Cramping in Early Pregnancy
Many women get concerned by cramping that they experience in early pregnancy. Some might worry that this is a sign that their pregnancy is not viable and that a miscarriage is on its way. Fortunately, more times than not, that isn’t the case.
Cramping in early pregnancy is not only common but very normal. Some women might feel cramping as soon as seven days after they ovulate. If they are in fact pregnant, then this cramping is called implantation cramping and is the cramping that occurs when the egg attaches itself, or implants, to the uterus. It is not cramping that all women feel, and can be easily unnoticed.
Some women start cramping shortly after they get a positive pregnancy test as their uterus starts preparing to carry a baby for nine months. The uterus is a big organ and as it grows in early pregnancy cramping is expected. If the cramping is constant or too intense for you to handle however it may not be “normal” and you should call your doctor if you feel you need to for reassurance.
Another type of cramping you might feel in early pregnancy is called round ligament pain. This is cramping that occurs as the muscles under your uterus expand and grow in order to support the weight of your uterus and baby as it grows. This is probably the most complained about cramping in early pregnancy, and one most pregnant women will experience.
Cramping in early pregnancy is usually nothing for a woman to get worried about. Actually you can be comforted by knowing that if minor cramping does occur, then your body is probably preparing as it should to sustain the pregnancy. Cramping can also continue into the second and third trimester as the uterus continues to grow and as the body prepares for labor. But if you ever feel that the cramping is not normal, be sure to call your doctor for advice.
Did you have cramping in your pregnancy? Please share your story with us.
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Becky says...
I experienced cramping early on in both of my pregnancies, and my OB suggested drinking more water, which did help quite a bit.
Erika says...
my cramping is inconsisent,
and doesnt last for long,
but im still not sure if this is normal.
help???
Dana says...
this is my 2nd pregnancie and my cramping is decently bad but wont last for more then a few seconds should i be craping this much???
HELP????
liz says...
My husband and I are trying to conceive, I noticed about 2 days after intercourse that I have begun having a dull, constant ache (but just barely noticeable) in my stomach. The only time it eases up is when I rest. Is this a normal sign of conception? It’s still too early to tell, but for the past week now it hasn’t gone away. I’m hopeful, but still uncertain of what to look for. It almost feels like pre-menstrual symptoms, but constant and WAY earlier (about 2 weeks earlier) than when I normally begin to have those symptoms before a period and also more constant than what I normally feel at “that time.”
zanobia says...
i had cramping too but im scared ill have another misscarriage cuz i was hit in the stomach twice
monica says...
I actually was told yesterday that my pregnancy test is positive but have been experiencing cramping for about a week already. At first the cramps were light as if my period were going to start but now they are uncomfortable. I am very concerned as we have been trying to conceive for 3 years & just last year had a biochemical pregnancy as well. Progesterone is at 17 as of yesterday & I go back for more blood work tomorrow. Anyone have any words for me?
Jessica says...
I have just found out that im pregnant and no further along than 4 weeks. I have been cramping slightly throughout the day and more intensely in the evening. It’s not unbareable just discomforting. I have two children before this pregnancy and don’t remember the cramping starting so early on, but every pregnancy truly is different.
Jessica says...
Im very newly pregnant.. And Iv had cramps for about a week now.. They are non stop but very light.. They arent hurting too bad.. Just kind of annoying.. As one person said that maybe water will help.. So thanks for the suggestion :]
Roxana says...
I’m 9 weeks pregnant and i do have cramping…after reading this artical it helped me understand why the cramping started…i had a misscarriage the first time and i dont want another….i’m going to drink more water maybe that will help…thanks!!
Natalie says...
I’m 5 weeks in my pregnancy and had to go through IVF. I have been cramping since implantation and my IVF doctor said that cramping is a good sign that thing are going well .He said that it should start to become less and less, and it has over the last two weeks
Ana says...
