But cramping during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is surprisingly common and does not necessarily mean you’re having a miscarriage. A 2016 study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that although 85% of women experienced abdominal cramping at some point during their first 20 weeks of pregnancy, only 28% miscarried. Read on to learn about the many reasons you might experience cramping during early pregnancy that are quite normal and ways to relieve the discomfort, as well as how to recognize when lower abdominal pain might indicate a problem that requires a call or visit to your doctor.
Causes of Cramping in Early Pregnancy
There are quite a few reasons you might experience cramping during your first or second trimester of a healthy pregnancy. Most are perfectly normal and completely benign.
Implantation: Cramping can actually be a really early sign of pregnancy. As a fertilized egg burrows itself into the walls of the uterus, it can set off a sensation known, not surprisingly, as implantation cramping. This implantation is sometimes accompanied by bleeding or spotting. As your pregnancy continues, both the spotting and the cramping will abate. Uterine changes: As this powerful, muscular organ begins to expand (which will happen long before you start to show), you may experience what feels like cramping. You’ll likely notice it most when you sneeze or a cough, or when you change positions. Round ligament pain: Around week 13 of pregnancy, you may experience abdominal pain caused by the rapid expansion of the ligament that supports the uterus called the round ligament. When this particular structure stretches you may feel a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Changing hormones during pregnancy can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing it to slow down considerably. This can lead to gas, bloating, and constipation, all of which can cause abdominal discomfort and cramping. Sexual intercourse: Semen contains a lot of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that naturally release during labor to help the cervix ripen and dilate in preparation for childbirth. Since this process is associated with contractions, prostaglandin can lead to cramping after intercourse during early pregnancy.
How to Relieve Cramping in Early Pregnancy
Whatever might be causing you to have cramps or lower abdominal pain during early pregnancy, once you’ve ruled out a serious problem, there are several things you can try to ease your discomfort.
Change your position. If you’re sitting, lie down or take a gentle stroll, for example. If you’re lying down, sit up or go for a walk. Run yourself a bath. Relaxing in warm (not steamy hot) water can help to relax all your muscles and joints—including those supporting your uterus. If you don’t have time to soak, try standing in a warm shower for a few minutes. Make sure you’re well-hydrated. This is particularly helpful if the source of your abdominal pain is gas or constipation. Fluids can get things moving along in the digestive tract. If you’re really irregular, talk to your doctor about other safe solutions for constipation, such as eating more dietary fiber or taking a stool softener or mild laxative. Try a relaxation exercise. A yoga pose, called Reclining Bound Angle Pose, may help. To do this pose, lie on your back on the floor (support your head and lower back with pillows if needed). Bend your knees, and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to relax out to the sides. This will open out your pelvis. Close your eyes and breathe naturally for five to 10 minutes.
Do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without checking with your doctor first. Research has found that these medications may not be safe during pregnancy. One study, published in 2018 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that taking NSAIDs during early pregnancy might increase the risk of miscarriage.
When to Worry
Most of the time, cramping in early pregnancy is caused by any of many of the changes that naturally take place as your body changes and adjusts to accommodate a growing baby. But you should always let your caregiver know if you’re experiencing cramps that really concern you or that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Contraction-like cramps that occur regularly: If you experience six or more in an hour, cramps could be a sign of preterm labor; call your doctor or go immediately to an emergency room. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or bleeding: During early pregnancy, this combination of symptoms can be a sign of an impending miscarriage. If also can indicate an ectopic pregnancy (a sometimes life-threatening condition in which the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus)—particularly if the pain is limited to one side. Back pain: It’s not unusual for your back to feel achy during early pregnancy, but severe back pain along with nausea, vomiting, and/or fever, or painful urination, can be signs of a serious illness such as appendicitis, kidney stones, or gallbladder disease.
