Cramps duringpregnancymay make you anxious and worried, especially if it’s your first pregnancy.
However, persistent and severe cramps could signal a problem, such as amiscarriageorectopic pregnancy.
Learn how to tell the difference between normal and abnormal cramps and when you should call your healthcare provider.
damircudic / Getty Images
damircudic / Getty Images
What Are Cramps?
Most of the time, cramps are just uncomfortable, but sometimes they can be very painful.
They can happen in one muscle or several muscles at a time.
The most common cause of muscle cramps is straining and overusing a muscle.
The outer muscular layer is called the myometrium.
These chemicals cause the uterus to contract, helping it shed its inner layer if pregnancy did not occur.
This pain usually decreases over the course of your period as prostaglandin levels drop.
Prostaglandins play a role in pregnancy, too.
They help the uterus contract when it’s time to have your baby.
They can also help constrict blood vessels and produce blood clots.
Too many prostaglandins can therefore cause trouble with chronic pain and blood clots.
Types
You will experience different types of cramps during your pregnancy.
They are usually associated with the changes that your body goes through in the process.
Your uterus will begin to stretch and expand during this time.
This can result in mild to moderate cramps in your lower abdomen or back.
It may feel like pressure, stretching, or pulling.
You may experience cramps throughout your first and second trimesters.
Leg cramps(sometimes called acharley horse) are also common during pregnancy.
Cramps can occur as the uterus continues to grow, move, and stretch.
You may experience sharper pain if you carry more than one baby.
In the late second and third trimester, cramps can also be a sign of preterm labor.
While they may not be related to your pregnancy, they could cause complications for you and your baby.
Call your healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe or worsening cramps during your pregnancy.
Your practitioner has to see to it you are not having serious complications.
For example, an ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in early pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider will have frequent visits with you throughout your pregnancy.
Based on their findings, they will make suggestions to help with your symptoms.
Still, it’s important to discuss these pains with your healthcare provider.
Remember to take time for yourself to rest and relax.
It will be good for you and your baby.
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