Is it normal to experience period-like cramps during the third trimester of pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Cramps that feel like period pain are common in the third trimester of pregnancy. Most often, these sensations are caused by Braxton Hicks contractions—irregular "practice" tightenings of the uterus. Other common causes include the baby's growth stretching ligaments, pelvic pressure, constipation, or gas. However, painful cramps paired with bleeding, fluid leakage, regular contractions, or reduced fetal movement can signal preterm labor or another complication and warrant immediate medical attention.

Because third-trimester cramping can range from harmless to urgent, understanding your specific symptoms matters. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to help identify possible causes and clarify your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why your third-trimester cramps happen Learn if cramps need urgent care today Find out what could be causing cramps See OTC options for pregnancy cramps Find an OB-GYN for pregnancy cramps Understand safe home remedies for cramps Check if these cramps need care now

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

During the third trimester of pregnancy, many women experience cramping sensations that are similar to period cramps. These are often due to Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a normal part of pregnancy.

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Practice Contractions: These are sometimes called 'practice contractions' because they help the body prepare for labor, but they do not mean that labor is starting.
Irregular and Unpredictable: Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular and do not increase in intensity or frequency.

When to Seek Help

If the cramps become regular, painful, or are accompanied by other symptoms like bleeding or fluid leakage, it is important to contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

If you're experiencing concerning symptoms during your pregnancy, you can use our free AI symptom checker to help assess your condition before consulting with a healthcare professional.

(References)

Raines DA, & Cooper DB. (2025). Braxton Hicks Contractions. Unknown Journal, 29262073.
Hertz G, Fast A, Feinsilver SH, Albertario CL, Schulman H, & Fein AM. (1992). Sleep in normal late pregnancy. Sleep, 1621025.
Duan YF, Wang J, Jiang S, Bi Y, Pang XH, Yin SA, & Yang ZY. (2018). [Prevalence of calf muscle cramps and influencing factors .... Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine], 29334702.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.