Why do you get cramps during pregnancy?

It is quite common to experience cramping at some or the other stage during your pregnancy and there are different reasons as to why you may be experiencing this.

Abdominal pain in general is common during pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is possible that a woman will have an episode or two of light spotting or bleeding, and this might be accompanied by mild menstrual-type cramping pain. Beyond this, however, menstrual-type cramps during pregnancy are not usually considered normal and can signal a problem.

It is necessary to remember that severe or persistent pain in the abdomen is never normal, whether or not you are pregnant. On the other hand, pain which is mild and infrequent is quite common. Many pregnant women, for instance, will experience some degree or another of cramping post orgasm.

Severe cramping or stomach pain is not normal and if you experience any cramping or pains in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, you need to call your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible:

• Bleeding - primarily bright red blood
• Fever
• Chills
• Lightheaded or faint
• Vaginal discharge

Normal causes for stomach cramps during pregnancy

There are several reasons why you may experience cramping during different stages of pregnancy. These may include:

• Implantation - many women experience a pain that is similar to their period pain during the first weeks. This is usually caused when implantation takes place.

• Ligaments Stretching -is usually more common during the second trimester, as the muscles as well as ligaments which are supporting the growing uterus stretch.

• False Labor - it is not uncommon for women to experience false labor or Braxton Hicks in the third trimester. This is caused by the muscles in the uterus preparing for labor while they stretch and release, often at uneven or irregular intervals.

• Gas - incase you are suffering from gas, then there is a chance that you may experience some cramping connected with it.

• Constipation - This may also lead to cramps.

• Cramps - during the last remaining weeks of pregnancy cramping is usually an indication that the labor will start soon.

How to deal with abdominal pains?

If you are suffering from severe abdominal pains or cramps during your pregnancy, then it might help to try the following:

• Avoid quick or sudden positional changes.

• Try bending backwards in order to relieve the pain. Make sure not to put too much strain on the back - otherwise you could end up having a back ache as well.

• Incase you are suffering from gas, then walking or any other form of exercise which is not too stressful can help relieve gas pains.

When should you call your doctor?

During the first weeks of your pregnancy severe cramping is usually a sign of an Ectopic pregnancy. There may also be many other reasons why you might experience cramping, and these include:

• Stomach virus
• Food poisoning
• Appendicitis
• Urinary infection
• Kidney infection
• Pre-eclampsia

There are of course other reasons as to why you may be suffering from stomach cramps, but incase the cramps are severe, then you must inform your healthcare provider at the earliest.