When you're pregnant, it's natural to notice—and fret about—every new ache and pain in your body. This goes double for cramp-like pains in your lower abdomen that may cause you to worry that you're having a miscarriage. Show But cramping during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is surprisingly common and does not necessarily mean you're having a miscarriage. A 2016 study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that although 85% of women experienced abdominal cramping at some point during their first 20 weeks of pregnancy, only 28% miscarried. Read on to learn about the many reasons you might experience cramping during early pregnancy that are quite normal and ways to relieve the discomfort, as well as how to recognize when lower abdominal pain might indicate a problem that requires a call or visit to your doctor. Causes of Cramping in Early PregnancyThere are quite a few reasons you might experience cramping during your first or second trimester of a healthy pregnancy. Most are perfectly normal and completely benign.
How to Relieve Cramping in Early PregnancyWhatever might be causing you to have cramps or lower abdominal pain during early pregnancy, once you've ruled out a serious problem, there are several things you can try to ease your discomfort.
Do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without checking with your doctor first. Research has found that these medications may not be safe during pregnancy. One study, published in 2018 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that taking NSAIDs during early pregnancy might increase the risk of miscarriage. When to WorryMost of the time, cramping in early pregnancy is caused by any of many of the changes that naturally take place as your body changes and adjusts to accommodate a growing baby. But you should always let your caregiver know if you're experiencing cramps that really concern you or that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
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By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD,
MPH Thanks for your feedback! How does the abdomen feel in early pregnancy?In early pregnancy, a bigger belly or feeling of tightness is probably due to digestive changes. As your uterus takes up more room in your pelvis, it's pushing your intestines upward. In addition, hormonal changes are slowing your digestion, leading to increased gas and constipation.
Can early pregnancy make you feel weird?You'll feel unusually weepy and emotional. Your libido goes from hot to cold then back to hot again. You might also experience mood swings. This is very common during early pregnancy.
How early in pregnancy do you feel twinges?Some women feel the first twinges of pregnancy a week or two after conceiving, while others won't notice any difference for weeks or even months.
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