During pregnancy, your body will undergo a great many changes.  Some of them will be completely new and unfamiliar, while others may be things you have experienced before, but outside the context of pregnancy.  While some of these changes may seem strange and frightening, you can be sure that they are perfectly normal aspects of being pregnant. As one of the earliest indicators ofpregnancy, crampsmay be somewhat familiar to you, because they are part of most women’s regular menstrual cycle. Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience two different kinds of cramps.  As soon as 8 to 10 days after conception,pregnancy crampsmay be a sign that something unusual is going on with your body.  They can be anything from mild to severe, but will feel much like regular menstrual cramping, so you may really see the difference initially.

Pregnancy crampsgenerally are nothing to be alarmed over, but you do need to pay attention to their frequency and severity.  While cramps can come and go during the course of yourpregnancy, crampsthat become suddenly sharp and severe, it can be a sign of trouble, even possibly early labor.  If you find thepregnancy crampsworse than what you’ve come to expect, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor.

Menstrual-type cramps are not the only ones you may have to deal with.Pregnancy stomach crampsare also quite common, especially early in the pregnancy.  You may find that they frequently accompany some other unpleasant aspects of your pregnancy, like morning sickness, diarrhea and nausea.  During pregnancy, your digestive system slows down a bit, so more nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream to nourish the fetus.Pregnancy stomach crampscan result as your digestion behaves differently than what you’re used to.

Again, although unpleasant, these cramps are not necessarily cause for alarm.  You may find thatpregnancy stomach crampsare more prevalent early on during pregnancy, and gradually subside in frequency and severity as your body adjusts to the discomfort.  Unfortunately, some women experience these symptoms throughout the duration of their pregnancy.  If you should find thatpregnancy stomach crampsare increasingly sharp and painful, it could be a sign of more complex problems. Again, it’s wise to consult with your doctor if you feel that you are feeling suddenly much worse than before.

While cramping of any kind can be unpleasant, it’s a perfectly normal part of many normal and healthy pregnancies.  You might be able to help them become less severe by pursuing some mild exercise. This can help your muscles relax and make cramping less severe.  In addition, if you follow a diet high in fiber and nutrients, your body is much more likely to respond favorably by digesting food more easily.  Drinking plenty of water is also helpful, since much of that is also diverted to your bloodstream nourishing the fetus. Just remember that, while you may not feel great all the time, it will be over soon, and all of the unpleasantness will be a distant memory once your baby arrives.