Are cramps in pregnancy normal?
It’s completely understandable to worry about stomach pain in pregnancy and be anxious about this being a sign of miscarriage. But stomach pains or cramps are common in pregnancy and usually nothing to worry about.
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. It’s is probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind.
You may also feel light period-like discomfort or cramps at the end of your pregnancy. This is nothing to worry about, but call your midwife if you have any concerns.
When should I report stomach pain in pregnancy?
Stomach pain can be very worrying for pregnant women. Pain can make you fear the worst, such as a miscarriage. It’s important to listen to your own instincts. If you are worried about any pains you’re having, or you just feel like something is wrong, contact your midwife. Don’t be concerned about wasting anyone’s time. It’s always best to get things checked out.
If you are having persistent stomach pain (pain that won’t go away) or cramping, or if the pain comes on suddenly it should be checked by a doctor or midwife immediately.
What stomach pain and cramps should I look out for in pregnancy?
Most stomach pain and cramps in pregnancy are nothing to worry about. But there are some symptoms you should know about as they could be a sign of something more serious.
If you feel any of the following pains, even if you're not experiencing any of the other symptoms listed, call your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately.
Severe pain on one side of the lower stomach in early pregnancy
This pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms may include:
- bleeding
- pain in the tip of your shoulder
- brown discharge
- feeling faint or dizzy
- discomfort when pooing or weeing.
Severe cramps in your stomach with or without bleeding that lasts for several hours
This could be a sign of a miscarriage or placental abruption.
Regular painful contractions/cramps before 37 weeks
This could be a sign of premature labour, especially if you also have:
- either a slow trickle or a gush of clear or pinkish fluid from the vagina or any increase in vaginal discharge
- backache that’s unusual for you
- cramps like strong period pains
- a feeling of pressure in the lowest part of your stomach (pelvis).
Severe pain in your stomach that doesn’t go away
This pain could be a sign of placental abruption. Other symptoms may include:
- tenderness when you press your stomach
- back pain with or without bleeding.
Pain in the upper stomach
Pain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy because your baby is growing and the uterus is pushing up under the ribs. But if this pain is bad or persistent, particularly on the right side, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Other symptoms may include:
- a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet
- a very bad headache or a dull headache that won’t go away
- problems with your vision, such as blurring or flashing lights
- vomiting or just generally feeling unwell.
Pre-eclampsia usually develops in the second half of pregnancy (from around 20 weeks).
Lower stomach pain or dull back pain
Call your midwife if you have this pain and one or more of the following:
- pain or discomfort when weeing
- a need to wee often (on its own this is common in a normal pregnancy)
- a raised temperature (over 37.5°C)
- wee that smells bad, is cloudy or bloody
- feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting.
These are symptoms of an urinary tract infection. It's not an emergency but should be treated as soon as possible.
What other kind of stomach pain should I expect?
Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are a sign that the muscles of your womb are tightening. This can happen from as early as 16 weeks, but are more common in later pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks’ contractions are:
- irregular (more than 10 minutes apart)
- short-lasting
- uncomfortable more than painful.
You do not need to contact your maternity unit or midwife unless your contractions become painful and regular (less than 10 minutes apart).
Contractions/cramps after 37-40 weeks could be a sign of the early stages of labour. This is called latent phase of labour.
Read about our pregnancy insider's experience of aches and pains during pregnancy.
Read more
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Discharge in pregnancy
Having more vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common, but speak to your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about any increase or change in your vaginal discharge.
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Swollen hands and feet in pregnancy
Swelling or puffiness of your hands and feet is common in late pregnancy.
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Itching in pregnancy
Some itching around the stomach is normal as your skin is stretching around your growing baby.
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My baby is not growing in pregnancy
A growing bump is the sign of a growing baby. Your midwife should start measuring your baby from 24 weeks to make sure they are growing well.
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My midwife isn't listening
If you feel your midwife isn’t listening to you, you can ask to see another member of the team.
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I just think something is wrong
If you feel that something is wrong, or if you are worried about the baby, call your midwife or doctor to talk about it.
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Painful urination in pregnancy
If you have a painful or burning sensation when you wee (urinate), you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
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Vision problems in pregnancy
Vision problems can be caused by different issues in pregnancy. If you have vision problems always tell your midwife or hospital straight away.
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Headaches in pregnancy
Mild headaches can be caused by hormones and are common in pregnancy.
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High temperature in pregnancy
If your temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius, even with no other flu or cold symptoms, call your doctor or hospital maternity unit.
