While pregnant, a woman’s body goes through a number of changes which leave her with numerous new sensations as well as experiences, especially in the case of women who are pregnant for the first time. Many women wonder which of these changes are normal and safe and which ones need to be reported to the doctor immediately, in order to prevent complications. Hence, it is common for a pregnant woman to be very confused, at times. One such confusing condition is experiencing menstrual cramps during pregnancy, even though menstruation ceases on becoming pregnant.
These cramps are not caused by menstruation but are called so as they are similar to menstrual cramps. 'What causes menstrual cramps during pregnancy' is a very common question asked by expectant mothers. At various phases in a pregnancy term, the causes for abdominal cramps vary. Menstrual cramps during early pregnancy are mainly caused due to the implantation process. Around a week or so after ovulation, the period during which a mature egg gets fertilized by a competent sperm, the fertilized egg begins to embed itself in the uterine wall. During this phase the egg burrows into the uterine wall and this action causes a small amount of abdominal cramping as well as bleeding. Since this happens very early in the pregnancy, women mistake them for premenstrual symptoms. Pregnancy complications such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage could also lead to cramps similar to menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps during pregnancy - second trimester, are mainly triggered by the pressure exerted on the ligaments that hold the uterus in place.
These cramps generally start at the sides of the uterus and spread out to the pelvic region as well as the lower back. As the uterus expands and becomes heavier, the strain increases and so does the cramping. However, these cramps do not last for a long time. Ligament related pain is also common during the third trimester. Indigestion, urinary tract infections as well as irregular bowel movements, especially constipation, could also cause some amount of cramping in the abdominal region. Menstrual cramps during pregnancy - third trimester could be either signs of false labor or actual labor. In the case of false labor cramps, they ease on walking around and are not regular. Menstrual cramps during late pregnancy are bound to be labor signs. These cramps increase in intensity over a period of time and occur at closer intervals as the time for childbirth nears. These cramps are caused as the uterus contracts to push the baby out into the birth canal while the cervix dilates.
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