The first week of pregnancy is not usually what many women expect. So getting aware of those first week pregnancy symptoms can greatly help the first time expecting mothers to avoid the stress that accompanies with the positive pregnancy result.
Most women do not experience any symptoms during pregnancy week 1. Remember that it is too early and your body may even don’t know about how to react to these changes that just happened.
Some women experience pregnancy symptoms that are almost similar to menstrual symptoms. So, most people think that their period is about to arrive. For such women, slight cramping, exhaustion, breast tenderness, moodiness, and loose stool may occur. It is common to experience one or any combinations of these symptoms.
During the initial weeks of gestation, a woman’s body undergoes several changes, which can be the reason for pregnancy cramping. Also, during the implantation process, women may experience cramping in the lower abdomen. It is not necessary that all the pregnancy cramps are the common pregnancy symptoms. Sometimes, it can be an indication of a miscarriage.
The reasons for early pregnancy cramping:
Expansion of the uterus
During the preparation of the female body for the upcoming baby, it releases higher amounts of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones will send a signal to the uterus to expand according to baby growth. Once the uterus starts increasing in its size, the ligaments that support the uterus will also stretch and thus causing mild cramping.
Implantation
Also, during the implantation process, women may experience cramping in the lower abdomen. During this process; some women may also experience spotting. Implantation occurs between 6-12 days after ovulation. Also, you may not notice any cramps after the pregnancy test becomes positive.
Spotting or bleeding
Most women experience spotting or bleeding during the initial days of pregnancy, which can cause cramping. If the cramping accompanied by spotting or bleeding, then it can be a sign of miscarriage.
Ectopic pregnancy
During this, the implantation of the embryo takes place outside the uterus. This condition can cause various symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, spotting, bleeding etc.
There are various other reasons that cause cramping during early pregnancy, such as constipation or gas. Constipation during pregnancy can result in several other problems along with cramping.
Pregnant women need to consult the doctor immediately if:
- The cramping accompanied by bleeding
- The intensity of the cramps increases with the time
Also, when you consult the doctor, you should report about the cramps and the severity of the pain. So, your doctor will determine whether the pregnancy cramps are affecting you and your baby.
