Just because your period is taking a nine-month break, doesn’t mean some familiar symptoms might not stick around. Abdominal cramping is usually a dull ache or pain that can occur during all three trimesters of pregnancy.
What causes it?
Often, abdominal cramping happens as a result of the contraction of uterine muscles as the uterus grows. Cramps might happen when you are constipated, behind on water intake, or are physically exerting yourself a great deal. They can also happen after sexual intercourse or an orgasm. Lastly, some abdominal cramping during pregnancy is a result of your growing uterus applying pressure to the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. This is also known as round ligament pain and could feel like sharp pain and/or cramping. As pregnancy goes on, abdominal cramps that persist or come in waves can be a sign of preterm labor.
A few tips!
- Try stretching, changing positions, and making sure you’re well-hydrated.
- Take a warm (not hot) bath or shower to relax the achy areas.
- Getting overheated can also cause cramping, so make sure to avoid any heat therapy that is prolonged or overly warm.
Symptoms like cramps are very common, but if the cramping is severe or doesn’t go away with simple changes, always let your OB provider know, especially if you’re not full-term yet.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M. “Round ligament pain: Understanding this pregnancy complaint.” MayoClinic. Mayo Clinic, 9/10/2014. Web.
