Are Cramps A Symptom Of Pregnancy?

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Have you been feeling mild periods-like cramps lately? When our periods are late, we take cramping as a sign that we will start menstruating soon. But this may not always be true. Abdominal cramps can be a symptom of pregnancy as well. So, if your periods are late, do not take comfort in the fact that you are cramping. These could easily be pregnancy cramping.

PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

Pregnancy cramps and periods cramps are not the same. There is a slight difference between the two. However, it is not easy to spot this difference because in both cases, your stomach will go through the cramping motion. Pregnancy cramps happen early in the first trimester when the embryo implants into the uterus. Thus, cramps can be the first symptom of a pregnancy.

If you are planning a pregnancy, do not get disheartened if you start having cramps. It does not always mean that you will get your periods. And if you are not planning a pregnancy, you need to take the cramps with a grain of salt. They could mean anything.

Here are some lesser known facts related to pregnancy cramps.

Cramps Due To Implantation

Pregnancy cramps usually happen when the embryo implants. This happens about 12 to 14 days after the egg is fertilised so that should be roughly when your periods are due.

Spotting

Some women might observe some bloody discharge during this time. Bleeding during implantation is not uncommon or dangerous. But you will only have bloody spots and not a full-fledged period.

Cramps Without Blood

Your stomach will keep cramping and you will even run to the toilet many times but there will be no blood.

White Discharge

Instead of blood, you will notice lots of white discharge in your panties. The discharge might sometimes be streaked with blood.

Bloating & Nausea

Apart from the cramping, you will also feel bloated and nauseous. You will have trouble keeping your food down and even suffer from loss of appetite.

Very Harsh Cramps

It is usually hard to distinguish between pregnancy cramps and period cramps. However, pregnancy cramps are much more severe compared to periods cramps.

Chances Of Ectopic Pregnancy

If you also have blackouts accompanied by painful cramps, there might be a possibility that you have an ectopic pregnancy. So, get a scan done to check where the implantation has happened.