Abdominal pain during the first trimester of pregnancy can be alarming, but there are many perfectly normal explanations. There are also more serious causes of abdominal pain in early pregnancy that may include symptoms other than pain. A pregnant woman should always contact her health care provider about abdominal pain, especially if it is persistent or intense. The provider may not request an appointment to examine the woman, but it is important that the provider be informed of any potentially harmful symptoms during pregnancy.
Implantation
Implantation, the attaching of the fertilized egg to the uterine lining, occurs between six and 12 days after the date of suspected conception, the American Pregnancy Association indicates. Some women notice symptoms with implantation, but some do not. Typical symptoms include mild, intermittent cramping that lasts one or two days. Some spotting or light bleeding may be present as well.
Uterine Changes
The fertilized egg grows rapidly during the first trimester of pregnancy, and the uterus also begins to grow to compensate for the embryo’s development. The American Pregnancy Association points out that there may be some mild cramping on one or both sides of the abdomen and occasionally through the center. Cramps related to uterine changes are typically considered to be normal and related to muscle and tissue stretching. The March of Dimes explains that these muscle-type cramps will increase in the second trimester when the round ligaments that support the uterus begin stretching more.
Yolk Sac
Before the placenta develops, a yolk sac forms to provide nutrients to the baby during this early stage of pregnancy. This yolk sac, also called a corpus luteum cyst, can cause some abdominal cramping for women. The cyst forms in the spot on the ovary where the egg is released as it travels to the uterus.
Miscarriage
About 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The symptoms of miscarriage include low abdominal cramping that is stronger than menstrual cramps and is sometimes accompanied by spotting or bleeding with the passage of tissues.
Ectopic Pregnancy
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than in the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes. This type of pregnancy is not sustainable and may result in a miscarriage or will be terminated through medical intervention. The March of Dimes suggests that the abdominal pain with this type of pregnancy is sharp and can also consist of some low cramping with vaginal bleeding.
Digestion
Pregnancy causes a wide variety of digestion-related pains in the abdomen. This includes heartburn, constipation, pressure from uterine growth and gas pains. The March of Dimes points out that hormonal increases slow digestion, making such digestive ailments more common in pregnancy.
About this Author
Sarah Irene has written stacks of research articles dating back to 2000, has consulted in a number of settings, and is an able resource for a vast range of topics. She has been a psychology instructor since 2006 and has had her work published by ParentDish. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology.
