Cramps, a bit like period pain, are very common at the start of pregnancy. They are usually caused by hormonal changes and the growth of your uterus. Sometimes abdominal pain in early pregnancy can be a source of anxiety.
You may wonder if this is just a normal occurrence or a sign of miscarriage. Since there are many causes of cramps or lower abdominal pain and your body changes quickly, the answer is not always obvious. However, being able to distinguish normal pain from others can help you see things more clearly.
What Do Cramps Look Like In Early Pregnancy?
During the first trimester, your body prepares for the growth of the baby. These changes can cause mild, temporary pain that can be considered normal. When you are pregnant, your uterus begins to grow.
At this time, you will likely experience mild to moderate cramping in your lower abdomen or lower back. You may then feel a stretching or pulling sensation similar to regular menstrual cramps.
Since the uterus is a muscle, it is not uncommon to feel pain or discomfort each time it contracts. It's perfectly normal and it happens to all women. Once you get past the first trimester, you may experience occasional cramping.
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Implantation Cramps
Implantation cramps can be an early sign of pregnancy. Implantation cramps sometimes occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. These cramps are often similar to the pain felt before the arrival of your period.
It is unusual to experience intense cramping during implantation. This phenomenon tends to occur six to twelve days after ovulation, around the time of implantation. Light bleeding or mocking may accompany implantation cramps. This is called the implantation bleeding, lighter bleeding than normal menstruation.
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Pelvic Pain
The pelvic pain concerns 10 to 15% of women. Symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome may not show up until you become pregnant, but may get worse when the uterus expands. This is because during pregnancy, the blood vessels expand to accommodate the increased blood flow.
This expansion can cause the valves responsible for keeping blood flowing in the right direction to malfunction. When these valves malfunction, blood backs up into the veins, which become swollen and painful.
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Ligament pain
During pregnancy, ligament pain is common and considered a normal occurrence. As the pregnancy progresses, the ligaments become more flexible and can stretch, usually causing pain in the right side of the abdomen or pelvis.
Differences Between Menstrual Cramps And Pregnancy Cramps
As mentioned earlier, cramps appear during pregnancy due to the adaptation of the uterus. However, cramps in early pregnancy are not the same as period cramps.
Menstrual cramps occur during menstruation and usually occur when the uterus contracts to expel its lining under the effect of prostaglandin. They are more intense and continue until the end of the rules. Pregnancy cramps are usually milder and located in the pelvic area at the lower abdomen.
How To Relieve Period Pain During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women may experience more severe pain during the first few weeks of pregnancy due to increased blood flow to the uterus. It's important to pay attention to any symptoms occurring during your period or during pregnancy.
Severe cramping can be a sign of serious complications such as an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes. To relieve the pain associated with the usual changes of pregnancy, choose non-drug methods such as rest and the application of heat.
The use of Ibuprofen and aspirin is particularly not recommended from the 6th month of pregnancy. Consult always consult your doctor before taking any medication, because some can be contraindicated during pregnancy.
Anyway, If your cramps persist, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. Even if everything seems to be going well, it is better to make sure there are no problems, rather than to ignore signs that could indicate something more serious.
CBD to relieve menstrual pain?
CBD is often considered a natural option for relieving period pain. Its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially ease menstrual cramps, discomfort, and inflammation associated with this time of the menstrual cycle. Some preliminary studies suggest that CBD may have a beneficial effect on pain and inflammation regulation.
However, it is essential to note that the consumption of CBD during pregnancy is a delicate and controversial subject. Research on the use of CBD by pregnant women and its impact on maternal and fetal health is still limited and ongoing. for more information, we recommend that you consult the article: Can CBD be consumed during pregnancy? on a site specializing in the sale of quality CBD
