In rare cases, cramps during pregnancy may be a symptom of preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, or other concerns requiring quick medical attention.
Most people will experience some mild aches and pains throughout pregnancy. After all, your body is changing with each new day. And let’s face it — it’s not that easy to carry around a growing baby!
Cramping can be a typical part of your pregnancy, but sometimes it can be a serious concern. With a little knowledge, you’ll be able to find out just what’s causing your discomfort.
During your first and second trimesters, your body is busy working overtime to prepare for your new baby.
The muscles in your uterus will soon begin to stretch and expand. This can cause a pulling feeling on both sides of your stomach. Very early in your pregnancy, you may even feel aches that are similar to those during your period. “Increasing pelvic pressure over the course of pregnancy is quite common,” explained Annette Bond, MD, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut.
Typical early-pregnancy side effects, such as constipation, can cause cramping. You may also experience cramps while keeping up with your usual exercise routine. This can place additional stress on your muscles. Cramping during exercise is a signal for you to stop and take a well-needed rest.
Yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) may also cause cramping. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), up to 8% of all individuals will experience a UTI during pregnancy. UTIs can quickly lead to an infection in your kidneys. This increases your risk of going into preterm labor. Your doctor will test your urine at every appointment to make sure that there are no signs of infection.
Sexual intercourse can also lead to cramping. Many people who have a healthy, typical pregnancy can continue to have sex right up until they deliver.
But during pregnancy, you may find that sex feels somewhat different. It may feel less pleasurable due to your expanding tummy. Later in your pregnancy, orgasm can cause you to feel mild contractions. These are generally harmless, contractions called Braxton Hicks. If you feel any of these symptoms after having sex and are concerned, talk with your doctor.
Even though mild cramps are a typical part of pregnancy, you should still talk with your doctor about your discomfort. If you begin to see spotting or bleeding along with your cramps, it could be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
With a typical pregnancy, your ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube. When sperm fertilizes the egg, it moves into your uterus and attaches to the lining. The egg continues to grow over the next nine months.
American Family Physician says that ectopic pregnancies occur in 1% to 2% of pregnancies. The fertilized egg doesn’t move into the uterus but stays in your fallopian tube. In rare cases, the fertilized egg may attach to one of your ovaries, cervix, or abdomen.
If you experience sharp pains that last longer than a few minutes, contact your doctor immediately.
Another cause for serious concern is a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can occur at any time after week 20 of pregnancy. The Preeclampsia Foundation explains that at least 5% to 8% of all pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia may lead to pain in the upper-right side of your stomach. This can increase your risk of developing placental abruption, a condition where your placenta breaks off from the uterine wall before delivery.
Your doctor will check your blood pressure and urine at every appointment until you deliver your baby. Protein found in your urine can be a sign of preeclampsia.
As you enter your third trimester, you’ll likely feel more pressure in your pelvis. This is quite common, as your baby is growing very quickly now.
Your little one presses down on the nerves that go from your vagina down to your legs. You may feel more pressure and cramping as you walk, as the baby bounces around in your belly. Lying down on your side for a while can ease your discomfort. But contact your doctor right away if you feel increasing, steady cramping.
“Cramping during the third trimester is never really considered to be normal for pregnancy,” said Bond. Bond added that if a mom-to-be is experiencing this, she should always seek advice from her doctor as soon as possible.
While premature labor symptoms can be different in each individual, Bond added that it’s “important to report any tightening or hardness of your belly, as well as new back pains. Especially if your back pains go along with changes in vaginal discharge.”
| Symptom | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pulling sensation in your stomach (abdomen) | Result of some symptoms of early pregnancy (constipation, muscle changes, etc.) |
| Cramping accompanied by spotting or bleeding | Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy |
| Pain and cramping in the upper right side of your stomach | Preeclampsia |
| Increased, steady cramping in the third trimester | Premature labor |
| Tightening in your lower abdomen that may be strong or weak, does not occur closer together over time, may occur after orgasm, may happen more frequently as your pregnancy progresses | Braxton Hicks contractions |
Several simple things can help you relieve cramps. Try scaling back on physical activity and avoiding cramp-inducing positions. Enjoying a warm bath nightly before bed and taking moments in the day to rest quietly and comfortably may also ease your belly.
Wearing a maternity belly band may also offer some comfort from cramping, said Bond. She recommended wearing a simple, Velcro elastic belt under the belly. Make sure it’s adjustable and not too restrictive.
For more about how a belly band can support your pregnancy, check out The 5 Reasons You Need a Pregnancy Belly Band.
Mild cramping is usual in early pregnancy as your uterus grows and stretches and your body begins to grow a baby. There is no “normal” for early pregnancy cramping. Some people experience more than others. Some people have little or no cramping in early pregnancy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms:
- severe headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
- dizziness or fainting
- changes in your vision
- fever of 100.4º F (38º C)or higher
- extreme swelling of your hands or face
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- severe nausea and throwing up (different from morning sickness)
- severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
- baby’s movement stopping or slowing down during pregnancy
- vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid after pregnancy
- swelling, redness, discoloration, or pain in your leg
- overwhelming tiredness
- thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
Yes, it can be. Many people have cramping that is similar to their typical period cramps in early pregnancy. If the pain worsens or you have bleeding, talk with your doctor.
Pregnancy is full of strange aches, pains, and sensations. One pain may be cramping. In early pregnancy, cramping is fairly common and caused by your uterus changing and your baby growing. Severe or lasting pain or comes with heavy bleeding is not usual, and you need to see your doctor.
Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are concerned about any pain or sensations you are having.