Cramps and tummy pain in pregnancy: what’s normal and when to call

Cramps can feel alarming when you’re pregnant, especially if they feel like period pain. Mild pain is often harmless, but here’s how to tell when to get help.

Mild pain that is usually harmless

The NHS says mild stomach pain in pregnancy has several common causes:

Ligament pain, sometimes called growing pains, as ligaments stretch to support your bump. It can feel like a sharp cramp on one side of your lower tummy.
Constipation, which is common in pregnancy.
Trapped wind.

The NHS says it’s probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind.

Cramps very early on

Some people notice cramps around the time their period would be due. Whether this is implantation or something else can’t be known from the pain alone. See implantation cramps and pregnancy or period.

When to get help

The NHS says to call your maternity unit straight away if you have stomach pain with any of these:

vaginal bleeding or spotting
regular cramping or tightenings
lower back pain
unusual discharge or fluid leaking
pain when you pee or needing to pee more often
cloudy, pink, red or brown pee

The same applies if the pain is severe or doesn’t go away after you’ve rested for 30 to 60 minutes. If you can’t reach your maternity unit, call NHS 111. If you’re under 20 weeks you may be directed to your GP or an early pregnancy unit, depending on local services.

The NHS says to call 999 if the pain or bleeding is severe.

For ectopic pregnancy, the NHS says to call 999 if you have a combination of:

a sharp, sudden and intense pain in your tummy
feeling very dizzy or fainting
feeling sick
looking very pale

Pain in the tip of your shoulder can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, so get urgent advice. See spotting in early pregnancy for the full bleeding advice.

Questions people ask

Are cramps a sign of miscarriage?

Cramps with bleeding need urgent advice, which is why the NHS lists them. Mild cramps that ease with rest are often harmless.

Can Braxton Hicks feel like cramps?

Yes. See Braxton Hicks. If tightenings are regular, call your maternity unit.