Cramping
Early in their pregnancy, some women may experience mild cramping in the region of their uterus. But the cramping should never be severe. An individual should visit their doctor if the cramping is accompanied by severe pain on one side or if there is some bleeding. It could be a sign of another complication or an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the egg grows outside the uterus. For example, the fertilized egg can attach and grow in one of the fallopian tubes, the cervix, the abdominal cavity, or the ovary.
The cramps are similar to menstrual cramps, although the intensity is distinctly lower. The cramping signifies that the body is adjusting to the baby’s growth. For example, the uterus grows simultaneously with the belly, so the woman feels a slight tugging, stretching, or pulling that feels like menstrual cramps.
As the pregnancy progresses, there would be more mild discomfort in the woman’s lower abdomen because the uterus is tightening. Doctors say this is typical, provided the tightening occurs irregularly and eventually stops. Later in the pregnancy, the cramping would be due to round ligament pain. This particular ligament is a muscle supporting the uterus.