Hello I just found out I’m pregnant this past weekend, I’m probably 4 weeks and these last two days I’ve also had cramps. They’re very light cramps and they also come and go. I’ve also experienced minor lower back aches, but luckily the pain is not strong. I still go about my day. I will also drink a bit more water, maybe it’ll help.
Ken says...
My fiancee is just shy of 8 weeks and is having severe crampings and swelling already, and water doesn’t seem to help the situation. If she can’t get to her OB, has anyone else experienced this and can they make any recommendations?
Anna says...
I’m 5 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I’ve had cramping for 5 days, with a little spotting. The spotting has gotten better in the past 2 days. My midwife’s nurse said the spotting could be from implantation. I have a 9 month old daughter and didn’t experience the cramping with her in my first pregnancy. I did have some spotting in my fourth week and ninth week with her. My current cramping is very consistant. I still feel “pregnant”, very hungry and slightly nauseous. I’m wondering if my cramping could be my uterus expanding, like the article states. The water suggestion is a wonderful one. Since I’m still nursing a baby, this might be a real key for me.
Mrs.Campbell says...
This is my first pregnancy and i have been cramping not often but i do, and i work and i have to stand on my feet most of the time,and when i start to cramp i sit down as soon as possible and then it stops is this normal and should i be concerned about it?
Jacquelyn says...
I just found out today that I am 3 weeks pregnant, and I have been experiencing HORRIBLE cramping, during the day alot, but especially at night when i lay down, in fact I stayed up crying last night cause the pain hurt so bad. I went to the doctor today and they said things are still too early to tell, but there was no signs of anything bad. This is my second child and I have never experienced this kind of cramping, not even during mentstrual cycles.
Lori says...
I have had 2 kids and with both I experienced very severe cramping (worse than period cramps) right up until the second trimester started. Both of my kids were born full term with no problems, so this kind of cramping must be harmless.
Sarah says...
Im going into my fifth week and i too have had some cramping. just little blips throughout the day… but nothing major. this morning however, i woke up and they are constant just in one place. they arent so much pain fuol as they are annoying because like i said its right under my belly button a little to the right just comes and goes every few seconds. i hope it isnt to much to worry about, this is my first and my hubby and i have been trying for almost a year.
Nicole says...
I am 7 weeks pregnant and had severe cramping and bleeding. The cramping was triggered by my fibroids so if you have fibroids and are pregnant cramping is likley to happen. It will be intense then start to die down. In the beginning when I was 4 weeks I thougt I was having a miscarraige the pain was unbearable since then it has died down significantly. I was advised to take tylenol from my doctor and it helped me alot. I still have the bleeding I was told it was implantation bleeding but I didn’t think it would last this long. I still feel pregnant, hungry and sick at the same time. Cramping as I have been told is normal and will range in pain. Ask your doctor if you could take tylenol since it is the only pain reliever we can take unless otherwise stated by your doctor. Good luck to all
Sarah says...
I am 5 weeks 4 days pregnant and I’m having cramping on my right side. It is worse when I stand up and move around. I’m nervous because this is our 3rd pregnancy after two miscarriages. I’m wondering why it would only be on the right side?
Stacey says...
I am almost 5 weeks pregnant and I, too have had moderate to severe cramps. They seem to get worse at night. I have called my doctor and she said that it is more than likely normal. My HCG levels are doubling like they should, so I am trying not to worry. I am drinking a large glass of water right now!
Roxanne says...
I am 6 weeks pregnant and I too am having cramps off and on even some lower back pain - none last week, back this week and worse at night. I’ve had one miscarriage two months ago. I am waiting for my HCG levels from the Dr. today to offer me some peace of mind. I have done my best to stay positive, but this is very scary.
Aleena says...
I am six weeks pregnant and have experienced cramping only on my right side as well. It’s not real bad but I was concerned because I have two children and I didn’t experience cramping like this with either of them. I hope it’s nothing and everything will be just fine.
Aleena says...
