Is it normal to have cramps during pregnancy?

pregnant belly

Having cramps or cramps in pregnancy, especially early in pregnancy, can cause anxiety. You may wonder if this is a normal enlargement of the uterus or if it is a sign of impending miscarriage. The answer is not always simple because there are many causes for cramps, because your body is changing very quickly. Although cramps can indicate problems, those that are mild and transient in early pregnancy are usually normal and not a sign of a possible miscarriage. 

These cramps feel like a quick, sharp pain in the vagina. There is probably no immediate cause for concern if the pain you feel is not severe, one-sided, or accompanied by bleeding. But to know how to recognize them better, let's see some tips to help you know what to do depending on the situation.

What cramps in pregnancy are normal?

During the first trimester, your body prepares for the growth of the baby. These changes can cause pain that would be considered normal. They are usually mild and temporary. Once you get pregnant, your uterus begins to grow. During this growth process, you may experience mild to moderate pain in your lower abdomen or lower back. These cramps can resemble typical menstrual cramps.

As you move through the first two trimesters, it's normal to experience pain from time to time. Since the uterus is a muscle, every time it contracts there is the possibility of a little discomfort. This little cramp can be caused by a full bladder, constipation, gas, or bloating. Cramps can also occur during exercise, which will be an indication that you need to rest. It can also happen to you after having sex.

Pregnant women are also susceptible to yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Either of these two conditions can cause mild cramping. If any of these infections occur, especially the urinary tract, do not forget that it is an emergency condition. With either of the two infections, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible. to make sure the pregnancy runs smoothly.

What cramps are not normal?

pregnant in the park

If you have persistent and very painful cramps, do not hesitate to see your doctor. It's always better to check for any signs that don't seem normal rather than ignore them and wait for them to pass on their own. If they tell you it's nothing to worry about, all the better. But if that pain you feel is due to a problem, it must be detected and controlled by doctors as soon as possible. In this way, your pregnancy will be less at risk.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity.. The signs usually appear when you are 6 to 8 weeks pregnant. Most of the time it is accompanied by pain on only one side, and is accompanied by a constant need to defecate. If you think that you ectopic pregnancy has been interrupted, go to the emergency room as soon as possible because your life could be in danger. Also, if the cramps are concentrated on one side of the lower abdomen, see a doctor to make sure, even if the pain is not very intense.

If you have any kind of vaginal bleeding along with cramps in early pregnancy you may be having a spontaneous abortion. If this is your case, tell your doctor. These symptoms don't always mean you're having a miscarriage. If not, your doctor will order a blood test or do an ultrasound to find out what's going on in your body to cause these symptoms.

How to relieve cramps?

pregnant relaxing

There are ways to ease the normal cramps that come with pregnancy. It can usually be as simple as changing posture, or sit or lie down for a while to get some rest. It's normal for cramps to be a sign that you're pushing yourself too hard, or that you're stressed. Taking a break can help you relax, both physically and mentally. Try to calm down by using relaxation techniques like meditation or controlled breathing.


For many pregnant women, a nightly bath works wonders to ease your aches. A bath will relax the muscles and disconnect the mind from what is stressing you. Applying heat to the area where you feel pain will also calm your discomfort, because as with the bath, the muscles in the area will relax.


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