Cramping at 6 weeks pregnant no bleeding

Your breasts are sore, you’re tired and cranky, and you’re craving carbs like crazy. You also may be experiencing uncomfortable cramping.

Sounds like you’re about to start your period, right? It may surprise you to learn that these symptoms could all be early signs that you’re pregnant, not premenstrual.

Here are seven common early pregnancy symptoms.

Every woman and every pregnancy are different. But many moms-to-be experience early pregnancy symptoms. The majority of these symptoms are related to surging hormones. It’s important to understand that all of these symptoms aren’t exclusive to pregnancy. That means there are other reasons that you could be experiencing them.

According to a poll from the American Pregnancy Association, 29 percent of the women surveyed noted that a missed period was their first sign of pregnancy. Often, there are other common symptoms of early pregnancy.

Cramps are a typical part of your monthly menstrual cycle, but did you know they could be experienced in early pregnancy, too? Some women notice mild uterine cramps in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Breasts that are tender, sore, or swollen can be a sign of an impending period. But these same symptoms can also indicate that you’re pregnant. Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can cause breasts to feel sensitive or sore. They can also feel heavier or more full. You may notice that your areolas, or the skin around your nipples, are becoming darker.

Morning sickness is a classic symptom of early pregnancy. It can persist into later trimesters, too. Despite the name, moms-to-be may feel nauseated at any time of the day or night, not just in the morning. Morning sickness can sometimes begin as early as three weeks after conception.

Blame this symptom on those early pregnancy hormones and an increase in the volume of your blood. Together, they can mean more frequent headaches. If you suffer from migraines, you may experience more of them during pregnancy. Some women also experience fewer migraines.

Fatigue is another by-product of soaring hormones at the beginning of a pregnancy. Progesterone in particular is the culprit here: It can make you feel very tired.

Food cravings and aversions are another classic sign of pregnancy. Again, blame this on hormones.

You may notice feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness if you move quickly from a reclined to a seated position, or if you stand up suddenly. During pregnancy, your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops. Together, they can make you feel lightheaded.

There are other symptoms of early pregnancy you might experience, including:

• You’re bleeding, but only slightly. For some women, an early symptom of pregnancy is spotting. It’s called implantation bleeding, and it happens about 10 to 14 days after conception when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This kind of bleeding doesn’t last long, and it usually happens around the time you’d normally have a period. This can be misleading. The difference is that implantation bleeding isn’t typically as heavy as menstrual bleeding.
• You’re having mood swings. If you’re feeling particularly emotional or find yourself bursting into tears, it can be a result of pregnancy hormones.
• You’re constipated. It’s not comfortable, but a sluggish digestive system is another hormone-related issue that some women experience during pregnancy.
• You’re experiencing backaches. While lower back pain can be a problem for the length of a pregnancy, some women notice it very early on.
• You need to use the bathroom more frequently. Somewhere between six to eight weeks after conceiving, you may find that you have an increased need to urinate, but don’t feel any pain or urgency.

While all of these symptoms can be signs of early pregnancy, they can also mean something else altogether. The reverse is also true: You may have none of these symptoms, but be pregnant.

A missed period can also be unrelated to a pregnancy. It could be due to:

• stress
• illness
• a change in your birth control
• fatigue
• excessive changes in your weight
• a hormonal imbalance

Even so, if you miss a period, or if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s not a bad idea to take a home pregnancy test. A positive test means you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

New moms to be may feel a jolt of fear when they experience cramps during pregnancy. You might have it in your head that you’re in the middle of a miscarriage. In reality, most cramping during pregnancy is actually normal and is something that occurs during all three trimesters. It’s important to know why they happen.

Normal Cramps in Early Pregnancy

During your first trimester, you experience cramps as your body prepares for the pregnancy. You may initially experience cramping in your lower abdomen or lower back even before you know you’re pregnant. This is due to implantation, which is the process of the fertilized egg implanting in the uterus. You may feel a small twinge or sharper cramps that may double you over at times. After you know you’re pregnant, cramping is due to your uterus growing and expanding to accommodate your growing baby. It’s perfectly normal and happens to all women. Cramps often feel similar to your normal menstrual cramps. Once you pass your first trimester, you might experience occasional cramping. It’s important to remember that the uterus is a muscle, which means it can contract and cause pain or discomfort. The same can happen when you have gas, constipation, bloating, or even a full bladder.

Normal Cramps in Later Pregnancy

You may experience less cramping in your second trimester compared with your first and third trimesters. Generally, moms who are pregnant with multiple children experience more cramping during the second trimester compared to those who are having a single baby. This typically occurs as the body is making more room to accommodate the babies. In women carrying single babies, this occurs in the third trimester.

Abnormal Cramps During Pregnancy

Any cramping that seems out of the ordinary, such as cramps that feel severe and that don’t go away, should be reported to your doctor. It’s possible that you’re perfectly fine, but it’s important to be absolutely sure just to be safe. Sometimes, severe cramping can signify an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is a very serious, dangerous condition that requires immediate surgery as the pregnancy cannot be sustained. It can also threaten the mom’s health if the fallopian tube ruptures. Cramping on one side should also be reported to your doctor as it might mean an ectopic pregnancy. Cramping accompanied by vaginal bleeding should also be immediately reported to the doctor. It might mean you’re experiencing a miscarriage. The doctor can diagnose it or rule it out by ordering an ultrasound or hCG blood test. If you’re concerned about cramps during pregnancy, contact WFMC Health to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment.

Do you have more questions about pregnancy cramps in Salem Oregon? Talk to our staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!