Only if you are experiencing lower abdominal pain is there a need to see your physician. Abdominal cramps and lower cramps are referred to as sporadic abdominal discomfort and it is a sign that your uterus is preparing itself to carry your baby over the next nine months. However, if the pain and abdominal cramps are accompanied by other factors as well, then you must visit your physician.

Ectopic pregnancy

During pregnancy, if the fertilized egg attaches outside of a woman's uterus then that condition is referred to as an Ectopic pregnancy. Normally, the egg would then attach itself to the fallopian tube and with early detection it can treated right away. Chances are if you have this kind of pregnancy along with the abdominal cramps you will also be suffering from chills, fever and spotting. In case this condition is diagnosed within a few weeks, it could be dangerous as the fallopian tubes can rupture. Abdominal cramps, pain and tenderness accompanied by lower back pain, dizziness and shoulder pain also point towards an Ectopic pregnancy. You must contact your physician right away if any of these symptoms persist during your early pregnancy.

Abdominal cramps and pain could also be a result of one of these simplest of things:

•    Since hormones slow your digestive system, abdominal cramps could be owing to bloating and gas.

•    The ever growing uterus also puts pressure against your abdomen.

•    Constipation can also cause abdominal pain, please contact your physician for the right kind of laxative.

•    The food you eat may not necessarily agree with you or the baby giving you heartburn. This leads to abdominal cramps.

Any time theabdominal cramps are severe and unbearable or accompanied by any other symptoms we discussed earlier, it is time to consult your physician. To tide over the normal abdominal cramps, you can follow these simple advices:

•    Apply a heat pad to your lower abdomen to relieve the abdominal cramps. Make sure it is not too hot to be uncomfortable! Do not take drugs that are not allowed and prescribed by your doctor, drugs like ibuprofen and NSAIDS are harmful during pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe an acetaminophen for pain relief though.

•    Since the hormonal changes in your body slow down the digestion process, make sure you eat right. Indigestion and heartburn increase abdominal cramps. Include lots of fiber in your diet and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.

•    During early pregnancy, you can also avoid abdominal cramps by abstaining from sex. Though sex does not hurt your baby or you, it may increase the cramping and spotting making you believe you are having a miscarriage.

•    Adequate rest and putting up your feet several times a day will make you feel reenergized and better equipped to handle minor discomforts and abdominal cramps.