When you are pregnant, cramping can make you a little bit nervous. While cramping can be a normal symptom of early pregnancy, it can also signal a problem. There are so many signs and symptoms of pregnancy, it’s hard to figure out which ones are normal, and which ones you need to worry about. This article goes over some of the common early pregnancy symptoms, what causes cramping, and when you should worry. Read further to see why this may be happening.
What Causes 10 Weeks Pregnant Cramping?
Cramping early in pregnancy sometimes causes women to worry about pregnancy loss. It can actually be a normal symptom due to changes going on with your body. Only your doctor can decide if your pregnancy is truly in trouble, but to ease your mind here are some of the common causes of cramping:
Constipation
Early in pregnancy, the body begins to slow the digestive process, so you can absorb the most nutrients from the food you eat. Coupled with increased iron intake from prenatal vitamins, this can make you uncomfortable, and cause some cramping. Constipation in pregnancy can also lead to gas buildup in the abdomen, that also leads to cramping.
Round Ligament Stretching
Near the end of the first trimester, your uterus is going to begin to stretch up and out of the pelvis. There are ligaments on either side of your uterus that hold it in place. The stretching of these ligaments can cause pain in the lower pelvic area. You may feel this as muscle pain, or cramping.
Uterine Enlargement
Around the 10th week of pregnancy, your uterus will begin to expand. Your uterus is a muscle in itself, so you may feel some pain and cramping as it stretches itself out. This can be especially prominent in a first pregnancy.
Braxton - Hicks
Braxton- Hicks are a form of “practice contractions,” that you will experience every day until true labor begins. The uterus is exercising itself and already preparing for “the big day.” Most of the time, Braxton-Hicks are not even noticeable. Some women may experiencing the contracting of muscles as cramping.
Gallbladder Issues
Pregnancy can cause a flare of gallbladder issues. If you are 10 weeks pregnant cramping in the upper right abdomen may be caused by gallstones. If you have cramping after you eat with nausea, you may need medical attention.
Infection
Urinary tract infections, or even pelvic infections can trigger cramping in early pregnancy. Studies show that around 10 percent of new mom’s experience UTI’s during pregnancy.
Appendicitis
While uncommon, you can suffer from an appendicitis in early pregnancy. The changes in your pelvic area may either pinch off or displace the appendix. The cramping may be felt in the lower right side of your abdomen, and radiate towards your navel.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Between 6 and 10 weeks, signs of ectopic pregnancy can appear. An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants in your fallopian tube. This may cause sudden, and severe cramping in the pelvic area. This is common if you have the following; history of IUD use, endometriosis, or suffered from pelvic inflammatory disease that can lead to tubal scarring.
An ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency. The tube can rupture and lead to serious complications.
Miscarriage
When you are 10 weeks pregnancy cramping could be a sign of an impending miscarriage. Cramping can be a common thing, but keep in mind that up to 20 percent of pregnancies can end before the 12th week of pregnancy.
Other Pregnancy Symptoms at 10 Weeks
The first trimester of pregnancy tends to have the widest range of symptoms. Other than the end of the last trimester, you may feel the most discomforts in the beginning. Here is a list of some of the common symptoms you may feel around the 10th week of pregnancy:
- Morning Sickness
- Headaches
- Food Aversions
- Smell Aversions
- Urinary Frequency
- Extreme Sleepiness
- Mood Swings
- Pelvic Fullness and Discomfort
When To Worry
If you are 10 weeks pregnant cramping should be evaluated by your doctor. They can tell you if this is a normal pregnancy symptom, or a sign of complications. There are tests they can run to make sure everything is okay. If you have cramping, here are some concerning signs you need to watch out for:
- Spotting or bleeding
- Foul odor or discharge
- Burning with urination
- Cramping that doesn’t ease up
- Strong contractions and/or back pain
- Fever over 100.4 ℉
- Cramping under the right rib area
- Sudden sharp pain in the pelvis
- Cloudy and/or foul smelling urine
- Not peeing “enough” but you feel like you have to go badly
- Passing “blood clots” from your vagina
If you experience any of the above symptoms with or without cramping, your doctor needs to be contacted right away. If you have sudden sharp pain that is unbearable, call 9-1-1 or get to your nearest emergency room.
What You Can Do About It
If your doctor has eased your mind that your cramping is a normal symptom, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your discomfort. Remember, any home treatments should be cleared with your doctor first. Here are a few things you can try:
- Eat a high fiber diet. Since laxatives are contraindicated in pregnancy, eating a diet high in fiber can help bulk up stools and relieve constipation. A few good high fiber foods include; apples, avocado, pears, lentils, oatmeal, and chia seeds. Make sure you follow these foods with plenty of water.
- Increase fluid intake. Cramping could be Braxton-Hicks contractions that can increase if you are dehydrated. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids each day. Try to get at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluids daily. Make sure they are caffeine-free and low in sugars or corn syrup.
- Rest: You may be overdoing things. Your body is going through a lot of changes right now. You may need to schedule in a few extra breaks during the day and pace yourself.
Now you don’t need to be nervous about 10 weeks pregnant cramping.
