WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

The Pains of Period Cramps

The Pains of Period Cramps - What to know
Understanding the Causes
During pregnancy, your uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby. This expansion puts pressure on the surrounding ligaments and muscles, leading to occasional cramping sensations.
Additionally, as your pregnancy progresses, hormonal changes can also contribute to uterine contractions, which may feel similar to period cramps. It is important to note that not all cramps during pregnancy are harmless, and some may indicate potential complications.
Therefore, understanding the different types of cramps is crucial.
Differentiating Normal from Concerning
While mild cramping during pregnancy is generally considered normal, it is essential to be aware of certain warning signs that warrant medical attention. If the cramps are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, fever, or dizziness, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider immediately. 
These symptoms could indicate conditions like an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or preterm labor, which require prompt medical intervention. Your healthcare provider will be able to assess your situation and provide appropriate guidance.
Coping Strategies and Relief Measures
Although period-like cramps during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, there are several self-care strategies and relief measures you can try to alleviate the discomfort:
  • Rest and Relaxation: Taking time to rest and relax can help reduce muscle tension and ease cramps. Find a comfortable position, practice deep breathing exercises, and consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation or prenatal yoga into your routine.
  • Heat Therapy: Applying a heating pad or taking a warm bath can help soothe abdominal cramps. The warmth helps to relax the muscles and alleviate the pain. Just ensure the temperature is comfortable and not too hot to avoid any harm to you or your baby.
  • Gentle Exercise: Engaging in gentle physical activity, such as walking or prenatal exercises recommended by your healthcare provider, can help improve circulation, reduce cramping, and promote overall well-being. However, avoid any strenuous activities that could strain your body.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can also help reduce cramps. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and ensure you have a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including calcium and magnesium, which can help relax muscles.
All you need to know
H
Heather
1 Feb 2024

Has anyone had quick sharp pains in the vagina/pelvis area? I’m 17 weeks and I keep having like 2 second sharp pains but it comes and goes. Not like period cramps either.

6 comments
T
TayTay 🤰🏾🥰
It's round ligament pains.. your uterus is stretching
27 Mar 2024

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Heather
Okay thank you. Just wanted to make sure I’m okay. I had a miscarriage in march of 2023 so I just get paranoid easily
27 Mar 2024

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Briana
18 Jan 2024

Does anyone get period like cramps or even feel like gas pains in your abdominal? I also been having mild lower back pain. 😖🤧 #14weeks #backpain #cramps #secondtrimester #help

1 comments

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Cheyenne
3 Apr 2023

On the way to the hospital, mucus plug is out, only having bits of blood, like literally drips. But these pains are like mild period cramps every 30min, next post may be Valorie(I hope)😍

4 comments
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Destini Leann
Sending prayers out to you❤️❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

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marisela
How does it look like i thought mine was mucus plug i went to check with the dr to see everything fine but the next day i was bleeding alot i went to the hospital they told me i had cervical polyp i was like wat they checked they said i didnt had anything im so confused.😥
27 Mar 2024

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Marisabel
12 Mar 2023

I’m 30 weeks and I’m having period cramps but it’s constantly, it’s been an hour straight that I’m having the pains. 😪

2 comments
J
Jaira
Can be Braxton hicks
27 Mar 2024

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Xena
I had that yesterday I'm thinking Braxton Hicks nothing came of it.
27 Mar 2024

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Kaitlynn
18 Dec 2022

I’m having sharp pains down there. What could it be? And period like cramps. My water hasn’t broke.

4 comments
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Lena
U might be dilating but if your water hasn’t broke you should be fine
27 Mar 2024

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Maria
Same !my ob says it's normal
27 Mar 2024

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M
Masie
6 Dec 2022

So I thought the lower belly period like cramps was just a first trimester thing and then second trimester you would just have the round ligament pains but no I've been having cramps like every day now 😭😭

3 comments
S
Shauna
that’s normal cause the uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch to make room for baby, it can cause short, painful spasms.
27 Mar 2024

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Shauna
All they tell me to do is rest & they recommend home remedies
27 Mar 2024

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C
Casandra
21 Jun 2022

Constant lower back aches and cramps kinda feels like period pains. Anyone else have this and what did you do to help? Should I be worried

2 comments
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M4M4B34R
Heat pad low temperature for 20 mins at a time. I also have another that I sometimes sit on for the vagina cramps. The cramps are growing pains. If your not bleeding and they aren't extremely painful it's normal. If you experience any blood seek medical attention. Or if the cramps become so over powerful. I felt like I was having contractions when I was 6 weeks the pain was all over and I went to the er. I was told everything was fine. But listen to your body. You will know if it's time for a visit to the er or to call for help. I also experience really bad strong cramps on both sides of my lower stomach under my belly button but that's growing pains as well. Happens more when I go up another week milestone.
27 Mar 2024

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Dez
12 Jun 2022

I’m 34 weeks and I’m having cramps that feel like period cramps. When I lay down they start to feel better but when I walk around it comes back so idk what it is. I don’t think it’s labor or anything maybe just the ligament pains?😬

3 comments
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Katie
I get that too and im only 29 weeks. I dont think they are labor pains or even braxon hicks pains since i cant time them. Its just evwry now and then i get the cramps, like you said they feel like period cramps. I thinks that normal. No leakage. No blood. And my boy is kicking me all the time still.
27 Mar 2024

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Katie
like you said, prolly just ligament pains.
27 Mar 2024

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Amber
6 Jun 2022

Has anyone had implantation bleeding with light cramps 4 days before ur period? It’s really light flow not my normal period and I did put in a tampon cause I thought was my period but it’s not seeming like it. It’s diff the cramps and all. Cramping is like pressure and twingy pains. But when I wipe even with a tampon in it will be light pink. Cramping and pressure comes and goes. The blood looks watered down compared to period blood. Thanks in advance #confused

9 comments
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thania
Are u currently pregnanct if you are do not put tampons in you. If u think ur pregnant I wouldn’t recommend u to put a tampon either wear a pad or a liner . Take a test babe. Early response
27 Mar 2024

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Amber
Idk if I am. I pretty much thought so and then this happened and I am like is it my period or what?! I took a test three days ago and was negative but if implantation hadn’t happened yet that would explain that right? I would be 4 weeks and I think like 4 days or so if I am
27 Mar 2024

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Allie
23 May 2022

Experiencing cramps (like period cramps) and some sharp pains in my pelvic area . Went to the hospital Friday and I tested positive for the test that tells you that you are at risk of delivering soon. I’m now on bed rest.. anyone else experience this? I hope baby girl doesn’t come yet I’m only 30 weeks.

3 comments
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Allie
It’s called the fetal fibronectin test
27 Mar 2024

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