Still here. Still pregnant as far as I know. Still trying to hang on to the edges of my sanity and just be in the moment, here in the uncertainty of very early pregnancy.
I wanted to ask about your experiences of cramping in pregnancy, because I'm not sure what to make of it. I am so, so crampy. Not ALL the time, but pretty much (1) whenever I have to move around much, like walk around my med school campus or stand to give a lecture, or (2) whenever I feel stressed (which unfortunately is much of the time at work lately), or (3) just at random other times.
Usually, it's a little uterine-y. Sort of like menstrual cramps, but not exactly. Last week it was often left-sided and not in my uterus, which I thought meant I was having an ectopic, but tried to tell myself was probably the corpus luteum forming. Other times, I have to admit, though, I thought it was because I am carrying the 2012 version of Rosemary's Baby, and it was the sharpened Satan claws of this baby digging into my flesh (I try not to dwell on that image). But that was last week.
This week, it's more straight-up uterine-ish. But it is happening A Lot. And it scares me that when I have to walk 10 blocks to a meeting or rush between work events or stand to give a lecture that I start cramping, sometimes heavily. Is this normal? Is it dangerous? If I start cramping does that mean I need to stop what I'm doing and cancel the lecture I'm giving or the meeting I'm heading to? Or can I just ignore it? I'm trying to cut back, really I am, but this is really hard to do when I'm in charge of certain projects and no one knows I'm pregnant yet.
Maybe I just need to embrace my uterus and become better friends with it?
Seeking your thoughts and experiences on early pregnancy cramping and how worrisome a sign this. No spotting since that one time, btw. Which is a really good thing. That would have me going bonkers. As it is, I'm luckily only half-bonkers.
So please chime in and let me know - did you cramp a lot during your early first trimester? What did your Drs say about it? Any advice on how to make it stop...or maybe I don't want it to stop? Gah! Help!
Some of you have also asked about what's coming up in terms of betas and ultrasound. And the answer is...we aren't sure. I think the Denver clinic wants an ultrasound around 6w3d or 6w5d or something like that, but it is unlikely we will hold out that long. We are talking about maybe having at least one more beta drawn soonish (maybe tomorrow?) but are thinking we will try to wait to do an ultrasound until we can expect to at least see a yolk sac, if not more (toward the end of next week, I think). It's tricky. I'd love to check on things daily, on the one hand, but on the other, I know that the more betas we draw, the more we check things in general, the more likely we'll eventually see the number bobble or see something inconclusive on the u/s and have to go through that mindfuck, which might or might not mean anything. Also, when I really think about it, I don't think another good beta or an u/s of the gestational sac sans yolk sac will make me feel super reassured for very long. The reality of the matter is, it is so early. We know from hard experience that things can look great and then go all to hell in a matter of days. So riding the wave here a bit and trying to let time pass.
But the cramping. The Cramping! Any thoughts?
Mo
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I've never commented on your blog before but have been reading for about 3 years. I continue to hope and pray for your success. As far as cramping. Yes I definitely had a lot particularly in the 2 to 3 weeks following transfer. It felt a lot like cramping before a period so I was convinced we were not successful. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI've heard LOTS of women talk about cramping during early pregnancy Mo. Hoping that/those little bean(s) are hanging in there and growing strong!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to pop in and tell you I'm hoping the best for you. I've heard of lots of women who had mild cramping with successful pregnancies. You've got a few little beans in there, too, so they may just be trying to work things out for themselves!
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I DID have cramps early on that felt A LOT like menstrual cramps. Heck I even spotted several weeks further on in both my successful pregnancies. First one, not sure why, second one we all assumed was the combination of vaginal ultrasound and being on lovenox. Nevertheless, still scary.
ReplyDeleteI wish you peace of mind, even knowing (HA) how impossible it is.
Also, am crossing my fingers for this one AND your back up plans. It all makes perfect sense to me!
