Seeking Information on Abdominal Cramps in Pregnancy.

Hey, J.,
Just to reiterate what some of the others have said... I had an ectopic pregnancy and it did show up on the pregnancy test, but the line was very light (although I tested pretty early). I knew something was wrong a few weeks later, when I had *very* sharp pain on one side of my abdomen. Not like normal cramping at all, but an alarming pain I had not felt before, accompanied by some pinkish spotting.

When I later had a healthy pregnancy, I experienced period-like cramping for pretty much the whole first trimester.
Good luck!
A.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi J.!

Congratulations! I wouldn't worry about the cramping at all. I had period like cramps during both of my pregnancies and it's pretty common I think. Your body is just adjusting to that little peanut inside! Drink lots of water and rest as often as you can. I also found that one of those pregnancy pillows really helped me get comfortable and alleviated some of my cramping. You can also try a little heating pad on your back (but not on your belly - don't cook the kid!).

Hope that helps! Good Luck! B.

Mild cramps are normal. With ectopic pregnancy, the cramps are sharp and get worse and worse. A home pregnancy test will still be positive with ectopics. Just be sure to follow-up with your ob. Good luck!

Yes, ectopic pregnancy would show positive on a pregnancy test and yes, it is normal to have cramping in the beginning. Unfortunately, our bodies go through the same feelings in early stages of pregnancy as they do when we have our period. That's why so many women don't realize they are pregnant. I remember I was freaking about the same thing and my doctor wouldn't see me until 8 weeks. for those three weeks I was waiting, it was agony, because I was convinced I was having an ectopic pregnancy. Too bad they don't tell us about these things...

Good luck at your OBGYN appt. You'll get to see the heartbeat if they can see it at this young. I think they can. That's about all you'll be able to see. Enjoy it!

M. Kennedy
ShantiBabyYoga.com

When you are pregnant for the first time, the uterus gives you those pains when it starts growing. I had those pains and had sonograms done and other check ups... all to tell me it was normal. I was also 27 when I was pregnant. It is always good to make sure things are fine.

Hi J.. Congrats on your pregnancy! What you are experiencing is normal. Your uterus is adjusting to it's new condition. I would still mention it to your doctor. I had the same thing, only with spotting. I was convinced that I was going to miscarry. My daughter is now one. I know how nerve racking this time can be. Hang in there. If you have any spotting at all call your Dr. immediately. You may be able to have an early ultrasound to make sure everything is okay. However you still may be a little early to see the heartbeat. My daughter's was visible at 6 weeks. Good luck and try not to worry too much :-)

Completely normal!! I had them for a lot of my first trimester.

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

It is probably just your uterus stretching-yes this early....I had it with both my children, I was actually in denial that I was pregnant as I was convinced with the cramping I was going to get my period any day. However, regardless, you should always tell your OB anything that may or may not concern you. Better safe to ask every question than to not.

J.,
I had the same exact thing with both of my pregnancies at exactly the same time. I was told it was normal, just the uterus adjusting to the growing embryo. I never had any bleeding either. FYI, both of my pregnancies were smooth, full term and resulted in two healthy babies. Of course nothing replaces the advice of your doctor, I thought my info. might make you feel a bit better. Be sure to tell your Dr. all about it and if you have any other symptoms. Every one and every pregnancy is different but, for me, the cramping turned out to be nothing. Good luck at your appointment and throughout your pregnancy, what an exciting time!

I had been told by my ob/gyn that although you arent' going thru the actual period, but that it's normal for your body to go thru all of the cramping & achiness - As long as you don't have heavy bleeding or anything - even if you spot a little let your dr know right away.

Congratulations & ask lots of questions, that's what I did w/my first who is going to be 11 on Friday - some days I'm amazed at all my mom went thru w/4 of us. We had to stop at baby #2 because of my diabetes, but it is such a wonderful thing. Mind you, my day has just begun - if I were sending this to you at 10:00 tonight I'd be telling you how once again motherhood has kicked my behind! Good luck!

Congratulations J.!! I remember that feeling and it turned out that I was fine however being the paranoid mama that I am I just refused to have vaginial examinations till I was way near the end of my pregnancy.
Good Luck!
Fiona

Perfectly normal. I ALWAYS felt like I was getting
my period. Even had bleeding and have four healthy
children. Try to relax. Congratulations.

Cramping is normal during pregnancy. If they are severe cramps I would seek medical attention. I had cramps through out my whole pregnancy (like you are gonna get your period). I had also has an ectopic pregnancy. You would know if it was an ectopic, the pain is so severe that you can't even walk. Yes, you can test positive if it is an ectopic. Just relax, try to keep your feet up that does help with cramps and go to your appointment with your doctor. Good luck

Hi J.,
It is totally normal to be experiencing this....it is your uterus making way for that beautiful baby developing inside of you...There is a great book called Week by Week that I would really recommend...it tells you what to expect each week from all the little things to the bigger things....I loved that book and my hubby and I read it each week together which I found to be a great bonding experience....Let us know how you make out after your doctor visit!!
Meg :)

Hi J., Congratulations! Sometimes you can get light cramps at the time you would usually get your period. You could also have the virus that is going around, I hope not. Do not worry, it does not help. I pray your pregnancy goes well and you have a wonderful baby! Grandma Mary

Although I was further along when I experienced cramping(different from the usual uterine cramping) it turned out mine was from a bacterial infection. Mine was painful and an overall sick feeling and I did have discharge. Your OB/GYN can do a simple swab during an internal if she suspects anything out of the ordinary.
It does sound like it's normal adjusting your body does to carry your baby.

Hi Jackie, Its completely normal, It is your uterus stretching and preparing to fit the baby in there. I was so scared when it happened to me, I always felt like something was wrong, but once I knew what it was I relaxed and it wound up going away after a couple of months. Then I was scared about why it wasn't happening anymore. LOL. But don't worry it fine. Congratulations!

These cramps are not unusual. I had them for 9 months during 2 of my 3 pregnancies. Ironically, the only 1 I didn't have them with was the pregnancy where I had some minor complications. Aside from these cramps, the other 2 were pretty easy. Good Luck!

Hi J.,

I can not speak for anyone else, I had some cramping during my last pregnancy. My son is fine. :) I was told this was normal and your body is making room. Keep us updated, and the best thing is to stay relax and lisen to your doctor. Good Luck! :)

It is very normal :)you will feel a lot of strange things in the next few weeks. Buy the pregnancy journal. I LOVED it and I could learn day by day, week to week, what was going on with both of my children. Enjoy, congrats, and good luck!

Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that for me, I had an ectopic pregnancy came up as a positive on a home pregnancy test. I had my ectopic back in March 2008. How did your prenatal visit go?

I had cramping like you described with my last pregnancy and it really scared me at first, but everyone said it was normal and it was, and now that I am pregnant with my second I had them again in the first trimester and it wasn't so scary. I would call your OB if there is any bleeding or if cramping doesn't let up. Good luck experiencing all the firsts it can be a little scary and really exciting:-)!