Experiencing cramps early in your pregnancy can naturally lead to anxiety and worry that something is wrong. You might wonder if the cramping is from normal uterine stretching and growth or a sign of an impending miscarriage. Also, because there are numerous causes of cramping and your body changes so rapidly in pregnancy, the answer to what’s going on isn’t always obvious.
Experiencing cramps early in your pregnancy can naturally lead to anxiety and worry that something is wrong. You might wonder if the cramping is from normal uterine stretching and growth or a sign of an impending miscarriage. Also, because there are numerous causes of cramping and your body changes so rapidly in pregnancy, the answer to what’s going on isn’t always obvious.
Even though cramps can sometimes indicate problems, mild and transient cramping early in your pregnancy is usually normal and not a sign of miscarriage.1 One such common pain is known colloquially as lightning crotch. It is a quick, sharp pain in the vagina, which many people experience without any harm to their pregnancies. Cramps similar to menstrual cramps are also common during the first and second trimesters. Normal pregnancy cramps should be mild, last from a few minutes to a few hours, and may lessen with position changes.
In most cases, there’s probably no immediate cause for concern if the pain you feel isn’t severe, one-sided, or accompanied by bleeding. Call your OB/GYN if you have any questions or worries about cramping (or any other concerns) in pregnancy. In the meantime, here are some pointers to keep in mind when you’re evaluating what might be going on.
Experiencing cramps early in your pregnancy can naturally lead to anxiety and worry that something is wrong. You might wonder if the cramping is from normal uterine stretching and growth or a sign of an impending miscarriage. Also, because there are numerous causes of cramping and your body changes so rapidly in pregnancy, the answer to what’s going on isn’t always obvious.
In most cases, there’s probably no immediate cause for concern if the pain you feel isn’t severe, one-sided, or accompanied by bleeding. Call your OB/GYN if you have any questions or worries about cramping (or any other concerns) in pregnancy. In the meantime, here are some pointers to keep in mind when you’re evaluating what might be going on.
Cramps in the Third Trimester
As your uterus continues to grow larger up until childbirth, abdominal cramps from stretching and growing may also continue to occur throughout pregnancy. You should experience the least amount of cramps during the second trimester. However, this is when your round ligament—a muscle that supports the uterus—will begin to stretch. During this time, it’s normal to feel sharp pains or dull aches in the lower abdomen.1
If you are pregnant with multiples, expect some extra soreness or cramps during the second half of pregnancy as your body makes extra room for the babies. This final growth spurt (along with the increased pelvic pressure it causes) usually doesn’t occur in a single pregnancy until the third trimester.2
While some cramping is normal, be on the lookout for symptoms of preterm labor. These include dull backaches, intense pelvic pressure, blood or fluid from your vagina, cramps or contractions that increase in intensity and frequency, or more than five contractions or cramps in an hour.3
When to Worry About Cramps
If your cramping is persistent or severe, do not hesitate to call your physician. It’s better to check on anything that doesn’t seem right rather than ignore something that may be a serious concern.
Severe cramping, in particular, should always be investigated to rule out ectopic pregnancy. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the condition occurs in fewer than 2% of pregnancies. However, it is the leading cause of death for pregnant people in the first trimester.4
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterine cavity, and signs typically appear when you are six to eight weeks pregnant. It’s most often accompanied by one-sided cramping as well as pain in the neck or shoulder and a constant urge to have a bowel movement.4
If you think you have signs of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, go to the emergency room right away because it can be life-threatening. Also, if your cramping seems to be focused on one side of your lower abdomen, call your physician to be on the safe side, even if the cramping isn’t severe.1
If you are having any kind of vaginal bleeding along with cramping in early pregnancy, you should call your physician—it’s possible that you are having a miscarriage. These symptoms don’t always mean a miscarriage, but your physician will be able to order hCG blood tests or an ultrasound to figure out what’s going on.