Good luck, good luck, good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had major cramps with my first cuccessful if pregnancy. Horrible, menstural type, bend over in pain cramps on and off several times a day. I can't remember if anything in particular seemed to trigger them.i also had spotting between weeks 5-7 and low only just doubling betas early on. And my eldest son was born absolutely fine. Weirdly in my second successful pregnancy which was a natural one I had no cramping and no spotting. May be linked to ivf? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteEchoing everyone elses sentiments and really really hoping this works out for you.
On all three of my pregnancies I started cramping within a few days of getting a positive pregnancy test - which I always took right around the 4 week mark. Actually, it was the incessent cramping without bleeding that tipped me off that I might be pregnant the second time. Some days it was mild, some days it was worse than the cramps with my period. And some days I swore that my uterus was a washing machine and was going to shake the baby right out. So from my experience, I would think the cramping is very normal. Mine were usually much better by week 7. As long as you are not bleeding or doubled over in pain, enjoy the hell out of those cramps!
ReplyDeleteI got a lot of cramping in the first trimester. It got to be normal after a while. There's a lot going on in there! I also had some spotting as well but I think that's more common with multiples. Anyway my husband used to say 'unless its a catastrophe it's fine' and he was right. I used to worry and freak out a lot (still do some days!) but he was right. The cramping just shows your body is busy. That is a good sign.
ReplyDeleteYep lots of cramping during early days for sure...lasted for a couple or three weeks...no way around the anxiety that resulted....having had 5 miscarriages myself, I called on the services of our local anxiety disorders clinic and got some good counseling which made things more bearable...I was going to the loo every 5 minutes checking for blood, and clearly this was incompatible with work or my emotional well being. I wish you luck. Hang tough.
ReplyDeleteI think the only way I'd have remembered specifics is by keeping a symptom journal, but vaguely what I remember is that I cramped a lot, intermittently, and it was menstrual pain like for the most part.
ReplyDeleteThis is normal, it's literally your uterus telling you/whining that it is streching/changing. I would not add this to the worry list, this is part of the scheduled program. :)
I had on an off cramping during the first several weeks, at some points it was so bad that I had to take tylenol to relieve it. I did find that if I drank a lot of water it got better. I mean a lot of water. I also found when I worked on my feet a lot they were worse. On my days off I just laid on the couch and didn't move much. I hope it's the same for you. Hang in there, I know you have been through so much. If you can try to take time off.
ReplyDeleteHere is what I know: generally speaking, cramping without bleeding is common and bleeding without cramping is common, it is when they are together, cramping AND bleeding, that things become a bit more worrisome in early pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteI actually think that the type of cramping you are describing is a positive sign that your embryo(s) and uterus are getting to know each other. There is A LOT going on in there.
I feel very protective of you and, while I know you have to live your life and that nothing you are doing is going to jeopardize the pregnancy, I do think it is your body reacting to your increase in heart rate, etc, as you push to get where you need to go. So, if you must walk a far distance, do so at a slower pace (even if it makes you late, I guess), sit, if you can, while lecturing (if you are cramping), and drink your water (96 oz). I would imagine that when your body is hydrated and supine, you have fewer cramps, so try to rest when you can.
I know you are freaked out and I am sure your mind is a battle field right now as you try to decide what you are comfortable doing. My rule of thumb was to try not to do anything that I'd regret doing if things went south. I know that shouldn't have to be the litmus test, but for me, it was.
Hopefully the cramping is just that little embie getting nice and comfortable. Got to bury deep so it can stay warm for 9 months!
ReplyDeleteI remember having a lot of cramping during early-pregnancy. I think it's totally normal. Continued good thoughts your way, pregnant lady :)
ReplyDeleteI don't remember cramping specifically with this last pregnancy...but there was a ton of uterine and non-uterine abdominal goings on. Like, I felt implantation/burrowing for a couple weeks (4-7?). And then started having crabby uterus feelings (contractions) as early as 9 weeks. On that, both my RE and OB said some women just feel more than others.
ReplyDeleteI'll second the drinking water/resting as a way to calm the uterus, as I was told even mild dehydration can cause contractions. But I don't think cramping signals a *problem* per se, in the absence of spotting.
