Cramps during first trimester of pregnancy

[aristocatz]

I am 6 weeks pregnant and I know that occasional cramping is normal (implantation), but when should I be concerned that what I am experiencing is not normal? What are "abnormal" cramps?

I'm in my mid 30's & overweight (so I know I have risks), first pregnancy, and terrified of having a miscarriage.....


Thank you.

 

[Coconut36]

Are you well hydrated? I know with my first pregnancy I had cramping early on and my OB told me to drink lots and lots of water. I started drinking it when I woke up and had a lot each day (over 64oz a day) and being well hydrated really helped me not cramp.

 

[aristocatz]

Are you well hydrated? I know with my first pregnancy I had cramping early on and my OB told me to drink lots and lots of water. I started drinking it when I woke up and had a lot each day (over 64oz a day) and being well hydrated really helped me not cramp.

VERY well hydrated! I've been drinking 70 ounces of water everyday since I found out I was pregnant.

I am not cramping that often, but I get so nervous when I do have them.

 

[TwingleMum]

First take a deep breath. A little cramping even a little bleeding is normal. Do you have your appt for the ultrasound?? Seeing that little grain of rice is amazing. I know its easier said than done but try to stay positive. I almost want to punch the what to expect when your expecting author out. Too much info drives you crazy. Stop feeling guilty for your weight,nothing to be done about it now. Now your job is to create the happiest positive enviroment for your little one. Eat healthy and think about the goal. I was overweight before my pregnancies and my last pregnancy was twins which I carried fullterm and healthy. If your dr freaks you out tell them its not helping or chance to a more positive dr. Good Luck Mommy. Let us know how you do.

 

[aristocatz]

First take a deep breath. A little cramping even a little bleeding is normal. Do you have your appt for the ultrasound?? Seeing that little grain of rice is amazing. I know its easier said than done but try to stay positive. I almost want to punch the what to expect when your expecting author out. Too much info drives you crazy. Stop feeling guilty for your weight,nothing to be done about it now. Now your job is to create the happiest positive enviroment for your little one. Eat healthy and think about the goal. I was overweight before my pregnancies and my last pregnancy was twins which I carried fullterm and healthy. If your dr freaks you out tell them its not helping or chance to a more positive dr. Good Luck Mommy. Let us know how you do.

Thank you-I needed that. My first doctor's appointment is on Tuesday and I'm guessing she will schedule the ultrasound for the next appointment. It's a new doctor and I'm praying she does not beat me down for my weight. I actually started dieting 3 weeks before I got pregnant and we were not expecting to get pregnant so quickly!

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

I've been pregnant three times, with two full-term pregnancies and one miscarriage at 6 weeks.

I had cramps and bleeding with both of my daughters; bleeding from 5 weeks to 10 weeks with DD#1 and from 8 weeks to 12 weeks with DD#2.

I didn't have any bleeding with my miscarriage until it happened; however, when I started cramping with it there was no doubt in my mind that something was wrong. It was very different than the premenstrual-type cramping I got in my regular pregnancies.

Good luck with your pregnancy. I know it is very scary at this point, and it's hard not to feel helpless and a little bit desperate as you wait for that heartbeat. However, every day that you get through at this stage ups your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Try to remain calm and enjoy these last few months of freedom before you become 'mommy' forever!

 

[punkin]

Thank you-I needed that. My first doctor's appointment is on Tuesday and I'm guessing she will schedule the ultrasound for the next appointment. It's a new doctor and I'm praying she does not beat me down for my weight. I actually started dieting 3 weeks before I got pregnant and we were not expecting to get pregnant so quickly!

I hope you've stopped dieting....

 

[Callymum]

If you were having a bother the cramping would be really noticeable and it would get more painful by the hour. I miscarried early and I was in Pain!. No mistaking a miscarriage so you sound fine Sweetie.

My second pregnancy I started to bleed at 3mnths and a bit of cramps and i panicked and went to Hospital, but thankfully everything was fine. They had no explanation for what happened and said its not uncommon for a little blood or cramping.

Just take things easy with no strenuous lifting etc, and if you want to put your mind at rest go to your Maternity Hospital or OB just to settle your worries.

 

[aristocatz]

I've been pregnant three times, with two full-term pregnancies and one miscarriage at 6 weeks.

I had cramps and bleeding with both of my daughters; bleeding from 5 weeks to 10 weeks with DD#1 and from 8 weeks to 12 weeks with DD#2.

