Are Abdominal Cramps During Early Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 8 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I just found out I'm pregnant. According to my last period I am 4 weeks. I have cramping like pains - is this normal?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
cramping is not normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to HCM,
During EARLY PREGNANCY , mild bilateral iliac region uterosacral ligamental pain is common but cramping is not normal and may indicate a possible initiation of a threatened miscarriage.
Please visit your gynecologist and also get a transvaginal ultrasound done to check for viability of pregnancy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (8 minutes later)

I've read that at 4 weeks nothing can be seen on a scan, is this correct?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
You can see the gestational sac inside the uterus but foetal pole doesn't arrive so soon, it arrives by 6-7 weeks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (1 minute later)

so will a scan this early show viability?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answered

Detailed Answer:
It would at least be able to rule out if its an ectopic pregnancy or an intrauterine pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can cause abdominal ache which can be severe.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar