Cramps

[AHBM2020]

Anyone else currently got cramps? 5 weeks pregnant and been having period like cramps all week. My mum says it's fine and not to worry, I can't help but feel like I shouldn't feel like my period is about to start all day every day 😭

I had these at 5-6 weeks and it all turned out okay for me, but keep an eye on them. I got a bit worried when they started to wake me up (I didn't have any bleeding or anything), so called GP who referred me to EPU because they thought it might be ectopic. I didn't have any other ectopic symptoms but intense cramps can be a symptom, apparently.

Mine were made worse by wearing heels and standing up for ages, only thing that helped (for a little bit) was paracetamol and resting, but they were awful sometimes.

They disappeared around week 7, I think...and then morning sickness started 🎉

They haven't woken me yet; but they're very similar to period cramps. I've had a few quite painful ones. Not drop to the floor painful, but enough for me to have to take a deep breath (as if I was on my period) I haven't had any bleeding, just constantly feel like I am on, or about to start, my period. I had some sickness at week 4, but not since. I've had quite a few headaches

@AHBM2020 They sound like mine were, you have my sympathy! I called Tommy's midwife line for advice, they were the ones who recommended I see a GP. I'd recommend calling if they're worrying you, the midwives are lovely and so patient.

My little girl is 8m old now but I remember having cramps at 5-7 weeks like it was yesterday! I literally felt like I was due on my period any day.

Obviously, everything turned out fine for me. But I was anxious so booked a private reassurance scan for when I was 6w pregnant that out my mind at ease. A bit pricey, but it's probably the best £100 I ever spent as it really did calm me down until nhs maternity care started x

I had period like cramping almost every day until I was about 8 weeks pregnant (I'm now 16 weeks and everything is developing normally so far). My pregnancy was via IVF and when I went for my viability scan at 7 weeks I was told it was perfectly normal. It's a concern if accompanied with bleeding or if it's only on one side, in which case it can indicate ectopic. But if it's similar to period pain you likely have nothing to worry about. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

What did your GP say? Was it all normal?

@AHBM2020 I was okay, they went after a couple of weeks without any treatment. 😊 14+4 now and everything is all right.

My GP examined me (felt my tummy, nothing intrusive) and was a bit worried because the cramps were so intense, frequent and waking me up. GP referred me to EPU for a scan to check for an ectopic. I'd been having the cramps for about a week and paracetamol would only dull it for a little while - it came in waves (like period cramps).

Being referred by GP meant I didn't have to go through 111. EPU checked me over late that night and booked me in for a scan the next morning - they were glad I came in because abdominal cramps is one of those things in early pregnancy which can go either way.

EPU took bloods and urine sample while I was there, and checked my cervix was closed as an open cervix means the pregnancy is likely to end.

When everything came back okay and scan showed baby in the right place, they told me it was probably just settling in/growing pains.

Fingers crossed everything is okay for you 😊🤞🏼 But if you're worried, make an appointment with your GP. They'll definitely see you for any abdominal pain in early pregnancy.