I didn't have any bleeding with my miscarriage until it happened; however, when I started cramping with it there was no doubt in my mind that something was wrong. It was very different than the premenstrual-type cramping I got in my regular pregnancies.

Good luck with your pregnancy. I know it is very scary at this point, and it's hard not to feel helpless and a little bit desperate as you wait for that heartbeat. However, every day that you get through at this stage ups your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Try to remain calm and enjoy these last few months of freedom before you become 'mommy' forever!

Thank you-I am terrified. I've stopped reading the internet so much (except for stories from actual people like on here! Because the info I am reading is just setting me up to be scared of the worst possible scenario I know I will feel much better after I hit 12 weeks, but that waiting is so nerve wracking, when I'm supposed to be spending this time basking and excited.

I hope you've stopped dieting....

Yes, I most definitely have. I am very cautious of what I am putting in my mouth though-I've given up all seafood, I'm trying stick to fruits, veggies, pasteurized cheeses, chicken & turkey, occasional red meat, hummus, veggie burgers, & yogurt and milk. I'm trying to avoid foods that have unhealthy ingredients as well.

 

[punkin]

Thank you-I am terrified. I've stopped reading the internet so much (except for stories from actual people like on here! Because the info I am reading is just setting me up to be scared of the worst possible scenario I know I will feel much better after I hit 12 weeks, but that waiting is so nerve wracking, when I'm supposed to be spending this time basking and excited.

Stop reading about what can go wrong. God willing, everything will be fine. Cramping at the beginning of the pregnancy is very normal (as is bleeding). I remember a few weeks before I gave birth to DD(now)19 my next door neighbor was telling me horror birth stories and, while I am sure they were true, the vast majority of people do not have such awful experiences.

Yes, I most definitely have. I am very cautious of what I am putting in my mouth though-I've given up all seafood, I'm trying stick to fruits, veggies, pasteurized cheeses, chicken & turkey, occasional red meat, hummus, veggie burgers, & yogurt and milk. I'm trying to avoid foods that have unhealthy ingredients as well.

Good for you!

Oh and Congratulations!!!!!

 

[aristocatz]

Thank you!

Just so I know, where is the pain located when you are showing signs of a miscarriage? Just all over or on one specific side?

 

[moet7]

Thank you!

Just so I know, where is the pain located when you are showing signs of a miscarriage? Just all over or on one specific side?

Pain would be low in your pelvis. the pain will come and go, as the cervix is opening and the uterus is trying to empty. OR the pain will be in your lower back and will come and go OR the pain will be non stop and feel as if it is all over. I have had 5 misscarriages and all of them I felt different with. One I had no pain at all. PLEASE just relax and I know that is so easy for ME to say, but if you continue to think about "the pain" you might just be confusing yourself as to what you are actually feeling.

The mind can really play tricks on the body like that.

Whatever is going to happen is going to happen, no matter what you do at this point. Do not feel as if your weight or what you might or might not be eating has anything to do with how you are feeling or if you misscarry.

Try to stay busy with your life until your appointment. If you are having a problem with worrying you might want to try yoga to help yourself relax. Going to the doctor before you can even hear a heart beat will just cause more worry.

Trust me I know the waiting game is HORRIBLE!

Hang in there and keep us posted and stay away from the internet, well except the disboards that is!

 

[FourBees]

I bled with all four of my daughters. From about 6 weeks until twelve weeks. The first pregnancy was the worst. I was passing good size clots and they had me coming in for several ultra sounds and everytime told me what a strong heartbeat my baby had. Leg cramps too and a little bit of lower abnominal. Keep positive thoughts. I am sure in another eight months or so you will be holding a very healthy baby! Congratulation!

 

[punkin]

Every miscarriage feels different, but please do not worry. It is still so early in your pregnancy. You have to try to relax. Go sit down, raise your legs and watch a funny movie.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Good for you!

Oh and Congratulations!!!!!

*It didn't quote your "Stop reading what can wrong" statement...But that is THE BEST advice I heard while I was pregnant.

While you(OP) should educate yourself on things going on in your body and the baby, DO NOT fill your head with all of the "what if"s. You WILL go crazy and stress is NOT good for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman.

I know it is easier said than done!

 

[phorsenuf]

OP, I'm going to be blunt and honest with you. You need to just relax! You are driving yourself into a tizzy. I've read your threads about cheese, about lunch meat, etc. If you stress out about every little thing it's going to be a looooong 8 months. Stop over thinking everything. I understand this is your first and of course any newly pregnant mom is going to have some concerns but you are worrying way too much.

