Menstrual cramps top the list of reasons that girls miss school and women miss work, according to University of California San Diego's Student Health Services. Pain may occur a few days before your period begins and becomes less severe as menstrual bleeding comes to an end.

Although you don’t get your period during pregnancy, it’s not uncommon to feel menstrual-like cramps during this time. Cramps may be caused by gas, or they may be a sign of a larger problem.

Cramps are a common complaint during the menstrual cycle. A March 2014 "American Family Physician" article reports that as many as 9 out of 10 women experience menstrual cramps. The pain can be severe enough that some women miss work, school or social activities.