As for ultrasounds...I'm a big fan of the early ultrasound. With both my successful pregnancies I had a gestational sac check as early as 5w2d (even with a beta of less than 1000) and heartbeat confirmation by 6w2d. (This last pregnancy I had an additional ultrasound at 5w4d, I think largely because I was an absolute emotional wreck...but it wasn't like I asked for it.)
Day by day, Mo. Thinking of you every spare minute!
I had pulling sensations frequently in the early days. I also felt like I had a ball bearing in my ute off and on.. It felt like pressure, almost like a UTI, but not quite. That lasted a few weeks. Nothing ever felt like period cramps though. That would have definitely sent me over the edge...
ReplyDeleteHope you are able to take it easy and relax a bit this weekend.
Sounds like from all of the comments that there are plenty of women who experienced cramping in the early weeks. Hopefully that will put your mind a little at ease. And I agree with what someone said about taking it easy - not too much physical strain, slow walking, etc. Take good care of that little life growing inside you right now!
ReplyDeleteI had cramping..lots of cramping in the first trimester...especially very early on. I also had lots of spotting. I have a 15 month old today :)
ReplyDeleteKeeping fingers, toes and everything else crossed for you guys!
Yes, sometimes even severe cramping. I felt like I was having my period sometimes, others like my uterus was stretching (like a muscle cramp), other times just cramping like you are describing. I looked back on my blog and was reporting it as late as 6+ weeks along and after that it was more the cramps of the uterus expanding. Honestly, I think this is a really good sign, especially without spotting (although I did have that, too, for a couple of weeks, mostly brown though)
ReplyDeleteHard to decide what to do next, I am sure. It's a gamble either way -- sometimes more info is good, other times it drives you crazy. Try to go with whatever you think will keep you the most sane during this very difficult period of limbo. *hugs*
With both this pregnancy and the last there has been cramping at the beginning. With this one there has been the high drama of bleeding and cramping after activity. This stopped at around 5 weeks. The cramping has reared its head from time to time since then but is much calmer. My doctor told me that the process of implantation can be more dramatic for some than others. She also said activitiy level wouldn't change the outcome. So I say engage in regret management but don't take responsibility for the cramping when it occurs. Its more than likely your baby's fault. Extra enthusiastic implantation may not be a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteCramping is my only sign that this pregnancy is still going so for me I think the cramping is a good thing. I actually worry when I go most of the day and don't feel some sort of cramping. Most of my cramping is localized to my right ovary area (I think my baby - 7 weeks 2 days today, is on my right side). As for betas, my RE drew until I hit 1000 and then a few days later did my first u/s and checked - there was a gestational sack and yoke sack. I'd think you'd be good a few days after hitting the 1000 beta mark to do an u/s. You're doing great, even if you don't feel like it mentally most days. PS- I still spot red, brown and all the colors in between every day due to cervical ectropian...I've learned to live with the fear and anxiously await my weekly u/s.
ReplyDeleteI am like many others, lots of cramping, totally worried. I ran to the bathroom(at work) all of the time to see if I was spotting. I had lots of secretions, which I found are normal in pregnancy. It is so hard, if you've had losses, to relax. I am sending you lots of hope!
ReplyDeleteI didn't have much cramping, but I bled a lot, so there ya go - it is a mindfuck either way I think! And I only cramped when I bled, so who the hell knows. It sounds like cramping is very common this early - most fertiles just think their period is coming - so I'd take it as a good sign. And do try to rest when you can - a taxi for the 10 block walk? Scheduling meetings in your office/building? I was always super-cautious about overdoing it.
ReplyDeleteLurker here! Yep, lots of cramping, particularly in the 5-6 week range. It felt similar to period cramps, but not quite the same. Same sensation, but they seemed to hurt over a wider area and weren't as strong.
ReplyDeleteOh man! I cramped so bad with both pregnancies. Until 14 weeks with my first and 9 weeks with my second. I was absolutely sure I had to be miscarrying. I felt like my uterus was rolling into a tight ball. Happened when I was on my feet a lot, but also at random. Resting didn't seem to help, so I just kept doing what I was doing. I hope your cramping subsides soon. It sure is an unnerving symptom.
