Cramping when pregnant is it normal

As pregnancy progresses, these ligaments stretch, which can cause aches and cramps or sharp pain that occurs on one or both sides of the lower abdomen. Round ligament pain usually starts in the second trimester but can occur any time in the second half of pregnancy. It often occurs during exercise; after you get out of bed, sneeze, cough or laugh; or when you move suddenly. These cramps during pregnancy can last for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

For relief, get plenty rest and try to change positions slowly. Braxton Hicks contractions are relatively short only seconds to a couple of minutes and irregular.

When you experience a Braxton Hicks cramping during the second trimester of pregnancy onwards, change positions. Keep in mind that placental abruption, preeclampsia and preterm labor can occur during the second trimester as well. Keep reading below for more information on these conditions. If the placenta separates partially or completely from the uterine wall before a baby is born, it can cause a severe and persistent abdominal pain as well as back pain and vaginal bleeding.

Placental abruption is most common in the third trimester, but it can occur in the second trimester. Preeclampsia develops in the second half of pregnancy, usually in the third trimester, and is characterized by sudden high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Left untreated, preeclampsia is dangerous for both you and your baby, since it can decrease the amount of oxygen and nutrition that flows to a fetus and increase the risk of placental abruption. Labor contractions come at regular intervals, last between 30 to 70 seconds, get closer together and stronger over time and don't go away when you change positions. Other signs of labor include feeling pressure in the pelvic area like your baby is pushing down and a change in vaginal discharge leaking fluid or light bleeding.

Your doctor should have told you when to call if you experience cramping during the third trimester of pregnancy that you think may be labor contractions. If you experience these symptoms before 37 weeks, you could be experiencing preterm labor. These tips can relieve the most common causes of abdominal cramps during pregnancy:. When should you be concerned about cramps during pregnancy? What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.

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Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Back to Top. In This Article. Sexual intercourse can also lead to cramping.

Many women who are lucky to have a healthy, normal pregnancy can continue to have sex right up until they deliver, according to the nonprofit HealthyWomen. But during pregnancy, you may find that sex feels somewhat different.

It may feel less than pleasurable, due to your expanding tummy. Later in your pregnancy, orgasm can possibly cause you to feel mild contractions. If you feel any of these symptoms after having sex, talk to your doctor. Even though mild cramps are a normal part of pregnancy, you should still talk to 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 normal pregnancy, your ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube.

When sperm fertilize the egg, it moves into your uterus and attaches into the lining. The egg continues to grow over the next nine months. American Family Physician says that ectopic pregnancies occur in 1 to 2 percent of pregnancies.

In rare cases, the fertilized egg may attach to one of your ovaries, cervix, or even to your abdomen. If you experience sharp pains that last longer than a few minutes, you should contact you 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 percent of all pregnant women are diagnosed with 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.

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 is bouncing around in your belly.

During the second trimester , a common cause of cramping is round ligament pain. The round ligament is a muscle that supports the uterus, and when it stretches, you may feel a sharp, stabbing pain, or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. Cramping that is relatively minor and happens every now and then is probably nothing to be worried about.

Some additional causes of normal cramping in pregnancy include:. If you experience minor cramping during pregnancy, there are a couple of things you can do for prevention and self-care:.

While cramping can be common, there are some serious causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy:. If you experience the following types of cramping, you should contact your doctor right away:. Pregnancy Cramps. What Causes Cramps During Pregnancy? If you experience minor cramping during pregnancy, there are a couple of things you can do for prevention and self-care: Try to sit, lie down or change positions.

Soak in a warm bath. Try doing relaxation exercises. Place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the ache. Make sure you get plenty of fluids. While cramping can be common, there are some serious causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy — This type of pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.