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Diarrhoea and vomiting in pregnancy
Stomach bugs are common in pregnancy. It is very unlikely that your baby will be harmed from a bug lasting less than 48 hours.
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Baby movements in pregnancy
Fetal movements can be anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well.
Sources
NHS Choices. Stomach pain in pregnancy https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/stomach-pain-abdominal-cramp-pregnant/ (Page last reviewed: 01/05/2018. Next review due: 01/05/2021)
NHS Choices. Premature labour and birth https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/premature-early-labour/ (Page last reviewed: 29/11/2017. Next review due: 29/11/2020)
NHS Choices Pre-eclampsia https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/ (Page last reviewed: 07/06/2018 Next review due: 07/06/2021)
NHS (2017) Urinary tract infections www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/ (Page last reviewed: 12/12/2017 Next review due:12/12/2020)
NHS (2017) You and your baby at 33-36 weeks pregnant www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pregnancy-weeks-33-34-35-36/ (Page last reviewed: 17/07/2018 Next review due:17/07/2021)
Hide detailsℹLast reviewed on September 28th, 2018. Next review date September 28th, 2021.
Comments
Please note that these comments are monitored but not answered by Tommy’s. Please call your GP or maternity unit if you have concerns about your health or your baby’s health.
I have experienced this a lot
By Anonymous (not verified) on 15 Oct 2019 - 12:30
I have experienced this a lot it is normal
Help
By Con (not verified) on 15 Aug 2019 - 21:57
My partner is 24.5 weeks pregnant and having consistent pain in upper abdominal area any advice what it could be or what I could do would be greatful pain that bad she can't move or stand
Help
By Midwife @Tommys on 16 Aug 2019 - 16:01
Your partner should contact her maternity unit as soon as possible for urgent assessment of this pain as it is constant and she cannot move or stand
Re:help
By Rach (not verified) on 17 Aug 2019 - 09:28
I had nasty pains from gall stones in my last pregnancy. The pain was sort of upper abdomen between my ribs and also shooting through to my back. I ended up going to the hospital where the stone passed on it’s own (it felt like I was tearing in half!) then I was perfectly fine again. It took several doctors to figure out what it was though. Any pain is worth looking into, keep getting second opinions until you find an answer, particularly if your partner can’t focus on anything else.
10 weeks pregnant
By Marie (not verified) on 13 Aug 2019 - 21:46
10 weeks pregnant pains in my right side of my tummy and back is the normal or should I get it check out
Unending abdominal pain
By Dee (not verified) on 9 Aug 2019 - 20:10
I'm 17 weeks pregnant with my second child, I've been having abdominal pains since the beginning of this pregnancy, consulted, done sonar , they just can't find anything wrong. I struggle to sleep @ night, can't sit for long, can't stand for long, it's getting worse by day. That's my 1st experience to this pains, was ok with my 1st pregnancy...
#worried#
Abdominal pains and cramps
By Happpiness (not verified) on 6 Aug 2019 - 22:51
Am just 6 weeks pregnant and am having abdominal pains and cramps like menstural pains is it normal please I need an answer??
Pains like period
By Jennifer (not verified) on 13 Aug 2019 - 22:18
Am just 5weeks pregnant and I’m feeling pain/cramps as if my period is coming
Is it normal And when will i stop feeling such way??
Abdominal pains and cramps
By Sana (not verified) on 16 Aug 2019 - 22:38
I am 5weeks pregnant same I got pain cramps I been t doc cause I was worried they checked they go it’s normal in pregnancy so don’t worry
Abdominal pains
By Ruth (not verified) on 26 Aug 2019 - 17:29
Hi did you ever have it sorted out?
It is normal as I had it with
By Becky (not verified) on 29 Aug 2019 - 03:58
It is normal as I had it with all my pregnancy even the one I'm carrying now it's common in early pregnancy your uterus is stretching in preparation for birth if you are worried go to your nearest epu center contact the doctor or midwife if you have been assigned one yet
I'm 7 to 8 weeks pregnant I
By Edna (not verified) on 24 Jul 2019 - 21:26
I'm 7 to 8 weeks pregnant I started bleeding yesterday I was scared I went to see my doctor he gave some injections after some minutes the bleeding was heavy,I went to another midwife she gave me vitamin k injection so the bleeding stop but now I don't bleed heavily again,I want ask if I and my baby is okay?
Is it a symptom of pregnancy
By Anthonia (not verified) on 17 Jul 2019 - 11:52
I had an unprotected sex two days before my ovulation, and now I feel hot in my chest and my stomach, could this be pregnancy symptoms?
