Many women experience cramping during pregnancy. While cramping during pregnancy may be a sign something is wrong, often it is a normal side effect of pregnancy. How do you know if cramping is normal or not? Let’s look at cramping in more detail so you understand why it may happen and what is going on in your body during pregnancy.
Cramping In Early Pregnancy
During each of my three pregnancies, I experienced cramping during early pregnancy. During my first pregnancy this cramping concerned me to no end. I experienced cramping from pregnancy weeks 2 through about week 12. Sometimes my cramps were so severe I was confident I was going to have a miscarriage or get my period.
When I had my third child, I knew I was pregnant because I had cramping that was really bad right before I was supposed to get my period, but I had no period. Why does the body cramp so badly? There are many reasons. First, many different changes are occurring in your body during early pregnancy. As your body prepares for ovulation, you may feel cramping on one or both sides of your abdomen.
Then, if implantation occurs and you successfully conceive, your uterus starts to stretch and grow. This can cause cramping ranging from very mild to moderate depending on the woman. I always thought the pain was quite bad.
Sometimes cramping in early pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage. If you are having other unusual symptoms, including spotting or bleeding or abdominal pain, you should always, always contact your doctor. You should even contact your doctor if you are not sure your cramping is normal. Why? Your doctor can check you out and put your mind to ease. That is after all, what your doctor is there for, to help you through your pregnancy.
You may find resting or light exercise may lessen early pregnancy cramping. Many women report having the most cramping between weeks five and six of their pregnancy. Many other symptoms also start to appear around this time, including breast tenderness, nausea and fatigue.
Cramping In Late Pregnancy
Some women will experience pregnancy cramping throughout their pregnancy. You may notice cramping increases when you engage in vigorous activity. If you are exercising and notice cramping, you should back off your exercise and rest for a while. You don’t want to stress your uterus too much.
Your uterus also continues to grow throughout your pregnancy, and this can be a source of cramping later in pregnancy. Some women find after about their 28th week of pregnancy they start feeling short, rhythmic type cramps that come and go with no distinct pattern. If you have had more than one baby, you might notice these cramps earlier in your pregnancy.
These cramps, cramps that don’t follow any pattern but feel like a tightening across your lower abdomen and then release, are often Braxton Hicks contractions. These are not real contractions, like the type you will have for labor, but practice contractions that help your body prepare for the rigors of labor.
You should always be on the lookout however, for signs of preterm labor. These may include contractions that are regular and last for more than an hour, cramping accompanied by bleeding or abdominal pain or leaking from the vagina. If you experience any of these symptoms get to your doctor right away.
Most of the time Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless. You might notice they are more intense toward the later part of your pregnancy. I know I always thought Braxton Hicks were the real thing UNITL I started labor, and then I realized what cramping was all about!
When to See Your Doctor
You should never hesitate to call your doctors office if you have any questions during your pregnancy, whether related to cramping or other problems. Here are some reasons however, you should talk or go see your doctor:
- You have rhythmic contractions that last one minute or more for an hour that don’t stop and are less than 37 weeks.
- You experience regular contractions that seem to get worse or uncomfortable and you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.
- You experience cramping with bleeding at any time during your pregnancy.
- You experience cramping with sharp, intense abdominal pain, nausea or other symptoms.
- You experience cramping and fever.
- You aren’t sure if your cramps are normal or not.
Remember, your doctor is always available to help you during your pregnancy. You will not appear foolish or silly for asking your doctor whether your cramps are normal. Chances are high your doctor has heard the question before. Take heart, and take it easy, and enjoy your pregnancy!
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