Feeling niggles and twitches in your uterus? Could it be baby? Could it be gas? Whether you are at the end or the beginning uterus twitching during pregnancy can be very common. On the outside, you look the same or slightly rounder but inside there’s a hormonal party going on. What is the actual cause of these spasms?
Why Is My Uterus Twitching During Pregnancy?
Uterus twitching is common during pregnancy. You don’t expect to feel the flutters of your baby until around 16 weeks but before this, your body is starting to stretch and ligaments are pulling on their flexibility. As muscles and tissues loosen your uterus responds with slight twinges and spasms which is totally safe for you and your growing bean.
Your Uterus During Pregnancy
Pregnancy anxiety is agonizing. The worries of ‘is this normal?’ Or ‘Will my baby be ok?’ Consume your thoughts. Add in early pregnancy uterus twitching and you may feel one step away from being a complete hothead or (like me) a blubbering mess over the smallest of issues.
In this article, we will uncover why you feel like you’re cooking popcorn from the inside. The more information we gather about twitches in the uterus during early pregnancy the less likely you will feel the need to stress and also when it’s beneficial to see a doctor.
Why Does Your Uterus Twitch in Early Pregnancy?
The information we know about pregnancy is continuously improving. As science develops so does our knowledge of what to expect during our pregnancies. It is important to recognize that the information we gain is from science and textbooks written by doctors and scientists.
On the contrary, no two pregnancies are the same and each mom needs to be treated as an individual case. That’s not to say your pregnancy won’t follow the generalized’ norms.’ But the information we have gathered about uterus twitching during pregnancy is based on the facts that have been discovered during pregnancy.
There are many reasons you have that irritating twitch and some are noted below:
- Implantation
Those first few weeks counting down to your ultrasound seem like forever. As you wait for scientific proof you have a little one growing anxiety can set in. Twitches and niggles can sometimes lead you to think your period is beginning.
It’s at the implantation stage that can fill you with the fear of suffering a chemical pregnancy (A chemical pregnancy is when you have your period before you get to 5 weeks gestation.) Twitching in your uterus can be confused with implantation cramps.
During implantation, you may also notice spotting as well as mild cramping which is totally normal. It’s during the cramping period that you may feel the twitches. There is usually nothing to be concerned about if twitches are felt this early. Many women feel the implantation process happening whilst others don’t and it’s because of this reason there aren’t definitive statistics over how likely you are to be feeling implantation twitches.
- Gas
Having gas is never a welcomed symptom of pregnancy. From the first few days of conception, your body is getting used to the new norm, hormone levels are going off like fireworks, which can in turn affect your digestive system.
Whilst your uterus is having a party your digestive system takes the cue to take things slow and steady. With this in mind, your gut and small intestines are subjected to a build up of gas.
Your uterus is safely nestled behind your pubic bone in the first trimester meaning the build up of gas can bubble away having an indirect effect on the uterus.
- Stretching ligaments
Even though it’s unlikely you are suffering from round ligament pain just yet, your muscles are already preparing their elasticity to house a growing baby. With ligaments shifting and becoming slack nerves can become pressurized meaning that they can go into spasm leaving you with an irritating twitch.
This doesn’t have any impact on your pregnancy and is classed as normal. Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy it could be the first time you have noticed this twitch. Keep in mind no two pregnancies are the same no matter how hard it is not to compare.
- Irritable Uterus
Uterus spasms during pregnancy can cause you to worry but many moms deal with a condition called Irritable Uterus. This is when your uterus contracts or twitches regularly with no major impact on your baby.
At best having an IU is just an annoyance for you, there has been very little research on the topic but women can experience regular practice contractions. During episodes, women can expect a tightening that doesn’t worsen but just appears erratically. Your cervix is not compromised at all and there is no evidence that it can begin dilation.
- Pelvic Floor
It may seem too early to start upping your pelvic floor exercises but if you have a busy lifestyle be it heavy lifting at work, a toddler at home, or if you are already a recipient of the lovely pregnancy symptom constipation, it can all affect your pelvic floor muscles.
Pressure on these muscles can cause them to spasm which can be mistaken as a twitch in your uterus. If you feel like your lifestyle has a lot to answer for then remember to take it easy. If you have to lift then remember to bend with your knees, include lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet to help ease constipation and of course don’t forget to hydrate.
It’s never too early to add a few more reps to your pelvic floor routine. Your bladder and lady parts will thank you as your pregnancy progresses.
Twitching Later in Pregnancy
The moments arise when you question whether it’s a twitch or whether it’s actually your baby. For first time moms, the fluttering of your bundle can start around the second trimester usually anywhere between 16 – 20 weeks.
For multiple pregnancies, this can be earlier. During my second pregnancy I genuinely felt those bubble-like twitching sensations from around 14 weeks. But even as a mom of a five year old already I was still confused whether it was my growing bub or just muscular movements.
Does It Affect My Baby?
The good news is twitching in your uterus rarely affects your baby, yet you wake up and go bed hoping, praying, and wishing for everything to be risk free. This is totally normal. After all, this is one thing in your life you cannot control, you have to have faith that your body is already doing everything it should.
Feeling abnormal twitches that you haven’t experienced before can be unexpected but before you jump on the ‘what if’ train talk to your doctor if you feel concerned. They can help normalize your symptoms and curb some of that anxiety.
As your pregnancy progresses you will notice the pattern of movements of your baby. There will be days when these movements may be quieter or more erratic than usual. Any change in your baby’s routine must be checked by a doctor or midwife.
When to Contact a Doctor
So we have now put twitching in the uterus in the typical basket of pregnancy symptoms but there are times when you should see a doctor, whether it’s for your peace of mind or if there is a concern, only a professional can determine the next steps to take if any.
If you notice a continuous twitching that is leading to cramps or pain then don’t delay seeing someone for help.
I’m sure you have already been told that any change in movements you notice has to be mentioned to your doctor. You may feel as if you are overreacting or too scared to admit that your baby has been quiet, (sometimes admission is the hardest).
In both of my pregnancies, I sought advice when I felt my baby was being quiet. Needless to say, my medical team were spot on, they monitored both my babies which proved to me there was nothing to worry about yet not to delay returning if things felt off again.
Wrapping Up
Uterus twitching during pregnancy is a fairly common symptom among many moms.
Your first trimester is the most nerve wracking as your risk of miscarriage is at the highest and you may long for that first ultrasound before you actually begin to believe you have conceived.
Even though twitching is unlikely to be your baby moving especially in the early stages of pregnancy you have to keep positive that your body is just doing what it needs to help create the best home for your growing bean.
Later stages of pregnancy can become more reassuring as your baby begins to move around letting you know that he/she is happy and content but if you feel any change in movements then it’s important just to get a check up.
Anxiety is a cruel way of our thoughts thinking the worst can happen but twitching during early pregnancy is rarely a medical cause for concern.
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