Period-like pain in early pregnancy

[BlingLoving]

I am just over 5 weeks pregnant and have been having period-like aching in my abdomen and the occasional sharp stabbing pain in the lower left hand abdomen.

Tmi alert: I am a bit constipated and have a very bad cough which might be exacerbating things but I am first time pregnant after a long time trying to get her so a bit paranoid.

Please tell me if I am being paranoid to be worrying.

[BellaBearisWideAwake]

I've definitely had the period aching in all my pregnancies at the beginning. But I don't recognise the sharp stabbing pain, sorry. Hopefully someone who knows more will come along.

[PussinJimmyChoos]

I am preg with DC2 and was very crampy and achey with DS and now this one - it is totally normal and it was in one of my pregnancy books as well

I would however, keep an eye on the stabbing pain to see if it gets worse and if so, contact GP.

Generally though, any period type cramps and aches, as long as they are not accompanied by bleeding, are not a cause for concern

[pinkbasket]

I had this with my first baby and was told it was everything stretching.

[Mumcah]

I too had quite strong period pains in the first few weeks of my pregnancies.

I agree with the others that you need to see a GP if the stabbing pain gets worse.

I was surprised how crampy I was,even with the 2nd pregnancy when it was all stretched from the first time.
Congratulations by the way.

[Clarabumps]

when i had my two i had these symptoms..dont fret!if it gets really sore then obviously go to a doctor. I used to have the stabby pain..not agony but definately a sharp pain..didnt last that long?also the crampy pain was normal..again not agony but like your period was due to come on.

Calm down..it'll be fine, these early weeks seem as though they last forever.
Best of luck..hope this helps.xx

[BlingLoving]

Thank you s. I feel better. Will monitor stabbing pain and if it continues or gets worse I will see a doctor.

[HighlandlassinLondonshire]

Don't worry it's just you 'stretching' inside. Mine hurt like hell and still do at 18 weeks...! I was in tears at about 6 and 7 weeks as it was agony (but I'm a chicken)

However mention it to your MW and Doctor so they can make a note in your file.

xxx

[planner26]

I had period type pains for the first 12 weeks - it went away gradually but I wouldn't worry - midwife and dr told me it was all normal. If you are really worried though, go get it checked out and get a referral for the EPU for piece of mind.

Best of luck xx

[Piccalilli2]

Very common in early pg, don't worry, including the stabbing pains.

[hippy3]

I had exactly the same thing in week five of my pregnancy and was terrified something was wrong. When I spoke to my midwife she said it was totally normal...and it should subside after a week or so..think mine lasted a week or two... felt exactly like a period pain. was worried it was a mc.

[Samraves]

I think it is all normal... as the others said, keep a bit of an eye on the stabbling pain, but I got this too - was nearly doubled over sometimes... and definitely got cramps.

I would phone the midwife if you have any bleeding though - although that too can be normal!

[lilly13]

period like pains are normal. they occur because your uteris is stretching to make room for the growing fetus... there is a good book i am reading now called "what to expect when you are expecting". it's well written and been very helpful to answer some of my queries. this is my first pregnanct and i feel lost... hope you feel better soon.

[Applemuncher]

I agree with all the others - normal! I had bouts of upset tum too - was like having a stomach bug!

Keep an eye on your stabbing pains, if they become continuous with increased pain and bleeding then get medical help. I got the same though and was reassurred that everything was absolutely normal.

[BlingLoving]

Thanks again all.

The stabbing pain has gone, thank goodness. The period-like pain remains which I'm not so happy about (although it seems to be easing this morning a bit). I went to boots this morning on my way into work to ask if I could buy one of those hot packs like you use when you have actual period pain but the pharmacist wouldn't let me buy one as she said it would be too hot for the baby. I almost started crying on the spot.

[fayc84]

I'm five weeks and also getting the cramping and stabbing pains. It's generally fairly mild so I wasn't worried but after sex the other night it was excrutiating. Hubby told me to take some paracetamol but I wouldn't because this is our first and I'm terrified to do anything to harm the bean at this delicate stage (I think paracetamol's ok though, but I know you can't take ibuprofen when pregnant - anyone got any advice on that?). Does anyone know if this is normal? I thought it might just be from that region being tensed. Told hubby it's now a no-go area and he's sulking lol so keen to find out if this is normal and that everything's ok.
PS got doctor on Friday but it seems like an age to wait!!

[ecuse]

I've been getting these all the way through, still am so far at 11wks today. Mine is worse after sex, too, but I've read that's normal.

[TumTumGnu]

I just got my positive this morning and have period like aching. I know it's normal so am trying really, really hard not to worry about it. I was thinking about clutching a hot water bottle but I guess what fayc84 says scuppers that plan.

My midwife appointment isn't till 20 October as the doctors said they don't bother seeing you until 6-7 weeks. I think I might go mad with the waiting!

[bundlebelly]

I've had period type pains all three pregnancies. All ok don't worry. Mind you I had terrible after pains when everything goes back down again after the birth too, especially when breast feeding. Stock up on the paracetamol!

[Wishinandahopin]

Very reassuring ladies! But does everyone get the sore boobs, or is that not a pre requisite of early pregnancy?

[mummysweeangel]

Yip me too, i had period pain until around 10 weeks with my first pregnancy and this pregnancy was the same (i am now almost 18 weeks)

Also had the upset tummy aswell

it is frightening when your early on in the pregnancy as we just all assume pain/tummy upset that its a "bad sign" but looking at all the posts it seems to be very normal.

[ShowOfHands]

Wishinandahopin, I've seen you posting over the last few days. Generally you will find that it's better to start a new thread and ask questions than to bump an old thread. Because as you can see what happens is people respond to the original question, not realising you've resurrected an old thread.

It can take a bit of getting used to, posting on MN.

The other thing you could do is post in the conception threads, join a group of women who are also trying to conceive and they are a great source of information.

But no sore boobs aren't a prerequisite of early pregnancy to answer your question.

[Wishinandahopin]

Sorry Showofhands: nice to see you on the other thread! I'm just going a bit mental here. Will try and get to grips with MN etiquette. So sorry. You ladies are so supportive and wonderful here. I will need this in the coming weeks and months. I'm getting off this thread now! Ooops.

[ShowOfHands]

Don't apologise woman. It's fine. MN is huge and hard to navigate at first.

I find that the best ways to manage it are to use 'active conversations' (link at the top) to see what people are talking about atm, monitor threads you're posting on regularly and don't be afraid to ask if you're unsure.

Another good thing to do is to customise how you see things. Hide all the topics you aren't interested in because it makes it less cluttered.

And the 'advanced search' facility is very good if you're looking for information but don't want to start a new thread. I PROMISE you there isn't an early pregnancy gripe that hasn't been posted about.

But join your relevant antenatal thread on here. It's how I met some of my best friends.

Welcome.

And calm down!

[jellyhead188]

Hi - congratulations, and I had period and sharp stabbing pains early on - its disconcerting but unless its persistent and agony then its probably just stretching pains. Like everyone else has said though if it gets bad see your doc, I would describe what I have/had (am now 27 weeks with number 3!) as sharp stabbing pains a bit like a severe stitch but that go off after a few minutes. it often happens when I stand up after sitting, or after sex!

[Kimbers1]

I hace just found out im 5 weeks pregnant. I have my gp appt soon. I had a miscarriage last year so im a little worried the same will happen again. Does anyone know if they keep a closer eye on you?