Newly pregnant and scared

[chb1987]

Hi Ladies,
I am 23 and about one month pregnant (just found out). My husband and I own our own home and are financially stable, but I am still very worried about our finances when the baby comes. Any advice on this?
Also, for the last 2-3 days, I have been having waves of severe lower abdomen cramping. They feel like extremely bad menstral cramps. They come on every few hours and last 20-30 minutes, varying in intensity. I had one wake me up in the middle of the night last night that hurt so bad that I broke into a cold sweat and thought I was going to vomit. I have been having bad cramping like that all day now (every few hours). Is this normal? Also, does anyone know when this symptom should subside? Thanks

Hi congratulations.
Have you had any spotting ? I think if it carrys on tomorrow and I would go to the dr's just in case or at least call them for guidance.
Financially it depends how long you have worked for your current employer. Ive worked for mine for over 10 years and received 12 weeks at full pay, then 27 weeks on statutory maternity pay £124.20 pw. You can then have the remaining 3 months off unpaid.
This package is more generous than they have to give you by law but it should be easy to find your companies hr policy.
You'll also receive £13.80 pw in child benefit (as long as one of you isnt a higher rate taxpayer) and you may received tax credits which if you are eligeable are highr for the 1st year (approx £100 at the moment) but you can check benefits on the gov website.
Best to start saving now to make up the shortfull when your wage drps and think about buying things 2nd hand, a baby is as expensive as you ant it to be - ebay and car boot sales are great.

Good luck.

I had really bad periody type pains in early months of all three pregnancies. Don't worry, unless you have bleeding. It is everything stretching and growing. Congratuations!

Hi there,

Congratulations! I think it is very normal to be scared and worried about finances! I am 36 and pregnant with my first and go through stages of being excited and also terrified!!!

I would drag out your company maternity policy - but up to you if you want to go and talk to someone in HR. They are supposed to keep things confidential... but if you are not telling anyone till after your 12 weeks scan, you may want to leave this a while.

I too had terrible and quite worrying cramping at the beginning of my pregnancy, and was basically told not to worry unless I bled. However, I think if you are at all worried then speak to your doctor, and get advice from them. Even if you do bleed a bit, this doesn't always mean something is wrong, but they would be more likely to send you for a scan earlier than 12 weeks.

Good luck with everything x

Hi everyone,
Thank you for the advice.
I have not had any bleeding, only bad cramps. I have been using ice packs on my lower back and abdomen to help ease the pain. I am hoping these don't last too much longer, as they are quite frustrating!