ReplyDeleteLots of cramping, lots of bleeding. My doc was totally unconcerned about both. I WOULD say drink more water than you possibly think you can. All the meds you're on (or at least the ones I know about) made me dehydrate quicker than I thought possible. Seriously, carry water everywhere & drink it all the time. And if you can, take it easy, though I know sometimes taking it easy can be more stressful than NOT taking it easy--and I think the lower you can keep your stress levels, the better off you'll be. (duh. sorry for the lame assvice, but really, cramping=no worries, just keep your hydration levels up!)
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, I think cramping, if it is without bleeding, can actually be a very positive sign. Clearly something is going on down there, and if it was a bad something, you'd start to see blood along with the cramping. If the activities you're doing aren't leading to bleeding, I would think it's probably okay to continue them if you need to.
ReplyDeleteCramping and bleeding together is often a cause for concern, but even bleeding on its own isn't necessarily a harbinger of doom. A friend of mine (who is also a Dr. Sch patient) called me a year ago New Year's Day when she was at about the point you are and had started literally gushing blood. It turned out to be an SCH, and her twins are now 6 months old. At one point in this pregnancy, I went to the bathroom and there was enough blood to turn the toilet water bright red. I was pretty sure that was the beginning of the end, and yet, somehow, here we are...
Also, don't be surprised if these symptoms continue for a few more weeks and then go away, and then you start to feel really panicky about them going away. I freaked out when all the cramping/achiness seemed to suddenly stop, and I wound up going in to the peri's office twice a week for about 3 weeks at that point just to try to hold onto a shred of my sanity...This process really plays a number on your mind, especially after having gone through it as long as we have.
I had a fair amount of uterine cramping until about 6 weeks. (I'm 20w4d now). For me they felt lower than my normal menstrual cramps, but they freaked me out A LOT.
ReplyDeleteI also had cramping early on. From what I gathered, it was a good sign. Continuing to cross my fingers for you.
ReplyDeleteYou put back more than one, right? I mean...what if you have more than one growing in there? I would think that would cause some interesting sensations that you're not used to.
ReplyDeleteI had a bit of cramping until about 6 wks with all three of my twin pregnancies and a "heavy" feeling with all them. Felt like a cannon ball in my pelvis,ugh
ReplyDeleteI had crazy cramping for the first 15 weeks or so with both of my pregnancies. So much so, that I was constantly worried that I was having a miscarriage. Even though I was constantly worried, my doctor wasn't. She just said that some womens uterus' just stretch and pull more than others. And some women feel it more than others. So I don't know...I have been a reader of yours for years and I just want to wish you the best of luck! I really honestly think this is your time, your sticky bean. I hope nothing but the best for you and Will.
ReplyDeleteWith my first pregnancy, I was CONVINCED that I was going to start my period due to the crampiness (wore a pad for 2-3 weeks!)-- it lasted from about 3w5d until about week 6, I think. Not exactly comforting, but now she's 3.5 and ready to take on the world.
ReplyDeleteI also have a silly vision of you on a Segway scooting to and from meetings... :-D
Yes, it's Round Ligament Pain! Sometimes it feels more intense and sharper than regular menstrual cramps. I had it and it scared me too! I think just try to take it as easy as possible, but the pain is supposedly harmless and not a bad sign at all. As for doing another beta, in my opinion, I wouldn't do it! As you get further along, the doubling time slows down and you might freak out if you think it isn't as high as it should be.... and for no reason. This happened to me. I opted for a 3rd beta just for peace of mind and it was a bad idea! For 2 weeks following, I obsessed over it and thought it wasn't high enough. But then my 6 week ultrasound was just fine. Don't do that to yourself... just my opinion based on my experience! :)
ReplyDeleteI could be wrong but I think round ligament pain happens later.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I still don't think there's reason to worry unless it's cramping plus bleeding. I bled at 6 w but there were still 2 heartbeats at the 7-week scan. They said it was just because my lining was so thick and juicy (tmi!).
