Cramping during pregnancy

Cramping during pregnancy is a common incident but in case the intensity of cramping is felt intolerable by the carrying mother, it is wise to call the attending gynecologist to investigate the reason for cramping.If we know the common causes for cramping during pregnancy, it will be easier for us to decide between harmful and harmless cramping during pregnancy.

There are different reasons for cramping during pregnancy. The most common causes of cramping during pregnancy can be dived two phase like cramping in early period of pregnancy and cramping during late pregnancy.  Phase wise the common causes or cramping are discussed here with outline details.

In early pregnancy period, the pregnant ladies suffer from cramping problem due to implantation. Implantation, in general occurs after 8-10 days of ovulation. Although the intensity of implantation cramping is mostly mild type, but in many instances carrying ladies can sense their pregnancies by this initial cramping in lower abdomen.

As the pregnancy advances by days, the reproductive system of the carrying mother gets prepared to carry the growing fetus and accordingly the uterus starts stretching and expanding to accommodate the fetus in it. With the stretching of the supportive uterine ligaments, mild cramp might be felt by the pregnant mothers.

If there is any problem in pregnancy and there is any chance of miscarriage, severe cramping might be felt by the pregnant lady. In addition to these issues the problem of ectopic pregnancy also causes severe cramping. In case of severe intensity of cramping immediate consultation with doctor is essential.

There are some more triggers for mild to moderate cramping in early pregnancy; these are flatulence pain and constipation. With natural clearance of gas and regular bowel movements, these cramping issues can be managed.

As the pregnancy advances, risk for abdominal cramping set to increase. The common cramping reasons in advanced pregnancy phase are stretching of uterus, Braxton Hicks Contraction etc. However, the alarming issues like pre-term labor, early labor also induces moderate to severe cramping discomfort for the mother.

As it is difficult to differentiate the harmless and harmful cramping issue by self intuition, it is wise to contact doctor in case of cramping problem during pregnancy.