Abdominal cramping in early pregnancy is likely to make any woman nervous, especially if it is her first pregnancy. Often, however, this cramping begins before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Having cramps is not always a sign that something is wrong: in fact, many times in early pregnancy, abdominal cramping can be a sign that something is right.
Time Frame
The first two weeks of a woman's pregnancy actually occur before she becomes pregnant, as strange as that may seem. Ovulation often takes place around the 14 day mark, and fertilization takes place shortly after that. It isn't until around the end of the fourth week that a woman may begin to suspect she is pregnant. Abdominal cramping in early pregnancy can be caused by several things during the beginning of the first trimester.
Cramping Upon Implantation
When a fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, a woman may experience what is known as implantation cramping. According to the Mayo Clinic, implantation occurs somewhere around the third to fourth week of pregnancy. Because this is around the time most women expect their next period to start, it may be mistaken for normal menstrual cramps. Implantation cramping may also be accompanied by bleeding, though it is usually lighter than a regular period.
Normal Cramping: Considerations
According to the American Pregnancy Association, some cramping may occur early on in a woman's pregnancy simply because her uterus is changing. Early in the first trimester, the uterus is preparing for the growth and support necessary to help the small cluster of cells develop into a baby. While these cramps may be a bit disconcerting, they are usually nothing to worry about. Additionally, the APA reports that cysts may develop in the spot on the ovaries from which the egg was released, called the follicle. This is not terribly comfortable for the woman, but the APA states that is perfectly normal. During early pregnancy, these cysts can cause abdominal cramping and discomfort for some women. However, they do not pose any danger to the pregnant woman and should disappear as her pregnancy progresses.
Cramps as a Warning
Abdominal cramping early in pregnancy is sometimes associated with an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus. Medline Plus reports that a common location for an ectopic pregnancy is in one of the fallopian tubes, though it can also occur in the abdomen. Ectopic pregnancies are not that common, and occur in around 1 percent to 3 percent of pregnancies. Cramping associated with an ectopic pregnancy may depend on the location of the implanted egg, but it often occurs in the abdomen or pelvis. In addition to cramping, other ectopic pregnancy symptoms include low back pain, bleeding, nausea and low blood pressure. Unfortunately, Medline Plus reports that an ectopic pregnancy must be terminated, or it may risk the mother's life.
Advice for Women With Cramps
What should you do if you experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy? Call your doctor. Chances are that your pregnancy is progressing as normal, and the cramping is a sign that all is well. However, it is a good idea to have any concerns about your pregnancy addressed as soon as possible, both for yours and your baby's health, as well as your own peace of mind.
