17 weeks bad period pains

[mol2mum]

Hiya, I'm hoping someone can offer me some reassurance as I'm driving myself INSANE I've been having period type cramps since yesterday afternoon. They started off super mild and got worse at bedtime. I woke up this morning feeling much better but then the mild cramping started again so I called MAU who told me not to worry as there's no bleeding and just to call back if it got worse. The pain did start getting worse again so I called back and they said they're not too concerned as there's still no bleeding and said it's probably just growing/stretching pains.

Bit of a back story... a couple of weeks ago I had the tiniest bit of brown spotting so I went in for a scan. They found a hematoma which they told me not to worry about and said that they'd just check it again at my 20 week scan. Not sure if the pains could be coming from that? I explained these concerns to the midwife from MAU over the phone but she said it's probably harmless.

Has anyone else experienced bad period like cramps around this time of pregnancy? Do you think it could just be growing/stretching pains? I just didn't think they should feel this intense and this deep inside of me if that makes sense... it's bearable but very very uncomfortable

Hi @mol2mum how are you feeling? Hope the pain has eased? I'm just over 17 weeks too and feel like I get period pains regularly and I've recently started to get back ache too (but like the period pain back ache!) It's a constant anxiety inducing fear! I'm hoping it's ligament/stretching pain. I have to really think about where the pain actually is sometimes. I know that doesn't help you but I hope it gives you reassurance that your not alone! Good luck with your pregnancy. X

With both of my pregnancies I have had braxton Hicks contractions from 17 weeks. Wasn’t painful but was uncomfortable particularly if I was walking or carrying something or had a full bladder. I could feel my uterus was rock hard too. Could it be that? Very irregular but round the clock from 17 weeks to full term. No issues with pregnancy but very fast Labour!

I ended up at the antenatal day unit at 17 weeks with abdo pains which turned out to be a UTI (none of the normal symptoms). Cleared completely with a course of antibiotics. Could you ask you midwife/GP to rule that out?

I was gonna say could you go to GP and get urine sample and even vaginal swabs (you can swab yourself) and rule out any infections?

I asked the midwife about the period cramps I was still having last week. Week 22. She asked if my 20 scan was fine and the said the cramps were normal.

These responses are actually making me feel better too, thank you all. I am 20 weeks and had a horrible day/night of cramps yesterday in my abdomen and lower back. Better today though. Another thing to the OP to consider is hydration levels. When I exercise, or forget to drink enough water, and in pregnancy you are meant to drink a lot more of it, I get really bad cramping. Hope you're feeling better!

Thanks so much everyone for your responses, it's really reassuring to hear that others have had it too and everything was fine! The pains had gone by Saturday thankfully🙌🏼 I bought a Doppler for peace of mind and baby has a healthy heartbeat which is such a relief x

Hi, can I ask how you all got on with your pregnancies as I am having the same thing and feeling so so worried about it! I feel like ive have period-pain type cramping and lower backache every few days so far throughout my whole pregnancy, I am 17 weeks today. Driving myself mad thinking something not right with baby. Thanks all x