The first trimester, or 0 to 13 weeks of pregnancy, is full of new sensations and experiences. Cramping is one of the most common sensations that any pregnant woman undergoes in her first trimester. Your body is changing and is preparing itself for pregnancy. It needs to make space for the new life to grow. Cramps during early pregnancy are often misunderstood as the start of periods. Cramps can be often associated with mild bleeding. Do not worry if you see this; however, you need to alert the doctor immediately in case you have heavy bleeding along with pain.
Your uterus is surrounded by muscles and tissues that enable it to expand during pregnancy and contract during child birth. The expansion and contraction of these tissues is triggered by hormones. As the baby grows, the ligaments stretch. When you change positions, these ligaments cramp up on one or both the sides, leading to lower abdomen pain. This becomes more common when you complete fourteen to twenty weeks of pregnancy.
When do you feel the cramps? Most of the women feel the cramps when the fertilized egg latches to their uterine wall. When this happens, there can be spotting or mild bleeding. Another reason why you may feel the cramping is when the hormones trigger the tissues for the expansion of your uterus to get ready for the preparation of the baby. This can be very uncomfortable and may feel like period cramps. While you are in the fourteen to twenty weeks of pregnancy, your uterus grows and pressurizes the ligaments. At this stage, your uterus hasn’t grown so much to pressurize the pelvic bones. This is the time when you are again going to feel the cramps.
Ways to relieve the cramps. In case you are suffering from cramps, here are some things that you can try to relieve the pain. If you feel that you are having a ligament cramp, try lying down on your side till the cramp disappears. Trying hot water compression will also help you find some relief; however, these cramps tend to disappear the moment you rest for a while.
Avoid self-medication. Consult your doctor before you pop any medicine inside your mouth. Eat right and follow a good nutrition.
Abstain from sex during this time. Sex does not hurt you or your baby but it can increase cramping and can cause spotting that can plant the fear of a miscarriage.
Cramps are generally mild and bearable. However, if you feel it is getting painful, then alert your doctor immediately.
Submitted by P T on February 23, 2010 at 11:53