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Cramping During PregnancyCramping during pregnancy can be an extremely alarming event. Women who are otherwise confident in their bodies and its ability to grow a healthy baby are shaken by the occurrence of cramps during pregnancy. While cramps may be a signal that something untoward is happening, most of the time cramping is benign and not a cause for immediate concern.Whether or not pregnancy cramps are a sign of concern depends on several factors. Before you become convinced that your cramps are a signal that you need to contact your doctor or midwife or head to the emergency room, consider the following factors: Cramping During Pregnancy by Trimester Reasons for cramping during pregnancy really depend upon which trimester the woman is currently in. First trimester: Cramps during early pregnancy might be a sign of many things. Much depends upon the type of cramping you are experiencing. If the cramping during pregnancy is along the sides of your lower abdomen (right beside the hip bones) and feels like a pulling or a burning sensation, then it’s likely ligaments stretching. Anchoring your uterus in place in your abdomen are round ligaments. As your uterus begins to grow, these ligaments, which are typically taut and firm, are stretched and pulled. This can cause a sensation of cramping in your abdomen and sometimes feels like the beginning of your period. You can relieve round ligament pain by addressing the actual source of the trouble. Ice or warm compresses might help the feeling of cramping during early pregnancy. Round ligament pain during early pregnancy is annoying and very frightening, but there is no danger to your baby. It’s simply your body’s response to your ever-enlarging uterus. Try to take it in stride, perhaps using these sensations to improve your relaxation and coping mechanisms in preparation for labor. If your cramps during early pregnancy are in the middle of your abdomen, right above your pubic bone, it’s not likely that it is round ligament pain. If the cramps are accompanied by any blood, or is completely debilitating, then be sure to call your care provider immediately. Second Trimester: Pregnancy cramps during the second trimester is relatively uncommon. By this point in pregnancy your body has become accustomed to the sensation of round ligament tretching, and the risk of miscarriage is largely mitigated. Cramping during pregnancy in this phase is typically caused by warm-up contractions, also called Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are usually painless, but might cause a pinching sensation or an actual cramping sensation. Warm-up contractions can be irritating, but they do serve the important purpose of exercising your uterus, which is made up of involuntary muscles. Because of this, you can’t choose to exercise it to help get it in shape for labor. Your body takes care of that for you by using warm-up contractions to exercise. If you experience contractions, even painless ones that are occurring in regular intervals or accompanied by blood, contact your doctor or midwife. If you have more than six Braxton-Hicks contractions per hour, consult with your provider as well. Third Trimester, Before 37 Weeks: If you are experiencing cramping during pregnancy before 37 weeks in the third trimester, it could be a couple of different things. Regular contractions before 37 weeks require a call to your doctor or midwife, as this could be a sign of preterm labor. In particular, if your cramping is accompanied by bloody mucus, bright red blood, or a gush or trickling of fluid from your vagina, please contact your provider. Less dramatic reasons for cramping during pregnancy before 37 weeks are more common than preterm labor. Some women experience an increase in their Braxton-Hicks contractions, as their body goes into the last final push before labor and delivery. These supposedly painless contractions will increase in intensity, and you might even have a few that feel like the real thing. Pelvic pain during pregnancy, which might not be a cramp but a general feeling of achiness, is also common during the end of pregnancy as your body prepares for the last stretch before labor and delivery. The sensation of pain in your pelvis might be related to the station of the baby’s presenting part into the pelvis. Many women describe feeling a “bowling ball” between their legs. As annoying as this sensation can be, it simply means that your body is doing exactly as it should. Try to make peace with the sensation and remember—it won’t be long until you’re holding your baby in your arms! Sharp pelvic pain during pregnancy could be cause for great concern, especially if prolonged and/or accompanied by bleeding. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are concerned about the pains you're experiencing. Third Trimester, After 37 Weeks: If you are at 37 weeks or later in your pregnancy, cramping might signal the start of labor. Labor contractions occur below your navel, typically right above your pubic bone, and feel like a menstrual cramp. They come and go intermittently and may be accompanied by other signs of labor such as the rupture of your bag of waters or bloody show. Refer to your labor plan to determine what your next step should be. Is There Any Blood or Severe Pain? If any blood accompanies your cramping, then you need to be sure that you contact your doctor or midwife. Bleeding can be a signal that your need to be seen by your care provider for further evaluation. As always, be sure you mention your cramping to your care provider. He or she needs the information to have an accurate picture of your pregnancy health. While cramping during pregnancy isn’t necessarily indicative of an issue with maternal or fetal health, it is important to keep your doctor or midwife up to date with any symptoms you are having. |
 Pregnancy Plus Prenatal A once daily tablet containing key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including folic acid. Optimized for preconception and pregnancy, contains no artificial ingredients. One bottle is a 2-month supply.  Pregnancy Plus Omega-3 An omega-3 designed specifically for pregnant and nursing mothers as well as women trying to conceive. Helps support fetal development and infant health, molecularly distilled to ensure purity.  Pregnancy Plus Cal-Mag Contains the optimal levels of calcium and magnesium for pregnant and trying-to-conceive women. A delicious, chocolate-flavored chewable tablet that is ideal for sensitive stomachs. |
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