How early in pregnancy does cramping start

When you’re pregnant, your body undergoes many changes as it makes room for your little one (or two or more!). While some of these changes may be no big whoop, others, particularly things like cramping, can have you quickly searching Google for their causes.

While some mild pregnancy cramps are a normal symptom of your ever-expanding body, other cramps could indicate a serious problem. Pregnancy cramps can give many women anxiety, so it’s important to know the common reasons for their occurrence and what you should do about them.

We asked Srijaya Soujanya Nalla, MD, an OBGYN at Banner Health Clinic in Loveland, CO, to help explain the normal causes for cramping, abnormal causes and treatment recommendations for both.

[However, if you’re experiencing severe cramping with or without bleeding, stop reading this article and call your doctor immediately.]

What’s considered normal cramping during pregnancy?

“Early on in your pregnancy, it’s natural to feel some mild cramping in your lower abdomen at infrequent times as your body prepares for your growing baby,” Dr. Nalla said.

As your belly grows, so does your uterus. This may cause you to feel some slight pulling, tugging or stretching similar to menstrual cramps.

“Later in your pregnancy, you may experience some mild lower abdominal discomfort due to the tightening of your uterus. These are normal as long as they occur in irregular intervals and subside on their own,” Dr. Nalla said. “A common cause later in pregnancy is due to round ligament pain, a muscle that supports the uterus. As it stretches, it can cause some mild aches and pains.”

Other causes for mild cramping include:

• Implantation bleeding
• Gas, bloating and constipation
• Sex
• Exercise
• Braxton Hicks contractions

What should I do for mild cramping while pregnant?

Time your cramps to see how regular they are and how often you feel them. “As long as they don’t fall into the abnormal category, there are some things that you can do to make them better,” Dr. Nalla said. Some of these activities include:

• Rest: Try to sit, lie down or change positions.
• Soak in the tub: Take a warm soak in the tub or a warm shower.
• Take some acetaminophen: Products like Tylenol are commonly used by pregnant women for pain and fever but talk to your health care provider first.
• Practice deep breathing: Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or controlled breathing.
• Stay hydrated: Pregnant women need 50 percent more water. Keep a bottle of water on hand wherever you go.

When should I be concerned about cramping during pregnancy?

While cramping can be common, there are some serious causes of abdominal pain you shouldn’t ignore.

“Any cramping that is severe in intensity, occurs at regular intervals and progressively gets worse with time is abnormal,” Dr. Nalla said. “In addition, any amount of cramping associated with vaginal bleeding, increased/watery discharge, or pelvic pressure is not normal either.”

Some causes for abnormal cramping may be due to:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Preeclampsia
• Bladder infection or urinary tract infection

What should I do if I’m concerned about the cramping?

It’s normal to experience some mild cramping during pregnancy, but always speak with your health care provider if you are ever concerned or are experiencing the above warning symptoms.

“In some cases, an ultrasound can be done to help determine the cause for severe cramping,” Dr. Nalla said. “Sometimes severe cramping can be the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Other times, it could be non-pregnancy related issues like a bladder infection or constipation which are quite common in pregnancy.”

When it comes to your health and the health of your baby, it’s better to err on the side of caution and talk to your health care provider.

You can find a Banner Health specialist near you by visiting bannerhealth.com or for general pregnancy-related questions, you can call the Banner Health Nurse Now at 844-259-9494 for free, 24/7 medical advice.

Cramping during pregnancy can feel scary, but it's a common symptom throughout all trimesters. Most mild abdominal cramps aren't dangerous; in fact, they're simply the uterus's response to anything that's happening to it. "The uterus is a muscle, and the only thing a muscle knows how to do is contract, and a contraction feels like a cramp," explains Holly Puritz, M.D., medical director for Sentara Leigh Hospital Group for Women in Norfolk, Virginia.

That means whenever your uterus is stimulated—by a full bladder, vigorous exercise, or something more—its natural response is to contract. The important thing, says Dr. Puritz, is to figure out when cramps during pregnancy are normal and when they are cause for concern. Keep reading for our trimester-by-trimester guide to cramping during pregnancy.

Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week

Cramps During Early Pregnancy

"The majority of pregnancies will have some mild (light) cramping intermittently during the first 16 weeks," says Chad Klauser, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Here are some common causes of first-trimester cramping.

Implantation cramping

For some people, cramping is one of the first signs of pregnancy, as it sometimes happens when a fertilized egg burrows in the uterine wall. This is called implantation cramping, and it can feel like your period is about to start, says Dr. Puritz.

Uterine growth

Rapid uterine growth in the first two trimesters of pregnancy can also lead to a pulling sensation within the abdomen, says Dr. Klauser. Your uterus must stretch and expand to accommodate your growing baby.

Gastrointestinal issues

Changing hormone levels might cause increased gas, bloating, and constipation during the first trimester. All of these gastrointestinal issues can cause cramping sensations.

Ectopic pregnancy

In rare cases, first-trimester cramping could be caused by ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube). Ectopic pregnancy often involves one-sided cramping, bleeding, lightheadedness, or shoulder pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.