BUT I would take it easier if I were you - this baby/ babies are far too hard fought and what's a lecture here or there in the grand scheme of life???? :)
I just had an ectopic in August. I was the same gestation you are right now and there was no uterine cramping. I had pain on one side, the best way to describe it was lower right quadrant but very deep. Trying to palpate it simply made the pressure worse but not always the pain. If this is TMI I'm sorry, but I went about my day and ended up at Target. The pain was a dull ache and I had to have a bowel movement. I did that and thought that was perhaps where the pain was coming from. An hour or two later on the road I noticed the pain just kept getting worse and worse until I stopped to use the restroom and there was blood. I'd been pregnant before and this was very very different than pregnant. This was a dull ache that became or more constant ache because it ruptured.
ReplyDeleteCompared to my pregnancy it was way different. Very early on in my pregnancy I noticed cramping one and off like a period and kept thinking "I wish my period would just get here" and kept thinking it was going to be a doozy of a pregnancy. I confused my pregnancy with a period for about a week and a half.
Best of luck to you! I would say don't worry but knowing what you've been through I'll simply say that right now it sounds like what happened with my live delivery.
Sarah
I remember lots of cramping too. Lots of luck!!!
ReplyDeleteHm, cramping as I type this. Go figure. LOL [though I am not pregnant as far as I know, hoping but not. yet.]
ReplyDeleteI wrote in to say that this is all normal but given that I just worry you'll stress over the cramping so if it gets worse moving, as much as possible minimize it if you can, not for any other reason but for managing your own stress and anxiety over it all.
[and yes, signing off captain obvious like you don't already know this, sorry just had to throw in my assvice]
I cramped pretty much every day for the first 8 weeks or so. It was pretty scary. But everythingnwas fine.
ReplyDeleteI did have cramping - it felt like my period was going to start. They continuted until about 7 weeks. I also had spotting too which was super worrisome, but everything turned out fine. Hope all continues to go well!
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else said cramping is normal. I hope this eases your mind a little but given what you have gone through I'd understand if it didn't. Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteNo imput on this Mo but just wanted to tell you that you ROCK!
ReplyDeleteKeeping the positive thoughts and prayers coming at you!
ReplyDeleteI had cramping the first week after my transfer. I have to say, I felt more cramping when I was on both PIO and suppositories. This past cycle I was only on PIO and the cramping was as severe. Good luck & try not to go too crazy during this time. I'm happy there is no spotting with the cramping!
ReplyDeleteI had bad cramping with my first, for the entire first trimester. She was born two days after her due date weighing eight pounds. I had horrible right lower quadrant pain, especially when I peed (TMI? Sorry.) for three days before I even had a positive HPT with my second daughter. The overall cramping wasn't as bad as with my first, but I still had it. She was born ten days early weighing seven pounds.
ReplyDeleteI know you have plenty of reasons to fear the worst, but I don't think the cramps fall under the category. I am taking the left-sided pain as a good omen since I had something similar with a successful pregnancy.
I had some cramping around 5 weeks with Birdie's pregnancy. With this one, no cramping, but then again it happened on a natural cycle, and I wasn't on any progesterone supplementation. Keeping in the theme of regret management, is there any way you can cut way back on work commitments the next week or so and take it easy?
ReplyDeleteMo and Will, I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for you. I am so excited and hopeful for you!
As far as ultrasounds go, with this pregnancy I had an ultrasound at nearly 7w that didn't show a hearbeat and I was convinced it was not viable. But a week later there was a heartbeat and it had caught up. I think my OB just wasn't very skilled with the u/s machine. If you do get an early one, go to an EXPERT with a good machine!
My husband and I conceived on our own, but that being said - myself, my sister, several of my good friends - ALL cramped heavily until we were about 8 weeks. My cramping was way worse than menstrual cramps and happened all the time. It was so bad I found myself in the bathroom crying and went in for an early ultrasound because I was so scared it was ectopic. Tylenol helped a little, but it was bad, bad, bad. In other words, sounds like what you're going through is absolutely normal implantation. Lots and lots and lots of good luck to you!!
