Stomach or tummy pains in pregnancy are very common and can happen at any time. Most of the time, they are nothing to worry about. But sometimes they can be a sign of something more serious. It is important to know what to look out for in each trimester and when to get help.
Weeks 0 to 12Cramps, a bit like period pains, are very common in early pregnancy. These are usually caused by changes in your hormones and by your growing womb. Sometimes stomach pains in early pregnancy can be a sign of something more serious such as:
Non-urgent advice: When to get medical help in your first trimesterContact your GP, midwife, maternity unit or hospital if:
 Page last reviewed: 14 November 2022 When you’re pregnant, your body undergoes many changes as it makes room for your little one (or two or more!). While some of these changes may be no big whoop, others, particularly things like cramping, can have you quickly searching Google for their causes. While some mild pregnancy cramps are a normal symptom of your ever-expanding body, other cramps could indicate a serious problem. Pregnancy cramps can give many women anxiety, so it’s important to know the common reasons for their occurrence and what you should do about them. We asked Srijaya Soujanya Nalla, MD, an OBGYN at Banner Health Clinic in Loveland, CO, to help explain the normal causes for cramping, abnormal causes and treatment recommendations for both. [However, if you’re experiencing severe cramping with or without bleeding, stop reading this article and call your doctor immediately.] What’s considered normal cramping during pregnancy?“Early on in your pregnancy, it’s natural to feel some mild cramping in your lower abdomen at infrequent times as your body prepares for your growing baby,” Dr. Nalla said. As your belly grows, so does your uterus. This may cause you to feel some slight pulling, tugging or stretching similar to menstrual cramps. “Later in your pregnancy, you may experience some mild lower abdominal discomfort due to the tightening of your uterus. These are normal as long as they occur in irregular intervals and subside on their own,” Dr. Nalla said. “A common cause later in pregnancy is due to round ligament pain, a muscle that supports the uterus. As it stretches, it can cause some mild aches and pains.” Other causes for mild cramping include:
What should I do for mild cramping while pregnant?Time your cramps to see how regular they are and how often you feel them. “As long as they don’t fall into the abnormal category, there are some things that you can do to make them better,” Dr. Nalla said. Some of these activities include:
When should I be concerned about cramping during pregnancy?While cramping can be common, there are some serious causes of abdominal pain you shouldn’t ignore. “Any cramping that is severe in intensity, occurs at regular intervals and progressively gets worse with time is abnormal,” Dr. Nalla said. “In addition, any amount of cramping associated with vaginal bleeding, increased/watery discharge, or pelvic pressure is not normal either.” Some causes for abnormal cramping may be due to:
What should I do if I’m concerned about the cramping?It’s normal to experience some mild cramping during pregnancy, but always speak with your health care provider if you are ever concerned or are experiencing the above warning symptoms. “In some cases, an ultrasound can be done to help determine the cause for severe cramping,” Dr. Nalla said. “Sometimes severe cramping can be the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Other times, it could be non-pregnancy related issues like a bladder infection or constipation which are quite common in pregnancy.” When it comes to your health and the health of your baby, it’s better to err on the side of caution and talk to your health care provider. You can find a Banner Health specialist near you by visiting bannerhealth.com or for general pregnancy-related questions, you can call the Banner Health Nurse Now at 844-259-9494 for free, 24/7 medical advice. Related Pregnancy Articles:
Join the Conversation How long should early pregnancy cramps last?5/ How long do early pregnancy cramps last? The pain should go away after you've rested for 30 to 60 minutes, according to the NHS. If it doesn't, or if you are experiencing cramps regularly, then it is best to call your midwife or GP, as it could be a symptom of something that needs to be checked urgently.
How much cramping pain is normal in early pregnancy?“Early on in your pregnancy, it's natural to feel some mild cramping in your lower abdomen at infrequent times as your body prepares for your growing baby,” Dr. Nalla said. As your belly grows, so does your uterus. This may cause you to feel some slight pulling, tugging or stretching similar to menstrual cramps.
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How long do abdominal cramps last in early pregnancy
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