sharp pains at 12 weeks ... is it my ovaries, or what?

[paperdoll]

During the past few days I've been feeling sharp tugs of pain around where (I think) my ovaries are - most of all when I sneeze or laugh, or just stand up from sitting in a chair. This is my first pregnancy so I'm not sure how much to worry. I read somewhere that some ovarian pain in pregnancy can be normal but then there are lots of other threads/sites that mention cysts. I'm not aware of ever having had cysts before, but I guess that doesn't rule anything out.
I am 12 weeks plus 3 days and I don't have my first scan until 14 Feb. Not sure if I should try to hold on until then, or maybe call the docs sooner? Does anyone think the pain could be from anything else I haven't thought of?

could it be your growing uterus rather than your ovaries? Do you mean you feel the pain on both sides? I had all sorts of pain in my first pg, my left ovary was especially sensitive, as I later found out that's where the egg was fertilised. I personally don't think you have anything to worry about, but go and see your GP who, I'm sure, will put your mind at rest.

...however, if you want a quick scan done, your local EPAU (Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit) should be able to do that. But you still have to see your GP/nurse first for a referral, or at least that's the policy in my borough.

hi, i had pain in my right hand side, went for 12 week scan and they told me I had a cyst 3cm on ovary....very common apparently and they told me that it will prob go as pregnancy progresses... wait for the scan - pregnancy is full of aches, twinges and good luck x

I had sharp pains, like a tear through the abdomen when i sneezed or coughed from about 11 weeks. I'm now 19 weeks and still getting the occasional pains. saw mw last week, she reassured me it is more than likely just the uterus stretching. hope that helps.

I'm getting exactly the same thing, also when trying to turn over in bed [grr] - MW said it's the ligaments holding the uterus relaxing and pinging about and is nothing to worry about.

At 12wk scan they'll often see a 'cyst' on the ovary that ovulated last - it's called the corpus luteum and is a normal (and important) part of pg - all to do with switching hormones on and off at the right times.

thanks for all this! feel reassured - I might go speak to my gp if it continues but it's good to know others have had the same thing with no dire consequences.
cheers, hope you are all feeling better soon!