mild cramps...advice please!

[newby29]

Hello! Can anyone advise? I think I have got mysefl into a bit of a state on this one. I am 7 weeks pg and last night started feeling mild cramps (like period) on and off. My boobs are still sore and I am feeling less sick - but still a bit sick. Is this normal? No bleeding or anything. I had a mc in May at 7 + 5 so dont know what is rational concern and what is just irrational paranoia. I have spoken to dr and she has refered me for an early scan, but it will have to be tomorrow as stupid place shuts at 12 today. So in the meantime if anyone has any thoughts I'd really like ot hear them. Thanks. PS I am very constipated too - and the doctor thought the aches and pains may well be related to that.

I had cramping on and off for the first few weeks, and am now 21 weeks and all is well, so cramping needn't be a sign of anything sinister. A lot of other people on here have had similar experiences too. The fact that you haven't had any bleeding either is very encouraging.

Re: the constipation (even though you didn't ask!) - I find Senna Max Strength to be about the only thing that works for me. My doctor prescribed Fybogel but it did naff-all.

I feel for you. Once you have a miscarriage any subsequent pregs are very nerve wracking. I wouldn't worry too much if you're not bleeding. There are lots of aches that accompany early preg. Good luck with your scan today

Hi newby,
When I was pregnant with ds I had plenty of cramps, it was just the uterus stretching (I think) but he was born without a hitch.
I had a mc recently (very early) and the first sign was I got diarrhoea, which I always get around my period, with ds I was constipated for about the first few months (on and off).
I can't really give any advice or reassurance, but I think constipation is a pretty good sign your still pregnant, and sickness does tend to come and go.
Good luck with your scan, let us know how you get on.
XXX

Thanks very much all. Glad to hear that as horrid and uncomfortable as it is - constipation is stil a good sign! I'm going for my scan at 9 tomorrow morning, so I'll let you know how I get on after that.

Oh, not having a go lazyemma but senna isn't recommended during pregnancy, they work by stimulating the muscles in the colon and being so close to the uterus there is a worry that could affect the pregnancy. Best to stick to lactulose or fybogel (both if necessary) and drink lots of water as well.
Good I sound like a nag!!
XXX

Newby, I am 13 weeks and I have been having lots of wierd cramps and spasms, just like period pains, since about 6 weeks. My midwife says nothing to worry aout as long as no bleeding, like lazyemma said, and that it is a combination of ligaments stretching (something to do with the hormones) and muscles making room for growing stuff etc. It is definitely scary, especially as there seems to be a big variety between the kind of pains and the location of the pains, but apparently this is normal. Paranoia totally understable but I hope unjustified - good luck with scan my dear.

Fantastic - thanks ladies, thats what I like to hear!!! Some days I think I cant be in denial about this pg and I have to elt myself enjoy it and assume that I wont mc because most dont (although of course, as I have experienced lots do) and I feel relaitvely optimisitc, and then some days I almost feel I wish I would hurry up and get it over with, in that I feel so sure its going to happen. Feel driven mad with it and my poor DH just keeps silent for not knowing the right think to say! Fingers crossed for all of us! Congrats on 13 weeks MrsCB! very very envious......!!

You'll be there in a trice, Newby.

Hi all - thought I would update you. I had a scan this morning and all was good and we saw a heartbeat!!! So that was really reassuring. It was 7mm and therefore an average of 6 + 4, when we are 7 + 2 but the nurse said that was normal and the accuracy is within a week. So hopefully thats all OK. of course me being me I have been thinking about whether that is my next big thing to worry about! But have decided not to! So, fingers crossed, but all looking good so far!

" senna isn't recommended during pregnancy, they work by stimulating the muscles in the colon and being so close to the uterus there is a worry that could affect the pregnancy. Best to stick to lactulose or fybogel (both if necessary) and drink lots of water as well"

To be honest, if I didn't take senna, I wouldn't have done a poo for the last 5 months, so I'll take my chances. There's no conclusive evidence to suggest that senna has any effect on the uterus, and my doctor's given me the all-clear after the fybogel she prescribed was completely useless. Also, I know you mean well, but if I had a pound for the amount of times someone has helpfully told me to "drink some water" I'd be minted. I drink a minimum of 2 litres every day: makes no difference.

ps: glad to hear all's well, newby.

So pleased for you newby! Must feel great to know you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy now!
XXX

lazyemma you are being advised by your doctor so I'm sure you are doing the right thing. Senna is a stimulant laxative the same category of laxative as castor oil which was traditionally used to bring on labour.
All medical decisions are made on the basis of risk/benefit ratio and like you say there is vertually no risk with senna but unless totally necessary no risk is acceptable.

castor oil is a pretty heavy-duty, fast acting laxative which I'd never use. I know it works as a stimulant in the same way as senna does but senna is much milder and as I said there's no evidence to link it to premature labour.

I can't believe I'm discussing my bowels on the internet, by the way - I promise I'll shut up now!

I have discussed far worse than bowels on the net!