I'm a mom of 4. I'm what I would now guess is an old school mom. I never gave any thoughts about eating cheese, lunch meat, seafood, peanut butter or anything else. I just continued living my life the way I always did. Heck, I even stacked a cord of wood when I was 6 months pregnant. And guess what, I have 4 perfectly normal children.

The point is, just relax. Enjoy your pregnancy and just live your life the way you do. If you worry about every little thing, pain or food you'll drive yourself nuts. Your body knows what to do. If something really is wrong, you'll know it. If you have to question it, it's more then likely not anything to stress about.

I hope I didn't hurt your feelings or come across too rude but you really do have to stop fretting so.

 

[SDFgirl]

OP, I'm going to be blunt and honest with you. You need to just relax! You are driving yourself into a tizzy. I've read your threads about cheese, about lunch meat, etc. If you stress out about every little thing it's going to be a looooong 8 months. Stop over thinking everything. I understand this is your first and of course any newly pregnant mom is going to have some concerns but you are worrying way too much.

I'm a mom of 4. I'm what I would now guess is an old school mom. I never gave any thoughts about eating cheese, lunch meat, seafood, peanut butter or anything else. I just continued living my life the way I always did. Heck, I even stacked a cord of wood when I was 6 months pregnant. And guess what, I have 4 perfectly normal children.

The point is, just relax. Enjoy your pregnancy and just live your life the way you do. If you worry about every little thing, pain or food you'll drive yourself nuts. Your body knows what to do. If something really is wrong, you'll know it. If you have to question it, it's more then likely not anything to stress about.

I hope I didn't hurt your feelings or come across too rude but you really do have to stop fretting so.

I second this. I know it's normal to have concerns with your first pregnancy, but there is such thing as going overboard and stressing too much. The world and the grocery store are not fraught with danger at every turn. I am pregnant with my 3rd - I drink coffee, eat feta cheese, take medicines. I eat healthy, wholesome meals most of the time, but I'm not gonna freak out if I have some Doritos or a cupcake sometimes. All of my kids are perfectly healthy.

Just remember, everything in moderation. Women have been giving birth to healthy babies since the beginning of time while living all kinds of lifestyles. Use common sense, but don't drive yourself crazy, or it's going to be a long 9 months and you won't enjoy any of it!

 

[acejka]

I've had them from the week after I found out I was pregnant (but oddly no implantation cramps, and trust me I was paying attention to my body for them!) straight up through now. Actually have some right now. But everything is happy and healthy for us (Thank God!)

I have 2 friends who've had miscarriages in the last year and like a previous poster mentioned sometimes there is no pain at all, that was the case for both of my friends.

And I agree with the other PP that said to relax... I know it's not easy, and I am the biggest worrier in the world, but I've felt better as I've learned to force myself to relax and enjoy this time. I was scared about everything I was doing, eating, etc. for the first few weeks until my OB told me I was doing more wrong by staying stressed and worrying.

Good luck! And enjoy it, because as I'm realizing, it flies by!

 

[NYEmomma]

I've had cramps & bright red bleeding throughout my first trimester with this pregnancy (had some brown bleeding with DD, but that was it) and I know, it's absolutely terrifying. So hugs to you -- I know what you're going through!!

When it got bad, I'd try to drink a lot of water and stay in bed if it was possible (i.e. if it as the weekend and DH was home and could take care of DD). A little later on, I got a doppler so that I could hear their heartbeats in between my bi-weekly appointments.

I know it's hard to take this advice, but the thing that put me at peace the most was knowing that there was NOTHING I could do about anything. As awful as that sounds... if you're going to have a miscarriage, it'll happen no matter what you do (or don't do). There's nothing you can do to stop it and for the most part, barring extreme things, there's nothing that you could do that would cause it. For me, I just had to let go and be at peace with the knowledge that what was meant to be was meant to be, no matter what I WANTED to happen.

 

[nmmom95]

I know this is easy for me to say, but I have been in your shoes, so please relax. I had cramping and bleeding with DS13 and DS8. They are both fine. With DS8, the bleeding was so heavy, the doctor told me I was miscarrying. Obviously, I did not. I do remember being in a lot of pain early in my first pregnancy, and actually, the rest of the 9 months was a breeze.

Your doctor should not give you a hard time about your weight. You will just need to be careful about how much you gain. The doctor will probably tell you to keep your total weight gain to 20 pounds or so.

I was a little nutty about what I ate, but I really just tried to eat a healthy variety of foods. Stay away from lunch meats and undercooked food.

Good luck and try to enjoy this.