I have been searching other sites and I found some interesting information on familyresource.com. For those of you like me who have had other pregnancies without cramping and now you are experiencing it, here is some info that was on their website. “Some women who have had more than one child will experience a very strong, shooting pain in their groin/hip area. These pains subside with walking or standing but are very intense when the woman first stands from a lying or sitting position. Many women have asked their doctors what this is only to come away with no concrete answer because the pain varies each time it strikes. What this pain actually is, is the tendon(s) in the groin area. They become weaker with each pregnancy and can cramp strongly. The only way to combat this type of cramping is exercise to strengthen the muscles in this area to compensate for the weakness in the tendons. A lot of walking through the pregnancy will not only help with this cramp, but will also make labor and birth easier in the end.” Also I am experiencing pain on just my right side, near where the ovary is and I learned that you can have ovarian cramping due to changes of hormones in your body. I hope this helps!
nicole says...
Last night I too started to get the cramping I’m 5 weeks. I drink a lot of water throughout the day so I don’t think that’s the issue. It seems like every one on here is 5 weeks or close so I guess it should be normal! This is my second.
Kara says...
Hey everyone, I was supposed to get my period on sunday and now it is saturday it has almost been a week and yet no period. I am 19 and have never been pregnant but I have had sore breasts, and I have had cramping all week long and yet my period still hasn’t come… I know that there is a possibility that I might be pregnant, I haven’t taken the at home pregnancy test yet. Does anyone think that this cramping that I am getting is from pregnancy? Or can you miss your period for a whole month but still have cramping? Please help!
kmessina0715 says...
I am about 3 weeks pregnant. this is my second pregnancy, but I lost my first at just 4 weeks. I have been experiencing cramping this time around, and have searched several sites this evening which all say that such cramping is normal during implantaion. reading everyone else’s stories has helped to ease my mind. Thanks ladies, and congrats to you all!
Laura says...
I am 5 weeks along also and have experienced cramping today. I had a miscarriage in May so of course I am very worried, but I am not bleeding. I also have two children and I don’t really remember this early in the pregnancies with them. The pain is mostly in my back and actually gets better when i walk around. I am also much more bloated than I was during my first two pregnancies. I am sure that is because I do have two children already, I’m older now, and I was extremely thin and a little under weight when I was pregnant with them. Now I am a more normal size although I could lose 10-15 pounds-I have to wait now of course. I am 5′6″ at 136 this is the most I have ever weighed except during my pregnancies.
Steph says...
I’m so glad I found this website. I too am about 4weeks. I had my blood test done today, but am waiting for the officical results. I’ve also since Sat. been having pretty strong cramps on the right side and a little under my belly button. I drink alot of water, but I’m scared to death. I’ve had two misscarriage and I feel a little better knowing that others are having the same cramps in the same place. My nerves are a mess. I My God be with you all.
Anna says...
This is my first pregnancy and I don’t know how far along I am. Haven’t gone to the Dr. yet. I took 3 tests on Wed. and they were all positive. I had intercourse with my boyfriend last night and woke up spotting. Now I am also having cramps on my right side but I think I am working myself up because I am reading about eptopic prgnancies. I keep hearing that the spotting is normal as long as It’s not red. I go to the Dr on Thu. but I’m nervous.
mrs. kennedy says...
today i make five weeks and 1 day i’ve been cramping for about a week and spotting for about four days on and off mostly during the day . i do feel a little better knowing i’m not alone
Crystal says...
I’m 3 weeks pregnant this is my first pregnancy and i started cramping yesterday and today. I started to worry but after reading everyone comments made me feel a little better, thanks for the advice on the water.
Megan says...
It is very much possible that i could be pregnant..but it has only been about 6 or 7 days since I had intercourse and I am having slight cramping as if I am going to start my period but it has never came…I dont know if this cramping could mean I am pregnant since most of you have said you are at least 4 weeks along and it has only been about a week since i ovulated/had intercourse?
Tina says...
Thank goodness for this site. I’ve took 3 pregnancy tests - all have shown negative. I’ve been cramping for way over a week now - it comes and goes. I am nauseated, tired, and my lower back hurts. I truly “feel” pregnant. I think if I am I am no more than about 4 1/2 weeks, so I’m gonna give it a little more time and then try another pregnancy test. THEY ARE BREAKING ME UP!! Lol
corina says...
