Cramping can occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is usually the result of normal changes that occur with your baby’s development. Cramps are pulling sensations on one or both sides of the abdomen. They are a normal part of pregnancy but in some cases could be a cause for concern.
What are the causes of cramping during pregnancy ?
You usually experience cramps when the uterus expands. This expansion causes ligaments and muscles which support the uterus to stretch. Cramping may be more pronounced when you sneeze, cough or change positions.
During the second trimester however, the most common cause of cramps is round ligament pain.
Some of the other normal causes of cramps during pregnancy include the following :
How can I manage cramping during pregnancy ?
These measures may help you if you are experiencing cramps during pregnancy .
- drink lot of fluid
- change positions or try to sit or lie
- do relaxation exercises
- take a warm bath
Can cramping during pregnancy be a cause for concern?
Even though cramps are common during pregnancy, there are some cases in which it could be as a result of a serious condition such as :
When should I call my doctor ?
You need to contact your doctor right away if your cramping is accompanied by the following :
- vaginal cramping , bleeding or discharge
- contractions
- light-headedness or fainting
- pain in the shoulder or neck
- severe pain that does not go away
Content Sources
Abdominal pain or cramping March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/abdominal-pain-or-cramping.aspx. Accessed May 4 , 2015
Aches and pains during pregnancy.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003619.htm