Answer to her question
By Hannah (not verified) on 2 Aug 2019 - 16:47
Since you had sex 2 days before your ovulation... It's sign that you may be pregnant, but the best option is for you to for pregnancy test.
I missed periods day
By Phumzile (not verified) on 15 Jul 2019 - 17:58
I miss my period date on the 10th of July bt now I hv cramps I feel tired always nd I hv lose of appetite
Missed Period
By Tracy (not verified) on 18 Jul 2019 - 20:50
Most likely it may be that you are pregnant. But to be sure , take home pregnant test.
Same
By Linniey (not verified) on 27 Jul 2019 - 12:28
Just found out m pregnant was feeling how you are feeling after missing my period
Pregnancy
By Britania (not verified) on 5 Aug 2019 - 15:25
You are most likely to be pregnant
Confused
By Sinead (not verified) on 11 Jul 2019 - 18:18
Hello on Wednesday i took a test and was positive i took on today and was negative i been having really bad pains in my stomach since yesterday what should i do?
pain on lower side (left) stomach
By Hosea (not verified) on 9 Jul 2019 - 06:45
am just 3 weeks pregnant and have pain is it ok..
I'm pregnant 6 weeks l have
By Youseline (not verified) on 8 Jul 2019 - 07:46
I'm pregnant 6 weeks l have pain on lower stomach and back it normal guy's
I’m also 6 weekS day 1 and
By Anonymous (not verified) on 29 Jul 2019 - 17:54
I’m also 6 weekS day 1 and experience period like mild cramping on my lower abdomen and back. They go away and come back! I believe it is the uterus stretching and making room for baby. As long as u don’t have brown discharge or heavy bleeding.
Hi looking for an advice,
By Anonymous (not verified) on 7 Jul 2019 - 17:07
Hi looking for an advice, after 3 days of my menstrual i had sex so after 2 weeks i feel pain in my abdomenal an a week is this a sign of early pregnancy?
Pregnancy
By Thabie (not verified) on 5 Jul 2019 - 15:53
I missed my period on 5 June starting having cramps in 4 weeks back,back pain nausea vomiting,i also had upp tummy pain even my right side ,and my abdomen was painful.But now it's the left sight near my abdomen and my thy is weak and having headache.Today I took pregnancy test and it became positive does it mean I'm having miscarriage
last month I miss my period n
By Anonymous (not verified) on 3 Jul 2019 - 14:26
last month I miss my period n toda
Pain in the abdomen
By Kemi Abdulazeez (not verified) on 1 Jul 2019 - 19:18
Having pain in my lower abdomen and this come last and go like 10 min between and I’m just 14 weeks pregnant
Is there something I should be worried about?
Am I pregnant
By Rink (not verified) on 29 Jun 2019 - 20:25
My 1st day of the last period was on 1st june 2019. . My menstrual cycle is within 28-30 days.. We had unprotected sex on 12,13 and 14th june.. After 4-5 days, i started suffering from lower abdominal pain and feel like vomiting and weak.. The lower abdominal pain hasn't said lower it's 28th today..Is this a sign of pregnancy? I have checked on the 7 day after having sex, but it showed negative.. Please suggest something
Under stomach pain and back pain
By Kalyssa (not verified) on 29 Jun 2019 - 04:46
I have been passing out for the past two days and I been having pain under my stomach and on my lower back.
Pain in stomach
By Amanda (not verified) on 30 May 2019 - 14:17
Hi am having pains round my stomach I gas out at all time, an I had sex with my man 15 days after my period. Could it be pregnancy pls I need help. Thanks
IVF PREGNANCY
By Gracy (not verified) on 29 May 2019 - 09:29
I had my blastocyst ivf transfer on the 19/5/19 and today is my 11 day after the transfer. My period has past 3 days . Three day after de transfer ,l had some cramps and a very faint yellowish blood only when l wipes and it stop few days. Today 29/5/19,l have two running stomach. Please what may be the cause. This is my 3rd ivf ,the 1st &2nd ivf failed. Any concerns please ? am very worried
I had unprotected sex two
By Nelisiwe (not verified) on 28 May 2019 - 13:30
I had unprotected sex two weeks back and it was the last day of my period am i pregnant coz i am having back pains and a running stomach?
