Cramps, a bit like period pains, are very common in early pregnancy. These are usually caused by changes in your hormones and by your growing womb. Sometimes stomach pains in early pregnancy can be a sign of something more serious such as: ectopic pregnancy.
“Any cramping that is severe in intensity, occurs at regular intervals and progressively gets worse with time is abnormal,” Dr. Nalla said. “In addition, any amount of cramping associated with vaginal bleeding, increased/watery discharge, or pelvic pressure is not normal either.”
As pregnancy progresses, physical changes can lead to back pain, pelvic pain, round ligament pain, and sciatica.
These are signs that indicate you should call your doctor immediately: Signs of preterm labor. These include vaginal bleeding or spotting, unusual fluid discharge, lower abdominal cramping, lower back pain, or regular tightening of the abdomen (contractions) that doesn't go away. Urination problems.
Abdominal or tummy pain is common during pregnancy. In the first trimester (weeks 0 to 12) it is common to feel mild pains in the lower tummy area. These are caused by hormonal changes and by your growing womb.
Since your uterus is mostly a muscle, these contractions feel like muscle cramps (in other words, they hurt). You'll usually feel these cramps on both sides of your lower abdomen or pelvic region. The cramps may come and go in waves or your pain may feel more constant.
Some amount of cramping and discharge is normal at 5 weeks pregnant, especially mild cramps or gas pains and white or clear discharge. But do contact your healthcare provider if the cramping is severe or particularly painful.
During early pregnancy, you may experience mild twinges or cramping in the uterus. You may also feel aching in your vagina, lower abdomen, pelvic region, or back. It may feel similar to menstrual period cramps.
sudden, severe swelling in your hands, feet or face. an extreme itchiness of your skin, including hands and feet. a large amount of swelling in your legs (which is also painful) if your baby has stopped moving or is moving differently.
Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy.
Mild stomach pain in early pregnancy (during the first 12 weeks) is usually caused by your womb expanding, the ligaments stretching as your bump grows, hormones constipation or trapped wind. It may sometimes feel like a 'stitch' or mild period pain.
"The majority of pregnancies will have some mild (light) cramping intermittently during the first 16 weeks," says Chad Klauser, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Pregnancy Symptoms Not to Ignore in Early Pregnancy
Contact your healthcare provider if the spotting is heavy and is accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal or pelvic pain, extreme lightheadedness, or shoulder pain. Persistent or severe vomiting.
Call your midwife immediately if you have stomach pain and:
vaginal discharge that's unusual for you. lower back pain. pain or burning when you pee. the pain is severe or does not go away after you've rested for 30 to 60 minutes.
Your fertilized egg is implanting in your uterus.
Implantation cramping is completely normal, and “may feel like a little twinge, aching or pulling sensation,” Greves says. It may also be accompanied by some light spotting called implantation bleeding.
Don t be surprised if you develop a bit of a 6 weeks pregnant belly. Although your 6 week embryo is still well down in your pelvis, some women, especially those who've been pregnant before, seem to show much earlier. General abdominal distention is usually the cause.
The pains may come and go. Usually, the pain from tummy cramps in early pregnancy is mild, and goes away when you change your position, have a lie down, or go to the toilet. Although these cramping pains are usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign that there is a problem.
Red flags to look out for in pregnant women include back pain, bleeding, headaches, hypertension and high fever.
Key Takeaways at 6 Weeks Pregnant
If you're not experiencing morning sickness, extreme fatigue or other unpleasant early pregnancy symptoms, consider yourself lucky. Baby's heartbeat is most likely detectable by ultrasound at this point.
Cramping. Slight cramping and typical discharge that's white or clear (or slightly tinted due to spotting) is normal at 6 weeks pregnant. It's a sign your uterus and the surrounding tissues are expanding to make room for your baby.
Symptoms of a miscarriage
The main sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, which may be followed by cramping and pain in your lower abdomen. If you have vaginal bleeding, contact a GP or your midwife.