaginal bleeding.

Photo Credit: Womentribe.com/pregnancy-parenting/10-signs-you-need-to-worry-about-in-pregnancy.html