Is it normal when pregnant to have cramps

The muscles in your uterus will soon begin to stretch and expand. This can cause a pulling feeling on both sides of your stomach. Very early in your pregnancy, you may even feel aches that are similar to those during your period.

Typical early-pregnancy side effects , such as constipation , can cause cramping. You may also experience cramps while keeping up with your normal exercise routine. This can place additional stress on your muscles. Cramping during exercise is a signal for you to stop and take a well-needed rest. Yeast infections or urinary tract infections UTIs may also cause cramping. UTIs can quickly lead to an infection in your kidneys.

This increases your risk of going into preterm labor. Your doctor should test your urine at every appointment to make sure that there are no signs of infection. 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.

You have six or more contractions in an hour , which could be a sign of preterm labor. Also watch for other symptoms of preterm labor, including changes in vaginal discharge, pelvic pressure, and dull backaches. Cramping comes with dizziness, lightheadedness, or bleeding —especially if you haven't yet confirmed your pregnancy with an ultrasound.

This can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Bleeding can also be a symptom of miscarriage or placenta previa , a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix. You have persistent cramping when you are pregnant with multiples which increases your risk of preterm labor , have a history of preterm labor or ectopic pregnancy, or have been diagnosed with a shortened cervix. Your cramping isn't improving over time.

It's also important to get checked out if changes in physical position don't alleviate the cramping sensation. You have signs of preeclampsia, which include pain in the upper-right side of the stomach, headaches, swelling, vision changes, and sudden weight gain.

These usually show up in the third trimester. If you have pregnancy cramps that don't seem worrisome, Dr. Puritz advises getting off your feet, resting, drinking fluids, and taking acetaminophen Tylenol if needed for pain relief.

Don't use a heating pad on your abdomen because raising your core temperature is dangerous during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Using one on your extremities is fine, Dr. Puritz says. Klauser recommends that his patients try a warm shower. They might also benefit from stretching and sitting breaks throughout the day, particularly if their cramping is worse after long periods of being in one position. Most importantly, always contact your doctor for unusual cramps or ones that don't go away.

I'm glad this was posted I tried contacting my doctor a couple times.. I've had solid cramping all day for the last three days. Not coming and going like contractions.. I wasn't sure if it's normal, and maybe it is, but at least I just took some Tylenol - hopefully that'll work. I'm 34 weeks tomorrow. She's measuring big, so I'm ready when she is.

Hopefully sooner than later Pregnancy cramps are nothing to worry about unless they are persistent. Read the article to know more about them. By Kate Rope Updated March 03, Save Pin FB More. Hands holding pregnant belly in dress. Credit: Shutterstock. Other times, it could be non-pregnancy related issues like a bladder infection or constipation which are quite common in pregnancy. You can find a Banner Health specialist near you by visiting bannerhealth.

By Regan Olsson , Contributing Writer. Aug 28, Teach Me. Some of these activities include: Rest: Try to sit, lie down or change positions. Soak in the tub: Take a warm soak in the tub or a warm shower.

Take some acetaminophen: Products like Tylenol are commonly used by pregnant women for pain and fever but talk to your health care provider first. Practice deep breathing: Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or controlled breathing.

Stay hydrated: Pregnant women need 50 percent more water. Keep a bottle of water on hand wherever you go.