Miscarriage

Miscarriages most commonly happen because of abnormal development in an egg or embryo (usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities). The cramping associated with miscarriage happens when blood and tissue leave the uterus, causing it to contract. Aside from cramping, the most telltale sign of miscarriage is heavy bleeding that doesn't let up. Contact your doctor right away if you suspect miscarriage.

Does Cramping Mean Miscarriage?

Cramps During the Second Trimester

Pregnant people are less likely to experience cramping or other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms during the second trimester. One exception is anyone pregnant with multiples since the uterus grows more rapidly and will reach third-trimester proportions in the second trimester. Here are some other causes of second-trimester pregnancy cramping.

Round ligament pain

This benign pain can begin around week 13 when the ligaments that support the uterus stretch as the uterus grows upward. Round ligament pain is usually quick, sharp, and can feel like a pulling/tugging sensation. It can be one-sided or appear on both sides.

Urinary tract infections

Mild urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also cause cramps during pregnancy in the second trimester. Other symptoms includepainful urination, the frequent need to pee, and lower abdominal discomfort. Contact your doctor if you think you have a UTI.

Uterine fibroids

A more serious but rare cause of cramping 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 severe. Any person with a history of uterine fibroids should watch for pregnancy cramps at this point because they may need hospitalization to manage the pain effectively until it passes.

The Different Types of Contractions and What They Mean

Cramps During the Third Trimester

By the time you get to your third trimester, your body will be so busy doing so many things that cramping may begin to feel like just a part of your routine. From baby kicks and indigestion to "practice" contractions and even pre-term labor, there are many reasons for cramping this late in the game. Here are three common reasons.

Braxton Hicks contractions

It's very common for pregnant people to experience cramping in the third trimester—often in the form of Braxton Hicks contractions. These "false" or practice contractions don't actually progress into labor, but they can help prepare your body for delivery. While Braxton Hicks contractions only last between 30 seconds and two minutes, you can often relieve symptoms by drinking some water, changing positions, and resting.

Pret-term labor

Of course, if third-trimester cramping doesn't quickly subside and continues to progress, you could be experiencing preterm labor, which is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Call your doctor right away and express your concerns; they might want to evaluate you right away. Some signs of pre-term labor include can change in vaginal discharge, water breaking, and regular contractions.

Other causes

Other serious causes of cramps during the third trimester include placental abruption (when the 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 of breath, swelling, or vision changes.

• RELATED: Signs of Preterm Labor and What Your Doctor Will Do

When Is Cramping During Pregnancy Normal?

Sometimes cramping is normal during pregnancy. According to experts, you shouldn't worry about cramping after sex, whether partnered or solo. "Intercourse is one of the most common causes of cramping," says Dr. Puritz.

With vaginal penetration—whether with a penis, fingers, or toy—you can come into contact with the cervix, which can cause some mild cramping if bumped or stimulated. Additionally, semen contains prostaglandins that can stimulate the uterus, so if you have penis-in-vagina sex and your partner ejaculates near your cervix, you may experience some cramping after. Last but certainly not least, orgasm can lead to temporary uterine cramping.

Dr. Puritz adds that for most pregnant people, it's completely fine to have sex, and if you have cramps afterward, 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. Klauser.

When to Call the Doctor About Cramps

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

Having six or more contractions in an hour 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.

Your cramping comes with dizziness, lightheadedness, or bleeding

It's especially important to call your doctor or midwife if you experience cramping and other symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or vaginal bleeding if you haven't yet confirmed your pregnancy with an ultrasound as it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Bleeding can also be a symptom of miscarriage or placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix.

You have persistent cramping

If you have persistent cramping and you are pregnant with multiples (which increases your risk of preterm labor), have a history of preterm labor or ectopic pregnancy, or have been diagnosed with a shortened cervix, call your doctor.

9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

You have intense back or abdominal pain with nausea, vomiting, and/or fever

Back cramping and/or pain in your abdomen area could be symptoms of appendicitis, kidney stones, or gallbladder disease.

Your cramps aren't improving over time

It's also important to get checked out if changes in physical position and time don't alleviate the cramping sensation.

You have signs of preeclampsia

Symptoms of preeclampsia include pain in the upper-right side of the abdomen, headaches, swelling, vision changes, and sudden weight gain. These usually show up in the third trimester.

How to Relieve Cramps During Pregnancy

If you have pregnancy cramps that don't seem worrisome, Dr. Puritz advises getting off your feet, resting, drinking fluids, and taking acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) if needed for pain relief. Don't use a heating pad on your abdomen because raising your core temperature is dangerous during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. (Using one on your extremities, however, is fine, Dr. Puritz says.)

Dr. Klauser also recommends trying a warm shower. Stretching and sitting breaks throughout the day can also be helpful, particularly if you find that your cramping is worse after long periods of being in one position.

Most importantly, always contact your prenatal care provider for unusual cramps or ones that don't go away. "I always tell my patients that I love a false alarm," says Dr. Puritz. "I'm happy to see you and say you're fine rather than miss something where I could have intervened."

What does early pregnancy cramping feel like?

Do you get cramps Week 1 of pregnancy?