cramps at 4 weeks

[ladycarlotta]

hi all, I'm 4+5 weeks, and since getting my BFP on the 21st I've been experiencing period-like cramps at some point nearly every day. They are mostly bearable, but still quite painful - on the 23rd I had one particularly sharp one, to the point where I couldn't concentrate on what the person talking to me was saying, but it passed and I felt fine afterwards.

They aren't constant or predictable, and I have been told that cramping can be a normal part of early pregnancy, but I hadn't realised it would be this uncomfortable or frequent! I've had no bleeding, and all my pregnancy symptoms (tender breasts, nausea, heightened sense of smell/taste) are still present, which I hope are good signs.

I've a couple of miscarriages in the past and really dread going through it again. I know if it's going to happen it's going to happen, but any advice/reassurance would be very gratefully received.

help a girl out!

I really wouldn’t like to guess... I’ve had so many pains with this pregnancy though, less like period cramps and more like stabby pains.. some mild, some that have taken my breath away. Had a bit of brown/red spotting too.

After two recent MMCs, and not having felt anything like this in my two successful pregnancies, I’d convinced myself that this was another loss, but after a scan yesterday... its going ok so far 🤞

Can you get a reassurance scan where you live? I think it changes from region to region but mine won’t scan before six weeks so I had to wait.

Completely unrelated to yours, but just wanted you to see that there is a success story.. it may not be the worst happening.

I had mild, period like cramps in early pregnancies with both of my DC and it is very normal. Mine were a little uncomfortable rather than actually painful however there are no doubt varying degrees of what can be felt.

Try and relax (easier said than done, I know) - no bleeding or bad pains means that all is almost certainly fine :-)

Obviously can only comment on my own experience, but yes I had this, brown spotting as well at around 6 weeks-ish (and a red bleed at 16 weeks. Not nice.).

Baby is currently emptying the recycling box onto the floor and trying to eat cardboard, so it wasn’t a bad sign here. Good luck!

Thanks all so much. I know there's not much anyone can do about it, but I can't stop worrying. Hearing your experiences really does help.
@NotAsGreenAsCabbageLooking (a great phrase!), really hoping a scan might be on offer - I've been in touch with the midwife team as in my area you go straight to them rather than via the GP, but they're overdue on getting back to me. I'm hoping that my previous miscarriages might prompt them to scan, if only for peace of mind.

Glad it’s helped a bit. You don’t want a scan before 6 weeks as they may not be able to see a pregnancy - definitely wait until they’ll be able to pick up a heartbeat otherwise it’s just more horrible uncertainty (my baby was IVF so had early scans).

Got everything crossed for you here