Cramps and aches at 21 weeks

[PostmanPatAlwaysRingsTwice]

Am 21+5 with DC2. Since yesterday evening I've had cramps all over my bump and lower back that have gone on through the night and into this morning. Also feeling a bit nauseous but that could be anxiety because of the cramping. It's just generally niggly and uncomfortable. They're constant, not coming and going.

I remember having aches at 20 weeks last time right before my bump 'popped out' but don't think they were in my back. I've been having foetal movement throughout but have an anterior placenta so not been getting loads of strong movements yet.

Am thinking now I should phone the mw but that will have to wait till I've sorted my 2yo out - in the meantime can anyone reassure me that this is normal?!

I do think these aches and pains are normal to some degree, I've been having them on/off myself with this pregnancy - and the same thing it'll be constant for a few hours/overnight and then fine. They can be triggered by lots of things including the usual stretching etc. For some reason with this pregnancy of mine I've also experienced a lot more aching in my lower back than I remember with the others!

But to be on the safe side it's always better to speak to a midwife just in case.

Thanks Smithy I took some paracetamol and feel better. Also have a bit of an upset tummy that I think is connected.

Just to update this - the pain and discomfort got worse so I phoned triage and am here now waiting for antibiotics as they think it's a UTI. It bloody hurts!

Get well soon, I've never had a UTI in adult memory until this pregnancy but they are an absolute nightmare! Don't be afraid to go back and pester them if the cramping doesn't let up though - they do seem very quick to dismiss most discomforts as either 'stretching' or UTI's.

What else do you think it could be Smithy?

Sorry, I hope I didn't scare you! I think if you have a UTI that is the most likely cause. Urine infections do seem to be a common cause of cramping/aching in the lower abdomen. Trapped wind and stomach upsets seem to have the same effect too.

I really meant if your symptoms continue and you're worried don't be afraid to ask them to check you out a bit more thoroughly. Just from my own experience I find that they are not always as attentive to your worries as they could be. As long as you're not having any bleeding/regular contractions there is likely nothing to worry about at all. I'm now on my third and unfortunately I seem to be prone to having aches and pains throughout!

Ah ok no bleeding or contractions and my cervix was checked, apparently it's so posterior the doctor could hardly see it. They also checked foetal heartbeat and palpated my abdomen. So I am hoping it is indeed a UTI and if so the pains should start to ease off by tomorrow evening. They said to call in again if not.

Hope your aches aren't too bad at the moment!

Just got a call from the mw at the hospital, my urine is showing Group B Strep. Urgh.

Have to change my antibs and go on IV antibiotics from the beginning of labour.