Why do cramping in early pregnancy

Severe cramping that gets steadily worse over many hours may warn of a pregnancy loss, especially if there is bleeding. For many pregnant women, however, cramping is a temporary discomfort and not a sign of a problem. Ovarian torsion happens when an ovary or fallopian tube twists around the tissues supporting it. In some women, this happens following an ovarian cyst , but in others, there are no previous symptoms or warning signs. Although pregnancy does not cause ovarian torsion, it can occur during pregnancy.

Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency because it can cut off the blood supply and destroy the ovary. The ovary may rupture, which can lead to life threatening bleeding. Prompt emergency treatment is important for the survival of both the woman and the developing fetus.

Ovarian torsion causes sudden, sharp, overwhelming pain that may get steadily worse. The pain does not go away or get better with massage. For some women, the pain is intense enough to cause vomiting or fainting. An ectopic pregnancy happens when an egg implants and grows somewhere other than the uterus — usually in the fallopian tubes.

Factors that increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy include:. An ectopic pregnancy is not viable. If it continues to grow, it may damage organs or cause life threatening bleeding. Once a pregnancy implants in the uterus, it will not move to another location. If an ultrasound confirms that the fetus is developing in the uterus, a woman does not need to worry about ectopic pregnancy.

Numerous health issues, many of which do not have a direct association with pregnancy, can cause pain in the abdomen when a woman is pregnant. Some pregnant women may think that their uterus is higher in the abdomen than it actually is and, thereby, mistake other forms of abdominal pain for uterus pain.

Below are some other potential causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy and their symptoms:. A pregnant woman may also mistake gastrointestinal pain for uterus pain.

Constipation is a common pregnancy complaint that can cause a range of sensations in the stomach, including sharp or shooting pains. The right treatment depends on the cause of the pain. Women who experience normal early pregnancy aches and pains, such as those that are due to pelvic floor discomfort or round ligament pain, may find relief by:. Surgery can treat ovarian torsion.

In some cases, the surgeon will be able to save the ovary, but in others, this organ may require removal. A woman should see a healthcare professional at least once during her first trimester to confirm the pregnancy, assess its viability, and ensure that the fetus is growing in the uterus. This appointment provides a good opportunity to discuss aches and pains and to ask what is and is not normal. Placental abruption — This occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born.

This is a life-threatening condition and can be signaled by a painful cramp that does not go away. If this happens, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. When Should I Call the Doctor? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Similar Post. Pregnancy Concerns. Remedies for Migraines During Pregnancy How a pregnancy might affect your migraine and how you will manage is a common question for women who have….

Healthy Pregnancy. The CDC previously stated your risk…. Yeast infections or urinary tract infections UTIs may also cause cramping. UTIs can quickly lead to an infection in your kidneys. This increases your risk of going into preterm labor. Your doctor should test your urine at every appointment to make sure that there are no signs of infection.

Sexual intercourse can also lead to cramping. Many women who are lucky to have a healthy, normal pregnancy can continue to have sex right up until they deliver, according to the nonprofit HealthyWomen. But during pregnancy, you may find that sex feels somewhat different. It may feel less than pleasurable, due to your expanding tummy. Later in your pregnancy, orgasm can possibly cause you to feel mild contractions.

If you feel any of these symptoms after having sex, talk to your doctor. Even though mild cramps are a normal part of pregnancy, you should still talk to your doctor about your discomfort.

If you begin to see spotting or bleeding along with your cramps, it could be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. With a normal pregnancy, your ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube. When sperm fertilize the egg, it moves into your uterus and attaches into the lining. The egg continues to grow over the next nine months.

American Family Physician says that ectopic pregnancies occur in 1 to 2 percent of pregnancies. In rare cases, the fertilized egg may attach to one of your ovaries, cervix, or even to your abdomen. If you experience sharp pains that last longer than a few minutes, you should contact you doctor immediately. Another cause for serious concern is a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can occur at any time after week 20 of pregnancy. The Preeclampsia Foundation explains that at least 5 to 8 percent of all pregnant women are diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia may lead to pain in the upper-right side of your stomach. This can increase your risk of developing placental abruption , a condition where your placenta breaks off from the uterine wall before delivery.

Your doctor will check your blood pressure and urine at every appointment until you deliver your baby.