Are Cramps an Early Pregnancy Symptom?

Women who are looking forward to missing a period get disappointed when they start to feel cramping that is close to what they go through when they menstruate. And, women who are willing to practice family planning and do not want to be pregnant may express a sigh of relief when experiencing menstrual cramping. Irrespective of whether you are actively trying to have a baby or not, it is difficult to find a convincing answer to whether cramps are an early symptom of pregnancy or not expect from a gynaecologist.

Causes of Cramps

According to About.com, uterine cramping is the feeling of pressure in the form of a tingling or burning sensation in the abdomen at the time of menstruation. This cramping is caused by prostaglandins.

Is it an Early Sign of Pregnancy?

A lot of women get surprised when they hear that cramping that is like the one experienced when going through menstruation is also a sign of pregnancy. A lot of women wonder if the abdominal discomfort that they experience at the time of their menstrual period is a symptom of pregnancy or not. The answer is that sometimes, mild cramping is one of the most common signs of pregnancy and occurs the same time the menstrual cycle is expected.

Cause of Cramping in Early Pregnancy

When the fertilised egg burrows into the uterus’s lining, the woman may go through slight cramping and spotting. Sometimes, the ovary that releases the egg that has been fertilised causes minor discomfort on that side of the woman’s body from where the egg was released.

Cramping in the early phase of pregnancy is not something that needs be worried about. If, however, you experience cramping and severe pain, you may be going through ectopic pregnancy or an impending miscarriage. It is therefore, in such instance, important to consult the doctor. Remember that the uterine cramping in early pregnancy only causes mild discomfort in the form of slight pain that mimics menstrual cramps.

To put it all in a nutshell, cramping during pregnancy is a sign of early pregnancy in some women and may not be the same in others. If you go through cramping that is similar to the one that you used to go through when about to menstruate, wait a while as the discomfort is likely to subside within a few hours, but if it gets severe every minute, consult the doctor.