Upper abdominal pain in 16th week
By Khizra (not verified) on 23 May 2019 - 05:51
I m having upper abdominal pain and shocks on and off since 6 hours usually shocks appear with pain after every 20 secs and i m in 16th week.plz help
Abdominal pain
By Cortney Sosa (not verified) on 20 May 2019 - 09:02
Hello,
I am 8 weeks pregnant and i haven't had any complications until an hour ago. I'm having really bad abdomen pain and idk if its because I had a cigarette or because I had some of my boyfriends beer. But it won't go away and it hurts really bad, ive had a miscarriage last year but it happened so fast because I didn't even know I was pregnant. When I found out i was pregnant it was already too late amd the hospital said I was having an incomplete miscarriage. I haven't seen a doctor yet since I've been pregnant because I'm waiting for my Medicaid to approve.... Should I go to the hospital or see if it goes away.
Please stop drinking and
By Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Jun 2019 - 17:29
Please stop drinking and smoking. It’s not worth it to have another miscarriage. Your baby deserves more than this!
8 weeks
By Danielle (not verified) on 20 Jun 2019 - 03:17
Go to hospital on safe side since you already had miscarriage before. Please don't smoke and drink very unhealthy for you and baby. Take easy and you will be fine.
All I can say is see your Dr
By Mel (not verified) on 23 Jun 2019 - 14:33
All I can say is see your Dr or call your midwife ASAP, it's better to find out now then later so you are prepared
Eee
By El123 (not verified) on 29 Jun 2019 - 08:01
I had a beer too when I was 8 weeks and I felt some contraction pain just the same so I guarantee its the beer.
Paving Sharp Pain
By Trish (not verified) on 20 May 2019 - 08:47
I had an unprotected sex. After six days l had a sharp paving pain and could not sleep with the pain, and hot. The pain only last a day. Now an on my second week. Feel tired very tired . Am gassy too much this has been going on for four days the gassy
Lost of appetite
By Charles Kanu (not verified) on 19 May 2019 - 12:41
Hi!!
My wife is about 12 weeks pregnant and experiencing lose of appetite and because of that she's loosing weight, is it normal??
I can be common to experience
By Jae (not verified) on 14 Jun 2019 - 19:59
I can be common to experience nausea and loss of appetite during pregnancy. but if she’s losing weight she should see the dr.
twins pregnancy
By tyra (not verified) on 18 May 2019 - 17:49
hi m 35 weeks twin pregnancy my twins drops already i fell pain upper of my stomach and some cramps in uterus like i should go toilet for poo and also diarrhoea smptoms. whats must i do? m sorry about my poor english
5 weeks pregnant, severe pain
By Jade Grobler (not verified) on 13 May 2019 - 04:31
Please help, it’s my first pregnancy. I’m around 5 weeks and over the last 4 days I have been experiencing episodes of severe pain in my lower abdomen. Similar to period cramps but extremely painful. I was on pill for over 12 years and never really struggled with period cramps but my sister said she gets these kind of pains. Could I just not be use to it? It happens 4/5 times a day. Feel like it’s getting more frequent. Mostly in evenings when I’m sleeping. No spotting or vomiting. The pain lasts around 20min everytime
Pregnant for 5 weeks. Feeling abnormal cramps
By Kadene brown (not verified) on 7 Jun 2019 - 14:06
This is my first pregnancy and I'm concerned! Planning on seeing the doctor tomorrow. Try and visit the doctor
Did you get to see the doctor
By Gentian (not verified) on 23 Jun 2019 - 18:14
Did you get to see the doctor?
My wife has exactly the same thing.
I’m having the same symptoms
By Anna (not verified) on 30 Jun 2019 - 05:46
I’m having the same symptoms including spotting and I feel like something is wrong but my ob told me it’s perfectly normal and very common
So did everything turn out
By Selena (not verified) on 31 Jul 2019 - 06:16
So did everything turn out okay? I’m currently experiencing the same thing I’m 7 weeks
pain in right side of my abdomen
By Rachael (not verified) on 11 May 2019 - 08:17
my period suppose to come on 29th of April but up till now it didn't come, I conducted urine test it was positive, my problem is that I do feel pain on my right lower abdomen and I do wee more than before. please is it normal? help me
Pain in the lower part of the belly
By Cannyluv (not verified) on 5 May 2019 - 12:12
Hi,
I am 35 weeks pregnant and I feel pains in the lower part of my belly and also each time I eat I feel pains that can last for 30 minutes and stops. And I was tested positive for an UTI but on medication . What could this be?
4 days late of my period then
By ste (not verified) on 2 May 2019 - 15:15
4 days late of my period then the following day i had period but no pms only stomach cramps and pain and bloating and i use to eat unlike before and i feel stomach full especially when i eat and nippples pain i my pregrnant
Quite possible. Take a test
By Anonymous (not verified) on 16 May 2019 - 10:43
Quite possible. Take a test
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