Crampiness and achiness

I have been feeling really cramping in my lower abdomen the last two days.  It feels kind of like menstrual cramps, but really light.  It just feels like I am about to have diarrhea, but don't (I know TMI!).  In fact, yesterday I didn't use the bathroom at all and today only a small amount.  Do you think the cramping is a sign of constipation, stretching or something else?

[deanne11]

I had a lot of it today between 6-8 weeks....and yes a lot could be consitpation, stretching.

How far are you?

[jenstam]

I was having cramping last night also, similar to menstrual type cramps and back pain also, after intercourse. I got kind of scared and thought I might need to go in, but I drank some water, laid down and today I'm not crampy. I think it's still just things getting stretched and pulled and moved around. If it continues though and doesn't go away with relaxation and some water, it wouldn't hurt to call the doctor to be sure.

[kbrownhh]

Right about 20-21 weeks I was very crampy.  It too felt like menstrual cramps as well as having some tightening and BH.  I mentioned it at my appointment and they did examine me to be sure I wasn't doing any dialating.  All was fine.  The nurse told me menstural cramps at that stage weren't necessarily normal, but the doctor did tell me with your 2nd child you cramp a lot more.  This is definatley true for me.  
The menustral like cramps lasted a couple of weeks on and off and I haven't had any since.  I am 28 weeks and do have a contraction here and there which I never had with my first.

I am sure you are fine a worrying for nothing.  Unless they are really painful or accompanied by bleeding, just mention it at your next appt.  Otherwise, call your doc if they are really bad or you bleed.

[lovethebops]

I have been experiencing the exact same thing! I was hoping it was normal. I am about 6 week along, and for the past few weeks, I have been feeling all sorts of stomach things, besides the nausea. I keep having cramps like I'm going to have diahrea, but I never do! I also feel crampy, constipated, gassy, and upset stomach. I don't know what to do about it, because I know you can't take Pepto Bismol when pregnant..UGH! If you find a way to relieve it, let me know! you are not alone!

[Crritter]

I cramped a lot more with baby #2 as well.  My Dr. said that it's very common, and it was pretty tough at the end.  With my first I felt great till the last few weeks, with #2 I was pretty uncomrfotable from about 28 weeks on.  Cramping and pulling is common in pregnancy, not fun, but it happens to make room for the little one.