Cramps in Early Pregnancy: Causes &, Ways to Treat

It happens quite often. In most cases, there is no reason to worry if you have light cramps. Very often it doesn’t turn into anything more serious and soon passes. But sometimes, uterine cramps can be a sign of complications. That is why it is always better to tell your doctor and get examined.

The particular concern may occur in women who have already had problems with the concept or experience of miscarriage and its’ complications. However, women should be aware that every pregnancy is unique and the bad experience is not yet a sentence. It is so essential to keep cool and stick to positive thinking that helps your body to bear a child.

What Causes Cramps in Early Pregnancy?

The uterus starts to increase in size. Muscles and ligaments get stretched as well. It can hurt and be a reason for light cramps. The volume of circulating blood increases and that may cause a feeling of heaviness and discomfort. Usually, muscle cramps appear in the lower abdomen (on one or both sides).

In some cases, atypical anatomy or position of the uterus may cause cramping. The normal position of the uterus is when it’s slightly inclined to the front wall of the abdomen, but sometimes it is bent almost to the top of the bladder. When this type of uterus starts to grow in size, it may put some pressure on the muscles and nerves.

What Does a Discharge Mean?

It is ok when the discharge is not abundant and is not associated with cramps. Normally, it happens when the fertilized egg is fixed in the uterine wall. Also, some discharge is normal in the period when the next menstruation should be. It is a result of natural processes until it starts to hurt and becomes more abundant.

What do the Cramps Feel Like?

Normal light cramps remind periodic bouts of pain. Sometimes, the pain may be more pronounced on one side of the abdomen. A long-standing can be a reason for it. Cramps can be increased in time of sneezing and laughing.

Many women describe their cramps differently: sharp, stabbing, causing a feeling of heaviness. Some doctors compare it with muscle cramps.

In the normal state (before pregnancy) a uterus is a small organ composed of muscle fibers that can get stretched to ten times bigger size so that the discomfort and cramping inevitably accompany the growth process. Of course, the pain will not reduce because you know and understand it but the comprehension of processes that occur in your organism can get you rid of unnecessary alarms.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

• When cramps disturb you or you want to be sure that everything is fine
• When discharge doesn’t stop and becomes more abundant
• When there is a strong sharp pain in the abdomen
• When you have a fever and your general health condition worsened
• When you have problems with urination
• When the pregnancy symptoms become less pronounced

What to Take into Account?

Even though cramps are known to be a common case during pregnancy, they also can be early precursors of miscarriage. Unfortunately, miscarriage occurs in one of the four pregnant women. In most cases, it connects with chromosomal abnormalities or the inability of the egg to attach to the uterine wall. Sometimes it tells that the egg didn’t get into the uterus and got stuck in the fallopian tube. In this case, an ectopic pregnancy starts to occur.

Features of an Ectopic Pregnancy

• A strong sharp pain in the abdomen
• Vaginal discharge or bleeding
• The increase in the volume of the stomach, bloating, swelling
• Pain in the shoulder area. This may be due to a blood accumulation in the abdominal cavity under the diaphragm
• Backache
• Dizziness and weakness

What Else Can be a Reason?

• Stones or infection of the gallbladder
• Heartburn and indigestion. epigastric pain may also be a symptom of heart failure or toxemia during late pregnancy
• The infection of the bladder or kidney
• Constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Girdle pain in the round ligament. Usually, it is on the sides of the abdomen and can be described as a short sharp paroxysmal pain
• Sexual intercourse and orgasm can cause vein extension of uterine and pain, as a result

When do the Cramps Stop?

When the uterus grows to such an extent that the pelvic bone will be able to support it. the load on the muscles and ligaments will decrease.

What can Help with Cramps?

• Try to change your position more often when you lie down or sit. Move more, do light exercises to improve your stretching.
• Take a warm shower, wear loose-fitting clothes and do light massage of the abdomen.
• Do not suffer, if you want to go to the restroom to prevent further pressure on the muscles.
• Avoid constipation. Drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods. Reduce the consumption of rice, white bread and pasta.
• Try to lie down and relax, whenever it is possible. Deep breathing helps to relieve muscle tension.
• When you sit, put your feet on a low bench or ottoman. Too low position of the legs increases the outflow of blood from the pelvic region