ReplyDeleteI personally didn't experience much in the way of cramping. But as a long time infertility blog afficionada, I can tell you it is common, common, common and does not seem to be related to outcomes (indeed my gut says if anything, the opposite, but I admit I have not tracked the data/blogs systematically enough to be able to say that with confidence). However: cramping -- normal. As to what you should do about it, my best guess would be it doesn't make any difference what you do, but that your focus (as elsewhere in this process) should be on regret management. Also, on taking gentle care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI had a lot of cramping in the first few weeks especially. So much so that it started to really worry me but RE and OB said it was normal (apparently IVF pregnancies cramp more than natural pregnancies). Probably from all the meds we're on. They just kept saying drink lots of water and all will be fine. My twins are 19 months now and asleep upstairs so try not to worry about it too much. Hope you get to have an U/s next week.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Ocgal
I had so much cramping but never spotting. Even now at 12w4d, I'm still cramping some. But I've had 4 ultrasounds, two recent ones with a heartbeat, so the cramping must be fine!
ReplyDeleteI cramped until 20 weeks with my miracle pregnancy and it was very scary since no one I knew had the same experience. I have a retroverted uterus which can make cramping worse. I also had an early rupture of the corpus luteum and a trip to the ER with bleeding in the first trimester - didn't stop our little miracle, though! He was born totally healthy, if one month early! Sending all my good vibes your way, brave Mo!
ReplyDeleteHi from ICLW!
ReplyDeleteI don't have much advice about cramping except that I know women who have experienced it. Hoping this one will be it for you - you've already been through so much.
I had lots and lots of cramping early on with Smudgie. Made me very nervous (I remember having the same terrors about an ectopic when it seemed to be more on one side than the other). I tried to take it easy when I wasn't working, rest a lot and drink lots of water. Hold on, we're all rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Mo...I cramped a lot in the early days of pregnancy. It's got to be normal because I have a child now! I too struggled with infertility and I'm really rooting for you and Will. Try to avoid stressing out! It's out of your hands at this point. Do a crossword and try to relax. :)
ReplyDeleteDidn't cramp with my son, but I cramped a lot with my daughter. With her, I had a subchorionic haematoma, so the cramps were accompanied by bleeding (fun times). I don't recall asking the doctor about my cramps specifically, since we were more concerned about the bleeding, but either way everything panned out well.
ReplyDeleteI usually tried to rest and put my feet up as much as possible when I was cramping, but considering I spent most of my day chasing a toddler around, that was rarely an option. Still, everything turned out just fine.
I think everything is going to be great - this is it! I am so dang excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI don't recall noticing cramping early on, but boy did I ever have contractions from 16 weeks onwards. I ended up being induced 10 days past my due date. I spent the entire pregnancy convinced I was going to miscarry.
ReplyDeleteMy contractions weren't painful, but I did have some very strong and uncomfortable tightenings at times. I'd feel intense pressuer on my cervix and my whole uterus got tight.
I did cut back to part time, gave up my call, even went off work from weeks 22-28. Regret management, right? Then I went back to work part time, then full time, and the contractions kept on coming. I had serial ultrasounds to follow cervical length, and it held up fine.
So I concur with the others and think there's no reason for you to freak. It's likely entirely normal.
I had the frequent beta and ultrasound rollercoaster with pg #1 that ended in a loss at 8.5 weeks. #2 never made it past betas. #3 (K) my RE insisted on only 2 betas, at 20dpo and 24dpo. And then they had me wait till 7wks for my U/S. It was nervewracking, but in the end I was glad that they waited till I could get a definitive result.
Hang in there!
I think a lot of it is from the hormones for cycling, even with FET. I had cramps even when my cycle was cancelled.
ReplyDeleteHope new bloodwork and an early US will help at least a bit!
chiming in with the other 57 people to let you know that I had a lot of cramping with M. I was pretty convinced on a regular basis during my first trimester that I was about to miscarry because of it, but she's getting close to one year old now so it really did work out. And I had round ligament pain from pretty early on too, like definitely in the first trimeaster even tho my pregnancy books all made me feel like I was nuts. Maybe that explains some of your side pain...
