The first trimester is a special feeling as you are experiencing your upbringing for the first time. The number of changes takes place during your first trimester of pregnancy as there are minor to major hormone changes and development occurs in your body and fetus during baby progression. Cramp is the feeling of sensation on one or both sides of your abdomen. Cramping is the normal and usual part of pregnancy. Although there are times when cramping can be a serious matter of concern.
When cramping is a serious matter?
Preeclampsia
It is characterized by high blood pressure as well as protein in the urine. Severe preeclampsia can cause excruciating pain in the upper abdomen.
Premature labour
If your cervix begins to dilate before 37 weeks, you may experience increased pressure, abdominal pain, and cramping.
Pain
Pain in the lower abdomen and painful urination are symptoms of urinary tract infection.
Placental detachment
It consists in separating the placenta from the uterus before birth. This is a potentially fatal condition that is characterized by a painful cramp that does not go away. If this occurs, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
Ectopic pregnancy
This happens when the fertilized egg implants outside the womb. Ectopic pregnancies can cause severe cramping and are a serious medical condition that must be treated by a doctor.
Miscarriage
Vaginal spotting combined with mild or severe cramping can indicate a miscarriage, though some pregnant women with spotting and cramping can have healthy pregnancies. Contact your doctor right away if you are experiencing severe cramping and/or heavy bleeding.
Causes of Cramping
There are different factors that contribute to cramping during the first trimester of your pregnancy. These aspects include
Body changes
Cramping can be an occasional cause as it will be stretched and flooded with hormones in order to make sure that the body gets adjusted for the growing baby.
Intestinal alertness
Pregnancy has a direct connection with a few mild cramps. There are certain times during pregnancy when you experience other types of symptoms that will themselves produce cramping. Some of the examples of such cases include constipation, bloating, and gas.
Sexual activity
There are certain times one you found symptoms or cramping itself during or just after having any sexual activity. Although no need to worry as this cramping can disappear quickly.
Implantation
It is obvious and normal to suffer cramping at the time of implantation. At times you may feel irregular minor pain over the pregnancy.
UTI
Pregnant women have a high risk of Urinary tract infection nearby the sixth week of their first trimester. This could be the result of changes in the urinary tract. You may come across UTI if you are having to cramp in the lower abdomen.
Treatments for Pregnancy Cramps in the First Trimester
Early pregnancy cramps can be alleviated without the use of medication. To relieve pain, try the following home remedies:
- Apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle to the cramped area.
- Relaxation exercises should be done.
- Alter your position by lying down, sitting, or changing positions.
- Take a hot bath.
- Drinking plenty of fluids may also help prevent cramps.
When the cramping is more severe, you may want to try over-the-counter pain relievers. Some of the low doses of these medications are perfectly safe during your first trimester: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil), and Naproxen (Aleve).
Reference
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/cramping-during-pregnancy/