Pregnant Cramps - 5 Causes of Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

What are the possible causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy? Should you be alarmed? Why do they occur? All these are questions that both the newly pregnant and those women who are more experienced ask. You should endeavor to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of normal and excessive abdominal pain. This is because knowing the difference between both types of cramps can potentially save your life. The aim of this article is to empower you with that ability by revealing 5 causes of pregnancy cramps.

1. When the embryo implants itself into the walls of the uterus, it may cause abdominal pain. This happens during the first trimester and is not usually something to worry about because it is normal.

2. During your second trimester, your uterus begins to expand. This expansion of the ligaments and muscles that support the uterus is due to the fact that your baby is growing bigger. As a result of this expansion, a dull ache across your abdomen may occur. You may also experience a sharp pain on one side of your abdomen, which usually occurs when you are rising up from a sitting position.

3. If you experience pregnant cramp during your third trimester, then it is most likely due to a condition which is referred to as Braxton-Hicks contractions. This condition usually accompanies false labor which is the irregular and often painless tightening of your uterus. Ensure that you go to the hospital if this degenerates into regular cramping which is accompanied by vaginal discharges or if your water breaks because you may actually be experiencing real labor at this point.

4. Once you begin to notice that your pregnancy cramps are very strong and that they linger for awhile without abating, you should contact your health care giver because this could be a sign that there is a more serious problem tied to your abdominal pain. Sometimes you may also notice that you are bleeding through your vagina or experiencing fainting spells. Conditions that may be responsible for this include, but are not limited to, the following; ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, and so on.

5. Pre-term labor is another common cause of pregnant cramps. It is characterized by the presence of pelvic pressure, regular contractions, vaginal discharge and period-like clamps prior to your 37th week of pregnancy. It is advised that you contact your health care provider if you notice these signs.

While you are pregnant, you should try to get as much rest as you can. You must realize that you are now responsible for someone else besides just yourself. Moreover, lying down and relaxing is one of the best ways to relieve pregnancy cramps.