Cramping 10 Weeks Pregnant: Normal or Concerning?

From morning sickness to weight gain to mood swings, the first trimester can throw you for a loop with a host of early pregnancy symptoms. However, cramping is also on the table, and while mild cramps are common in the initial four weeks, they can intensify in week 10 and until your due date arrives.

Now, you might be wondering, "Is it normal to cramp at 10 weeks pregnant?" or "When should I start worrying about these cramps?" Don't stress – we've got the scoop from the experts ahead.

More about the first trimester

The first trimester is an exciting time in pregnancy, spanning approximately 12 weeks from the start of your last period. According to information from the National Health Service (NHS), this period, particularly weeks four to 12, is marked by significant changes, especially when it comes to your little one's size.

For example, from weeks four to nine, the NHS states that your baby grows from a small poppy seed to the size of a strawberry. Your body undergoes changes, too, with your uterus expanding to the size of a large orange by week 10.

As for symptoms, they can vary. Some common four-week pregnancy symptoms include a missed period, milky white vaginal discharge and breast tenderness. By week 12, when your baby's heartbeat becomes detectable via ultrasound, you may find yourself dealing with mood swings, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Is cramping at 10 weeks pregnant normal?

During the first trimester, it's pretty common to face symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sore breasts and bloating. According to Dr. Janet Choi, MD, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Progyny, cramping is another common symptom.

"Mild, occasional cramping can also occur on and off throughout the first trimester for some pregnant women," she explains. "This can vary, but mild cramping often resolves on its own."

Causes of cramping 10 weeks pregnant 

Early pregnancy cramping can occur for various reasons. According to Choi, "Gas, bloating, constipation (often due to hormonal impacts on gut motility and the iron in prenatal vitamins), and implantation cramping can all be reasons why. Some individuals might experience light spotting and cramping around their expected period due to the embryo implanting into the uterine wall."

Changes in hormones are another main cause of cramping in early pregnancy. Dr. Darrell Martin, MD, FAAD, OBYGN, a gynecologist and healthcare advocate, explains that around six to ten weeks of pregnancy, there are significant hormonal changes as the placenta develops.

He explains, "During pregnancy, hormone levels change a lot. Progesterone increases and can make muscles relax. Estrogen also goes up and might cause some cramping. These hormone changes can make the uterus contract.

Another hormone called relaxin helps loosen ligaments. Two more hormones, HCG and prolactin, are important for pregnancy but can also cause cramping."

However, at 10 weeks of pregnancy, the growing uterus usually doesn't cause cramps. Instead, Martin states that the cramping feeling is often due to round ligament pain. "Around 10 to 12 weeks, the uterus gets bigger and can be felt near the pubic bone, which might cause some cramping sensations," he says.

When to worry about cramping 10 weeks pregnant

If you have any bleeding along with cramps, or if your cramps are getting worse, Choi strongly advises that you visit your doctor right away.

"Sometimes these symptoms can be signs of an impending miscarriage (although thankfully, the symptoms often resolve and the pregnancy continues to grow safely)," she says. "However, other times, these symptoms, including cramping that worsens into severe cramping without bleeding, can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants outside of the uterine cavity), which cannot continue to develop into a healthy pregnancy and can be life-threatening if not managed as soon as detected."

Additionally, Choi says there are times that cramping can also be the result of bladder issues (e.g., UTI symptoms). Therefore, speaking to your doctor about a blood test for a UTI is important.

Tips for managing cramping ten weeks pregnant

Tweak your diet

"Drink plenty of water, ensure a fibre-rich diet and use a stool softener if recommended by your provider," suggests Choi. "For intestinal cramping (e.g., constipation), talk to your doctor about potentially taking a break from the iron supplement in your prenatal vitamin."

Try breathing exercises

Martin recommends trying breathing exercises to reduce stress during pregnancy. "This would be a good time to begin the breathing exercises for labour: deep, slow breathing in through the nose and out of the mouth to a count of five both ways," he says. "Stress and anxiety can cause cramping, generally due to the GI tract becoming out of balance."

Exercise with caution

Staying active during pregnancy is important, but it's crucial to be sensible and avoid anything too intense. Martin advises opting for gentle exercises like prenatal yoga, pelvic tilts to strengthen your back and ease discomfort, and Kegels to work on those pelvic floor muscles. He continues, "You could also give Pilates a shot, take walks, or look for a prenatal dance class nearby."

Don't use a heating pad

When you're dealing with cramps, it might be tempting to grab a heating pad for some relief. However, Martin cautions against relying too much on heating pads as they could potentially cause more harm than good. "Heating pads can be a problem: never use high settings, never on the abdomen," he explains. "A better alternative is cold therapy."

FAQs

Can experiencing cramping at 10 weeks pregnant indicate a miscarriage?

While they can be alarming, Martin says it's important to note that cramping alone is rarely a sign of miscarriage. "Typically, miscarriage-related cramps are accompanied by bleeding or spotting," he explains. "However, your peace of mind matters most – don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you're worried about any pregnancy symptoms you're experiencing."

Is it normal to experience cramping after sex during pregnancy?

Cramps after sex are pretty common and can be attributed to the increased blood flow in the pelvic region," says Martin. "Experiencing an orgasm might also lead to some mild cramping. Additionally, if the cervix is bumped during intercourse, it could result in some spotting or discomfort."

Can twins or multiple pregnancies cause more intense cramping at 10 weeks pregnant?

Martin explains that carrying multiple babies can make the uterus expand more, which might lead to more intense cramping. However, it's worth noting that at just 10 weeks into the pregnancy, you likely won't notice a significant difference in how you feel, as it's still relatively early.

According to Martin, implantation bleeding usually occurs about six to 12 days after conception. Therefore, if you notice bleeding at 10 weeks, he says it's probably not the cause.

Experts:

• Dr. Janet Choi, MD, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Progyny
• Dr. Darrell Martin, MD, FAAD, OBYGN, a gynecologist and a healthcare advocate