Pregnancy Cramps: When You Should Consult A Doctor?

One of the most common concerns during pregnancy is cramps.

While mild cramping can be a completely normal part of pregnancy. In fact, many women experience mild cramping, especially in early pregnancy. This happens since the uterus starts expanding. Almost 30 percent of pregnant women report cramping in the first trimester, which is usually harmless.

However, there are moments when it could be a warning sign of something more serious. 

So, how do you know when to call your doctor? Read below this article to explore when pregnancy cramps are normal and when you must seek medical attention.

Here are a few common reasons for pregnancy cramps that are usually not a cause for concern for expecting mothers.

If you are about 4 to 6 weeks pregnant, light cramping might actually be a sign of implantation. In simple words, it's the time when the fertilized egg attaches to your uterus. The pain occurs during the first trimester and usually feels like mild period cramps and may last a few hours to a couple of days.

The round ligaments stretch as your uterus grows. This causes sharp and brief cramping, which occurs often when you change positions or stand up suddenly. This is completely normal and usually nothing to worry about.

Pregnancy hormones slow down digestion. This eventually results in bloating and constipation, causing cramping. Drinking lots of fluids, eating fiber-rich foods, and regular movement can significantly help ease discomfort.

These practice contractions may seem like tightening or mild cramping in your belly. However, it is not the real labor. They typically happen after exercise, dehydration, or sex and might go away with rest.

Sometimes, cramping might be a sign your body is telling you something’s wrong. Here are the symptoms when you must get immediate medical attention.

If your cramps are intense, sharp, and won’t go away, call your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of:

Light spotting is normal in early pregnancy. But heavy bleeding with cramps is not and could mean:

Did you know that almost 10-20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and one of the first symptoms is cramping with bleeding?

If you have cramps along with a fever over 100.4°F, it's a sign to contact your doctor.This is because it could be a sign of an infection, including

If you're having painful contractions before 37 weeks, it might be preterm labor. Here are the indications that may signal preterm labor:

Cramps during pregnancy are common; however, not all cramps are normal.

If something feels off, the best thing is to call your doctor.