If you think that having a baby in your belly will come with a cramp-free period in your life, you are mistaken. While the menstrual cycle comes to a halt during pregnancy, something similar to cramps could happen throughout your pregnancy. In some cases, such pain indicates a problem, but mostly the period pains during pregnancy are a usual part of a healthy expectant mother.

When and Why Does Period Pains During Pregnancy Happen?

1. Implantation

When an egg is fertilized, it is implanted into the uterine lining of the uterus. This can be escorted by implantation bleeding (spotting). Both cramping and implantation bleeding are known to be signs of a healthy pregnancy; however if you do not experience such symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your pregnancy.

2. When Missing Period

During the early period of the pregnancy a menstrual cramp like feeling is experienced by women; however, they do not bleed. This menstrual pain is highly usual in pregnant women and many do not link it to their pregnancy because they aren’t aware of the pregnancy themselves. Furthermore, one may experience increased tiredness, which can make the menstrual pain seem even bad.

3. Growing Uterus

The uterus is a small organ. So in order to lodge the growing baby, your uterus must grow considerably in size during a short time. This growth can be quite agonizing because your uterus is pushing other internal organs to one side, efficiently compressing your insides. This cause of pain is totally normal and does not indicate any sort of problem with the pregnancy.

4. Round Ligament Pain

The round ligament pain is more common during the second trimester of pregnancy, but in some cases it can occur early on. The pain experienced is of very low character and found chiefly in the abdomen. The round ligament pain is produced by the muscles beneath the uterus, mounting to support the weight of the growing baby. The round ligament pain is also considered a normal part of pregnancy.

5. Intestinal Distress

As your pregnancy advances, your growing uterus will put more and more weight on your intestines. This can produce a dull pain in the abdominal region. Many pregnant women feel constipated during pregnancy. Locating the position of your period pains during pregnancy can help in diagnosing the type of distress.

6. Braxton Hicks Contractions

Comparatively early on in the pregnancy, you may feel your uterus constricting. Occasionally, these contractions are erroneously taken for labor contractions. These contractions formulate your body for the delivery at the end of the pregnancy period. These retrenchments can relax your cervix. It is, however, vital to differentiate Braxton Hicks contraction from labor contractions. While Braxton Hicks are asymmetrical, trivial in nature, and do not upsurge in strength or intensity over time, labor contractions come at unvarying intervals, growing in rate and severity over time.

7. Ectopic Pregnancy

Cramps early on in the pregnancy may also be indicative of a problem. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg rests in the fallopian tube instead of in the uterus. This condition is dangerous and should be given instant medical care. Extreme cramping is a sign of ectopic pregnancy, as you may also notice that the pain is not in the middle of the abdomen but constricted to one side of it.

8. Miscarriage

A miscarriage is usually supplemented by menstrual-like cramps that can vary from negligible to severe. The intensity of these period pains during pregnancy will hinge on how far into the pregnancy you are. The later the pregnancy period, the more intense is the cramping.

When to Worry

When Pain Is Not a Cause for Concern

• After intercourse: sex is one of the most common causes of cramping because semen comprises of prostaglandins that excite the uterus.
• Bowel movements or passing gas bringsrelief: this means that the pain is most probably linked to a gastrointestinal issue rather than problems of the uterus.
• Severity changes with different positions: this is a sign that what you're undergoing is connected to distending of the uterus or its supportive ligaments.

Signs that Should Not be Ignored

• More than 6 contractions: such number of contractions in an hour could be a sign ofpreterm labor.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or bleeding: these problems accompanied by cramping can be indicative of anectopic pregnancy.
• Pink discharge: itmay be a sign of pretermlabor because it can mean your cervical length is fluctuating.
• Persistent cramping: if you are carrying more than one baby and have a history of preterm labor, ectopic pregnancy or haven been detected with a reduced cervix earlier, persistentcramping can increases the risk of preterm labor.
• Back or abdominal pain: intense abdominal or back pain allied with nausea, vomiting, and pyrexia could be symptoms of kidney stones, appendicitis, or gallbladder disease.

How to Relieve Period Pains During Pregnancy

• As a first step, sit down, ease out and raise your feet. If you are having minor stomachaches, get a hot water bottle and put in on your tummy for soothing effect.
• A warm bath might help to comfort aches and pains during pregnancy.
• Sometimes a change in position is useful. Lying on the opposite side, walking around and stretching can also help.
• A full bladder or bowel can cause uterine cramping, so go to the toilet to empty your bladder.
• Taking a recommended pain killer like paracetamol can help reduce the pain.
• Drink lots of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid starchy food to prevent constipation.
• Some deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga can assist in relieving the tension or pain. Use other techniques to consciously ease tensed muscles.