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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. Is it normal to have mild cramping or aching in early pregnancy? Does it mean I will miscarry?

A. In early pregnancy it is very normal to have a feeling of heaviness and achiness as hormonal changes and uterine changes commence. It can even be strong enough to make you uncomfortable (or make you wonder if you are having menstrual cramps.) This discomfort will ease eventually, but does not mean you will miscarry.

Signs of a threatened miscarriage are:

1. vaginal bleeding--any amount, any color (this is the big sign) with or without
2. cramping (can be mild to severe) and/or
3. lower back pain.

Lower back pain and mild cramping are not in and of themselves signs of miscarriage--the bleeding however is the big warning sign. Anytime you have vaginal bleeding, with or without cramping, you need to contact your caregiver.

If you are having no bleeding, but you have cramping like severe menstrual cramps or worse, or if the pain is increasing or is localized to a specific site on your abdomen, or if you are having shoulder or neck pain along with your cramping, call your caregiver. Also call if at any time you are unsure of what type of cramping you are feeling. It is always better to call and talk to your caregiver, even if they end up only reassuring you. As the old adage goes, it is better to be safe than sorry!

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.