Intense cramps in early pregnancy?

March 29, 2010 8:22 AM

What pains did you experience in early pregnancy?

I'm 5 1/2 weeks pregnant and I have a lot of dull menstrual-type cramps that I am told are normal. But twice now I've had quite intense cramping that feels like mild contractions. I had a miscarriage a few months back and it sort of feels like that, but not as bad, and only short. Also, there is no blood.

Did anyone else experience intense but brief cramping in early pregnancy?
(I am seeing a doc on Tues but just thought I'd ask around before then.)

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (17 answers total)

I experienced exactly the sort of cramps you are talking about with my son. In my case they didn't signify anything, but I went and got checked out to ease my anxiety about them. I think they only lasted for a few weeks.
posted by Zophi at 8:32 AM on March 29, 2010

It might be a little early for this, but it could be round ligament pain. I had a lot of what you're talking about off and on for the first two months or so and it turned out to be that.

But if you are concerned or worried, a call to your caregiver is in order if for nothing else than to ease your mind.
posted by zizzle at 8:46 AM on March 29, 2010

I remember having cramps, like menstrual cramps, and being very worried that I was losing the baby. This was early on, like around 4 weeks. I was examined and got an ultrasound which indicated everything was fine. I was told it is the fetus attaching to the uterine wall (I was also getting discharge--brown blood--which is old).

Do you have a history of ovarian cysts? When cysts rupture, they can cause cramping. The fluid in cysts can irritate your uterus which can also cause pain, sometimes sharp. I had a cyst once that was compressing a nerve in my back, giving my sciatica. You can have cysts and be pregnant at the same time.

Best of luck with your pregnancy.
posted by FergieBelle at 8:54 AM on March 29, 2010

Absolutely dead normal. I call them Terror Cramps, because they are TERRIFYING. But they are bog-standard normal and absolutely OK. If they're doubling you over and you're bleeding, that's a problem, but just regular crampy-cramps? Absolutely fine.
posted by KathrynT at 8:55 AM on March 29, 2010 [1 favorite]

i'm currently in my 2nd trimester, but i remember my first being filled with menstrual-like cramps and that "full" feeling that you get right before you get your period. my doctor said it was completely normal as long as there was little or no blood involved. wait until you get the round ligament pain in the 2nd trimester that makes it hard to stand up straight sometimes! that's also fun. congrats and good luck!
posted by katypickle at 9:01 AM on March 29, 2010

I could have totally written this question. I'm about as far along as you, and I'm getting the period-type cramps, and twice I've had seriously bad period-type cramps. Both times it lasted about 10-20 minutes. From the reading I've done, I think it's normal and fine so long as there's no bleeding associated with it. I was planning on asking about it at my first appointment (which is this Tuesday, we are pregnancy twins!) but I don't think it's anything to worry about.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 9:02 AM on March 29, 2010 [2 favorites]

Did anyone else experience intense but brief cramping in early pregnancy?

yes. I was told it was implantation and not to worry unless there was bleeding. It was distressing, but it stopped fairly quickly into the pregnancy.
posted by pinky at 9:19 AM on March 29, 2010

I had that, too. I think your uterus starts doing some funky stuff pretty much from the beginning in preparation for the coming months.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 9:22 AM on March 29, 2010

I had similar cramps - it felt more or less like the beginning of a period. On comparing notes with other women, I realised that nobody ever talks about how physically painful early pregnancy can be for some of us! As everything starts to move around in preparation for growth later in pregnancy, it can really start to hurt.

Best of luck for a very happy and healthy nine months.
posted by different at 9:24 AM on March 29, 2010 [1 favorite]

Try Kegel exercises to help ease the crampy discomfort. And as everyone above said, (2 pregnancies, 1 miscarriage here) you're probably ok as long as there is no bleeding, but do check with your care provider, just to be sure, on Tuesday.
posted by Lynsey at 10:27 AM on March 29, 2010

Those cramps made me not realize my surprise pregnancy was indeed a pregnancy until somewhere around week 8. So yes, they're normal, and also terrifying.
posted by crankylex at 10:35 AM on March 29, 2010

I had the same feelings katypickle described above, like my period was about to start any minute.
If you start having a fever or heavy bleeding, call your doctor right away and go see someone ASAP.
posted by nprigoda at 10:59 AM on March 29, 2010

At exactly 5 1/2 weeks of pregnancy I had a gallbladder attack (an ultrasound confirmed gall stones). It felt *just like* labor contractions, but higher up, just below my rib cage. Since then I've had a few bouts of lesser cramping pain (again, just below my rib cage). Women who are, or have been, pregnant are at a higher risk of developing gallstones.
posted by ellenaim at 12:24 PM on March 29, 2010

My wife is 7 weeks pregnant now, and she too experienced these cramps. They disappeared after a while, but the doctor prescribed Progesterone to help with the cramps.
posted by dhruva at 1:02 PM on March 29, 2010

I had a weird pain (for me) while pregnant. It was centered around my tailbone and radiated outward, like my entire lower back and butt were cramping up. My doctor told me the pain was due to the ligaments in my pelvis loosening up in anticipation of delivering a giant watermelon ... er, I mean, a baby... through my birth canal. Basically, the bones in your pelvis spread out to make room. These pains were not the dull kind, but would come on all of a sudden and literally take my breath away.

Good luck. Hope the pains go away soon...
posted by SuperSquirrel at 6:14 PM on March 29, 2010

I had uncomfortable minor cramps around that time, and enough spotting to worry the doctor. I'm at 20 weeks now and everything has checked out ok so far. The no bleeding is a good sign, good luck!
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 7:21 PM on March 29, 2010

Oh yeah! I had these - my friend warned me about them so I was prepared (it would have been frightening otherwise). Congrats and good luck!
posted by katiecat at 9:56 PM on March 29, 2010