Pregnancy twinges: what's normal?

If you've just discovered you're pregnant it might be slightly disconcerting if you find yourself experiencing twinges – you’ll likely worry they’re signaling a problem.

Don’t panic – many pregnant women experience twinges, and they're usually due to your uterus and abdominal muscles and ligaments expanding to fit your growing baby.

If you experience slight twinges accompanied by other symptoms, for instance nausea or vomiting, it's probable that you have gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Neither is likely to harm your baby, so try not to worry. If you have stomach flu, the best course of action you can take is to get lots of rest and keep yourself hydrated. If you think you have food poisoning, you should consult your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife, just to make sure that you and your baby are OK. If you're experiencing pain when you pee you may have a urinary tract infection, which can easily be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Although, as stated above, slight twinges in early pregnancy are common, if your pain is persistent and intense, or accompanied by bleeding, contact your caregiver. Bleeding can be a sign of early miscarriage, so it's important that you’re checked – however keep in mind that many women experience spotting in their first trimester, so try not to panic.

If you're ever in any doubt as to whether your twinges in pregnancy are indicative of something more serious, consult your caregiver for reassurance – that’s what they’re there for! If you have any other queries about other symptoms associated with the first few weeks of pregnancy, read our feature on coping with early pregnancy.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.