WELL IVE BEEN CRAMPING LIKE 1 WEEK AFTER THE INTERCOURSE AND THERE MORE INTENSE IN THE EVENINGS I KNOW EVERYTHING IS WELL MY LORD IS WITH ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, AND I YET HAVENT FOUND OUT IF IM PREGNANT FOR SURE BUT I HAVE HAD TENDER BREASTS AS WELL AS LOWER BACK PAINS AND I JUST HAVE THAT FEELING INSIDE OF ME IF IAM PREGNANT IM ABOUT TO BE 4 WEEKS. I HOPE TO FIND OUT SOON THESE WOULD BE MY 1ST PREGNANCY AND IM 19.
Dee Dee says...
I’m about 4 weeks and 5 days and I’ve been cramping a lot. I’m thinking its due to gas. So excusing myself along with water does help.
Sharmay says...
Hey girls…firstly, congrats to you all…I did two pregnancy tests yesterday and both came out positive. Went to the doc for some blood tests yesterday afternoon and am anxiously waiting for my results. The cramping has been on and off for about two weeks now but is worse at night.. feels like the worst period cramps ever. I agree with the water theory but only found that out by accident. If the blood work comes out positive, this will be my first pregnancy and I am really excited. Thanks for all the input on the cramping, it is kinda a relief knowing its happening to other women and its normal. Peace
Judy says...
I know that I ovulated a week ago and am trying to have a baby. A day or so after sex, I’ve been cramping and it hasn’t stopped since. It feels like my period is coming but I don’t expect my period to come for another 2 weeks. I’m also getting dizzy and light-headed. It’s too early to take a pregnancy test, so I’m waiting and hoping that I am pregnant. I hope this a normal sign of pregnancy and not my body playing games with me.
Lisa says...
I too, am trying to have a baby (my second) after struggling with infertility for almost 7 years. I would only be almost 4 weeks pregnant, and haven’t tested until tomorrow. I’ve been haveing cramping, lower back pain, sore breasts, and sensitivity to some smells. At times, it feels like my ab muscles are burning (like after sit ups) and it helps to lean back or lay down to take the pressure off. I also can’t button my pants and still be comfortable. It’s hard to stay positive, but this chat helps. I was afraid it meant I wasn’t pregnant. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. Good luck to everyone and wishing all happy, healthy pregnancies and babies!
Kelly says...
I am 5 weeks and dealing with cramping and low back pain with no bleedingas well. I did not have these symptoms with my 1st child. I am gonna give it one more week and drink more water…if symptoms don’t improve I will go to my dr. and request a ultrasound to rule out etopic pregnancy and view the baby’s heartbeat as it can be seen on ultrasound at 6 weeks. Then that will give me piece of mind and relief…hopefully I can get thru the next week emotionally with just water alone….This is scary!
Sharmay says...
Hey girls, got my results back and I am just over four weeks pregnant. Yay!!!! Cramping is still there but back pain is now adding to the cramping..no bleeding though. Anyone know if this is normal? I’m scared to death of losing this baby… it is already so loved…
Jessica says...
I am so glad I found this site. I am 5 weeks and 1 day with my second child and I have been experiences mild period like cramping on and off for about 2 weeks now. I didn’t have any of this with my first pregnancy that i can remember. This is a huge help reading this. I am scared of losing my baby. I will try lots of water.!!
Gina says...
Ok, I have had 2 extremely devestating miscarriages within the past year, the second one I felt a little bit crampy and miscarried at 5 weeks. I’m happy to have found out that I’m prego again but scared out of my mind….have been cramping for about 5 weeks and I’m 6 weeks along! Anyone have any suggestions?I cant bear to lose a third. I have already cut my work time in half to rest up….please help!
Jamie says...
I so badly want to get excited, and yet I still try to keep my feet on the ground just in case. I had cramping about 5 days after ovulation for about two and a half days now and at night when I lay on my stomach I feel pressure in my uterus. Also sore breast, frequent urination, and nausea. Could I be imagining this? One and a half weeks untill my period is due. Blessings to all.
Gina says...
Ok, has anyone out there HAD these terrifying cramps and a healthy pregnancy along with it? I feel like we’re all just posting that we are having cramps and just feel better because so many other people are having them too. Doesnt mean we’re all ok….. ) :
Daphne says...
WOOOhh!!! im glad I came across this site; Im sure going to sleep better ; ). Ive just tested positive for a home pregnancy test & my doctor cant see me until Tues (5 days). I have been experiencing some mild, yet annoying & very unassuring cramping. I was just starting to freak out since its been coming & going the last 2 days. My best friend had an ectopic pregnancy so her description was always about ‘pain or cramping really bad’, but 4rm what i noticed mostly w/ the women on here is that their really early in pregnancy & the cramps arent too bad. I pretty much know my body, but just the thought of something being ‘wrong’ w/ my 1st pregnancy can really bring the paranoia out. Im still trying to see a dr. much sooner, but @ least I feel a bit more @ peace 2nite. To those on here that says they have terrible & unbearible pain, my advice to you is to see a dr. asap & not take any chances. Good luck to all you Moms & Future Moms!
aefinlon@sbcglobal.net says...
I tested postive with a pregnancy test and For the past 4 days I have had the worst cramping. Everyone told me that I was 5 1/2 weeks along, and that my condition was bad. I raced to the er and the did the blood test to see if I was and I am. Thee couldn’t see anything on the ultrasound, they think that I am Three weeks along. They also think that they see the gestational sac. Am I and my little one going to be ok? My husband and I have love this baby. We pray that he/she will be healthy.
Ms Trish says...
Hi Ladies,
My husband and I are trying to conceive. I have had two miscarriages over the last year and four monts. The first at 20 weeks, which was a bit devestating and the second at 5 week. I was drawn to this site because I was looking for information about cramping in the beginning of pregnancy. I have been cramping for a few days now as if I am about to start my cycle but my cycle isn’t due for another 2 weeks. Maybe this is the real deal! Also, with the baby that I lost at 20 weeks, I was taking shot of progesteron because my progesterone levels were low and I was instructed to drink plenty of water. I foolowed those directions but unfortunately I still miscarried my baby.
I just want to say Good Happenings for all you ladies trying, hoping and preparing to conceive.
Brittany says...
I haven’t seen the doctor yet, but I think I’m 4-5 weeks pregnant. When I first found out I was pregnant, I had light cramps that went away. But then I would wake up with horribly, scary, painful cramps that would last about 20 minutes and then go away. Since this is my 1st, I called the doctor and he said it’s normal as long is it’s all over pain (not just on one side and unbearable) and it’s not constant and that I could take Tylenol. I did and it did the trick. Since then, light cramping during the day and really sore breasts. Also, my sleeping is off since I have to get up at least 3 times to go to the bathroom! I see the doctor on Thursday.
Melissa says...
Yesterday i started having dull cramps in my right side (in line with the hip bone and above the pelvis).The pain got worse when standing/walking and lessened with compression and a hot pack. It has subsided today but i can still feel residual discomfort where the pain was. It is not like period pain. My husband and I, have only just started trying this month and brought a maybe baby ovulation tester - according to the tester i started to ovulate Sat/Sun last week. I had cysts on my ovaries in the past and the pain feels similar…Could this be implantation?
Jane says...
Can anyone give me some reassurance. I found out i was pregnant 4 days ago and had a lot of strange feelings in my stomach but today i have had a constant dull pain in my lower pelvic area on the left side. Is this normal?
amber says...
I am 5-6 weeks. I started about 2 weeks ago with cramps and then they would get more at night. The last two nights I woke up with the worst cramps and I guess they last for 20 mins. My boss who is a family doctor said this is normal but I am going to see my Ob/Gyn tomorrow….