WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Cramps, a pregnancy symptom

Cramps
It is a mild to moderate discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, which can be caused by the uterus expanding, hormonal changes, or other factors.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Cramping during your pregnancy can generally be common and normal.

The reasons behind the cramps are the important things to take into account.

Some of these reasons include round ligament pain. As the uterus expands, the ligaments stretch, causing sharp, shooting pains in the lower abdomen or groin.

Another reason could be implantation cramping which is light cramping that can occur when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, usually around 6-10 days after conception.

Constipation is another reason to consider. As hormone levels change during pregnancy, it can cause constipation, stomach discomfort, and in turn causes cramping.

Let's not forget gas and bloating. Hormonal changes can also slow down digestion, leading to bloating, gas and notably, cramps.

All this said, know that these are all common and normal reasons for cramping. Nothing to stressed about or be alarmed with, when it is on a mild to moderate level.
Prevent and care
Proper management of cramps is essential to avoid discomfort and potential complications.
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. 
  • Include foods rich in calcium and magnesium in your diet to support muscle health. 
  • Gentle calf stretches before bedtime can help prevent nighttime leg cramps.
Leg cramps are common during the second and third trimesters, affecting about 30% of pregnant women. They can be uncomfortable or painful and are often related to changes in circulation and pressure on leg nerves.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
If the cramping is severe, or accompanied by heavy bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately as these could be signs of a more serious issue.
Top Asked Questions
Why do leg cramps occur during pregnancy?

Leg cramps can be triggered by factors such as changes in blood circulation and pressure on nerves in the legs.

When are leg cramps most common during pregnancy?

Leg cramps often occur during the second and third trimesters.

Are there any medications to relieve leg cramps during pregnancy?

It's best to avoid medications and focus on preventive measures like hydration and gentle stretches.

View Sources
L
Lara
26 Aug 2023

Guys I’m scared I started cramps about a couple hours ago and I started off as period cramps but now I’m having intense cramps that tighten every 8-10 mins, could this be Braxton? Or early labor ?

5 comments
C
Chilynn
If ur before 37 weeks and have at least 4 contractions within an hour u should definitely go in to get checked just to make sure it isn't preterm labor and etc
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
L
Lara
I did have about that much or maybe a lil more but they stopped once I ate ice, I am still cramping tho so I’m a lil confused what’s going on
27 Mar 2024

Answer


T
Tegan
28 Jun 2023

Well last night I had cramps that felt like period cramps. Haven’t had cramps since like 5 weeks so it was very annoying. They went a way after an hour or less but like dang!

3 comments
A
Angel
No bleeding?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tegan
No bleeding
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Alyssa_momof3
5 May 2023

Anyone having cramps that feel like cramps you get with diarrhea and upset stomach?

8 comments
T
Tiffany Woods
Your muscles is moving out the way for your baby to grow❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Aliyah
So damn annoying. But like Tiffany said I always try to remind myself my body is doing what it needs to do for baby.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


V
Victoria
1 May 2023

Any ladies having cramps (like period cramps) and cramps in your back no Braxton Hicks though? 

3 comments
B
Brittany
Yes almost everyday now
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Ashley
Yup every evening it seems
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nevaeh
21 Apr 2023

Addition to my last post, I am having some cramps Yesterday were my period cramps but now they are just random light cramps And I'm still having nausea

3 comments
A
Aneika
You should go to the doctor
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
🕸
🕸💀⛓ Trei ⛓ 🌹🦇
Are you taking your pre or postnatals and eating properly? I know you're currently breastfeeding. That and your body is still healing from the last birth. Your current little one is still taking nutrients from your body to grow. If you aren't replenishing yourself with a balanced diet or taking prenatals as if you are pregnant still, it can deplete whatever you have stored in your system and that can be bad for you in the long run. 😥
27 Mar 2024

Answer


✨Hidayha✨
8 Jan 2023

I’m having Mild cramps that feel like period cramps in my uterus and lower backkk 🥹😮‍💨

5 comments
A
Ambria
Me too .. I’m like when am I suppose to know when to go in 🤦🏾‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
✨Hidayha✨
This morning I’ve had bloody discharge like bright pink .. I’m confused too lol
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Adrianna
27 Dec 2022

These cramps are no joke it feels like somebody stabbing in the in the stomach 😩😒

3 comments
T
TeamBoy🐆Tyriq
Hope you feel better hun😥
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Adrianna
Thank you
27 Mar 2024

Answer


G
Gretta
28 Sep 2022

Is it normal to feel cramps that feel like period cramps in your first three to six weeks

3 comments
B
Bry 😘
Yes I did . Your uterus is stretching & starting to expand .
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
G
Gretta
Thank you I’m starting to get so worried
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Kayla
27 May 2022

I've been getting cramps all day since last night and they come and go, idk what it is. My dr said braxton hicks or uterus stretching, im not bleeding, not fluid leaking or anything just really uncomfortable cramps

4 comments
A
Ariana
I get them too! Sometimes just feels similar to period cramps or as if I have gas and there’s a lot of pressure
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
S
Sofia Veira
Hi hi!!!! Please make sure you get your urine checked. and that you don’t have a UTI! I had a UTI untreated and I didn’t know!!! And I started cramping at 25.6 weeks. ! And I almost went into labor and had to be injected with steroids shots . Not to scare you but just check it out 🥰🥰🥰
27 Mar 2024

Answer


D
Deepika
19 May 2022

8 weeks here. Having cramps in my lower belly like period cramps. Is it normal? Have had mild cramps before but nothing like this. It hurts.😞

6 comments
S
Shahira
I would say it’s normal just make sure you’re not bleeding, if you start bleeding enough to fill a pad that’s when you should be concerned
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
L
Lexx
Yes I had this to this is normal
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms