Mild cramping in early pregnancy is one of the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy. It can either occur during implantation of the zygote on the uterine wall or due to the expansion and extension of the uterus to accommodate the growing fetus...
Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body encounters all sorts of changes, be it hormonal or physical. The body's functioning changes completely in order to accommodate the new individual. As the fetus grows, more and more changes are seen in the body. Cramping is one of the early pregnancy symptoms that can cause quite a bit of discomfort to the expecting mother. Several women get apprehensive on encountering cramping in early pregnancy. They get all worked up and panic, fearing a miscarriage or pregnancy complications. However, this is not true! Mild cramping in early pregnancy, that is during the first trimester, is a common observation and need not be feared in most cases.

Reasons for Mild Cramping in Early Pregnancy

The different underlying factors responsible for the mild cramping during pregnancy are as follows:

Implantation Cramping
The moment the egg gets fertilized and successfully implants itself on the walls on the uterus, a woman's body begins to encounter a series of changes with respect to hormones as well as other bodily changes. When the egg implants itself on the uterine wall, the uterus tries to expel the fertilized egg by contracting. However, once the fertilized egg successfully implants itself on the uterine wall, the uterus accepts it readily and begins to prepare for the new arrival. Uterine contractions to expel the zygote, is what conduces to implantation cramping in women.

Uterine Preparatory Cramping
The uterus is supported in the pelvic cavity by ligaments. As the fetus grows in the womb, these ligaments stretch in order to accommodate the growing fetus. As the pregnant woman changes positions, these ligaments may cramp up. Moreover, the uterus begins to stretch itself to accommodate the growing fetus and placenta. All this stretching and expanding results in mild cramping during pregnancy. Lying down on one's side helps subside the cramping. Exercising is a good way to ease cramping and strengthens the ligaments in the groin area.

After Sexual Intercourse
Pregnant women experience cramps both during and after orgasm. This is because when one is pregnant, increased levels of blood flows towards the pelvic area. During sex, blood flow to the genitals naturally increases, thereby resulting in cramps and slight backache. These cramps go away gradually and a slight back rub will help ease the cramping. Having warm water baths will also help ease away the cramps.

Constipation and gas pains are also reasons for triggering mild cramping in pregnancy.

When can Cramping be Dangerous

As we have already seen, mild cramping during pregnancy is a common phenomenon. However, if the cramping is accompanied by spotting or bleeding, it can be an indicator of possible miscarriage. Tenderness of the belly, severe cramping and heavy bleeding are often followed by miscarriages. Thus, in this case, cramping is dangerous.

Another case where cramping is dangerous is, ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is one in which the egg gets implanted in the fallopian tube, cervix or abdomen instead of the uterus. Sharp pain experienced on one side of the belly can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy and early diagnosis has to be done, so as to save the fallopian tubules from rupturing. The other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are feverish feelings, pain in the shoulder, blood clotting, dizziness, pelvic pain and headaches.

Mild cramping in early pregnancy is actually a sign that one's body is preparing to sustain the pregnancy. If the cramping is severe or is accompanied by bleeding or spotting one should waste no time in consulting your health care provider. Moreover, cramps accompanied by tenderness down in one's belly is also a reason to be concerned about. If you find the cramping disconcerting, speak to your gynecologist, who is at a better position to say if it's safe or something to be concerned about.