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Pregnancy Myths

Fact or Fiction?

MYTH: Cramping in early pregnancy is a sign of miscarriage.
Shawn A. Tassone, M.D. (OB/GYN)

What makes you cramp? Well, let's see, what is in your pelvis? Early in pregnancy there are a multitude of things that can cause cramping. The structures of the pelvis that can cause this sensation are uterus, ovaries, bladder, bowel, muscle, and tendons. In the first ten weeks of pregnancy the uterus is expanding and swelling larger than it has ever been (if this is your first pregnancy). This stretching and growth can cause some minor irritability and cramping in the uterus. In addition, one of the ovaries will have the corpus luteur cyst of pregnancy, and this can cause a cramping sensation on one side of the lower abdomen. Constipation from increased progesterone levels can cause a fullness and cramping sensation in the lower pelvis, and bladder infections can also create feelings of cramping in the pelvis. None of these problems would necessarily be attributed to miscarriage, but the sensation of cramping can definitely be related to miscarriage. We usually recommend that if you are experiencing severe cramps and/or heavy bleeding (heavier than during a normal menses), you should call your physician immediately or proceed to the emergency room. Overall, cramping during the first trimester of pregnancy is a common occurrence and can happen for many reasons, most of which are not a threat to the pregnancy.
Shawn A. Tassone, M.D. author of "Hands Off My Belly! The Pregnant Woman's Guide to Surviving Myths, Mothers, and Moods"
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Community Comments (13)

Comment from kerynor234 » Posted Sep. 22, 2018 10:27am
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Comment from kerynor234 » Posted Apr. 2, 2018 4:03pm
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Comment from dayalove » Posted Sep. 27, 2015 8:57pm
As someone who has gone through a miscarriage and is (hopefully, testing tomorrow!) going through another pregnancy, miscarriage cramps are much different than what is normal. In my experience, they lasted a while and were really painful.

Comment from NewlyPreggie » Posted Jan. 15, 2015 10:33pm
This article has been reallwy helpful. Thank you!

Comment from unaone » Posted Sep. 23, 2014 11:55am
I have some cramps lower down ... but more tired then anything x


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