ReplyDeleteGood luck Mo! I am on pins and needles here with you!
I had cramping like that with both of mine. Would have sworn I was starting my cycle. Taking it as a good sign for you!
ReplyDeleteWell, you have had plenty of comments so far, but I thought I would add one more.
ReplyDeleteThe answer is yes. I had some pretty severe cramping for the first several weeks. Up through about week 6 or 7 really. It felt just like AF, only sometimes even worse. Coming and going just like you said.
Also, as far as the specific left sided cramping...for me it is almost always bowels. Early pg is tough on the lower digestive system, especially with all the vitamins & supplements and what not.
I know you are hoping to do some more testing or something for reassurance. I can understand that, and have done the same thing in the past. But as you said, you have been there with the good results & have seen what can happen in a matter of days. The only thing that will make it easier is the passage of time. So my advice to try and stay sane this first trimester, is to do your best to ignore what may or may not be going on inside you.
As always, best of luck to you guys. I will be following your progress with hope!
I had pretty consistent menstrual-like cramps from 4-6 weeks. I think at this point in the pregnancy it is quite normal. It's the cramping I have had later on during 2nd tri that has been problematic (related to a partial separation of one of the placentas and fibroids). As always, sending lots of good vibes and hoping for the best for you guys!
ReplyDeletecramping, pulling, twisting, tugging... all these sensations are associated with... pregnancy!
ReplyDeleteits normal, mo. hard not to worry about it, wonder what it means and what is going on in there through.
you know at this point, no beta or even ultrasound is going to change what forces of nature are happening inside of you. all they give you is a sliver of knowledge at that moment in time. granted, knowledge has power, has the power to give you feelings of ease or worry, the power to make plans for your immediate future. each time you get a bit of knowledge, it is like a stepping stone, that you can go to and wait for the next step ahead. we are all hoping that there is a trail ahead of you of small stepping stones that lead to your poopy diapers... one small step at a time.
you're at the top of the list, mo... you're on your way :)
I am 7 weeks pregnant right now and I have been having cramping from the very beginning and have some pulling sensations lower also. With my first baby (she is 23 months) I had cramping to for a good long while so I take that as a good sign! I have all of my fingers and toes crossed for you and will!!!
ReplyDeleteI cramped like crazy with the twins. A lot. I did not cramp as much with my singelton, but I did cramp.
ReplyDeleteI take this as an excellent sign!
Hi Mo, Wanted to chime in also on the cramptastic days. I was recently pregnant (ended, sadly, in a D&C at 12 weeks b/c of suspected Trisomy + hydrops, we haven't gotten the results yet) but unlike my first two pregnancies (which ended in super early miscarriages - a chemical + an ectopic) this time i had CRAZY cramping between 4 and 6.5 weeks. I could feel it coming on and then wham, it would hit like a contraction or like a huge pressure on my uterus. It happened more right after I just stood up but also totally randomly (while I was pushing the grocery cart, in the middle of the night, whenever). The funny thing is once they started to taper off around 5 or 6 weeks, then I was worried when I DIDN'T have the cramps that something was wrong :) In any case, i think it is totally normal at that stage and is probably a great indication of implantation (which isn't just a one or two day deal, it takes a long time for the embryo to bury in there for keeps). I really enjoy reading your blog and am rooting for this pregnancy of yours! All the best, Heather
ReplyDeleteFrom the day of my IUI, I cramped all day every day until somewhere in the middle of the second trimester. felt similar to menstrual cramps, but with more....tugging/pinching/strangeness. then I cramped "only" when I had to pee, when I needed more water, when I walked or stood too long, when i moved too fast...
ReplyDeleteIve been through 4 ivf cycles, only one was successful and it was the only time I had cramping. Sending positive thoughts your way. Yay!
ReplyDeleteWhen did your cramping stop? I'm at 4w5d and cramping away all week. Very strong at night.
ReplyDelete