Is cramping in early pregnancy normal?

[Stacya1]

I am almost 6W pregnant and I have been having cramping really since I found out 2 weeks ago. My nurse says this is totally normal and I have looked on-line and it says cramping in 1st trimester is totally normal. I have had no spotting, but keep reading if you have cramping to call your Doctor. I also talked to my friend today who has had 2 kids and she said she never had cramps and she sounded concerned about that. They are not bad, but are very noticeable. Thanks!

[Tamara551]

With my first two kids I had no cramping at all and with this one I did for about 2 weeks at the begining.  Dr. said it was normal and I am 13w and everything is fine.

[Stacya1]

Thanks. I read this symptom everywhere and my nurse said totally normal, but it doesn't seem like many had this. This forum is great!! Thanks!!

[Harley-girl]

I had period like cramping until 6 weeks pregnant.

[Want1more]

I had cramps and strange pulling feelings in my abdomen until 6 weeks or so. Sometimes the cramps were sharp pains, nothing big! Good Luck and take care!!!! :)

[Jenny77]

I had period like cramping in my abdomen too for a while in the first trimester. Probably until 8 weeks or more. It wasn't really bad either. I think the cramping that is involved in a m/c is very strong and keeps getting worse and usually has bleeding with it. But what you seem to describe sounds pretty normal to me. I'm 19 weeks now and all is going well. My crampiness has actually come and gone even now, I think it can happen from bloating and also uterus growth. Congratulations on your pregnancy.

[npd]

When I was pregnant with my DS and DD, I had no cramping at all.  This pregnancy, though, I had period-like cramping (though milder) for most of the first trimester (I'm now 25 weeks and all is fine).  My ob/gyn said it is only dangerous if it is accompanied by bleeding, but did a couple of extra ultrasounds to make sure everything was okay.  She also said that cramping which leads to m/c progresses  - it gets worse with time, and is soon accompanied by bleeding.  So don't worry!! :)

[JoMac]

Thank you all for these comments.... i am 6 weeks and have been cramping and having sharp pains the whole time. My doctor didn'tseem too worried about it, but everything I've read says call your doctor! No one I've talked to had all this cramping either. I feel better that I know other people ometimes have it too!

[ArmyWife315]

Hi! I am almost 8 weeks along and have had period-like cramping the whole time.  Glad to hear its normal and I'm not the only one!  To think I was actually looking forward to getting pregnant so I didn't get the cramps and the period....oh well!  Congrats to everyone else who is expecting!

[ghargan]

I'm almost 6 weeks pregnant and I have had two miscarriages before and am cramping for the last week, how can you know the difference?  No blood yet but am still very worried!

[AnnieBrooke]

I don't think there really is any way to tell, except time.  If it is a m/c, it will get worse and you will pass clots and so on, and if it is just your uterus growing and your ligaments stretching, you'll have low-level cramping for a while.  Sorry that there is not something more definitive to know or watch for.

[3isacharm]

I am in the same boat.  I am at 5 weeks pregnant with 2 previous miscarriages and have had light cramping and light spotting.  I am trying to relax but I am sceduled for an u/s at my 7th week.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Good luck to all and stay positive.

[coolchic10686]

well i was wondering if crampign in early pregnancy is normal to.  well i also get light headed.  well i dont' know exactly how far i am.  i just found out the other day that i am pregnant.  so ya.  i will find out on the 14th how far i am.  cuz it has been driving me nuts.  lol.  all this information is a real help.  so ya.  i hope everything will be ok.  i mean i'm not bleeding or anything its just period like cramps.  so i want to say congratulations to everyone.

[DOMO_85]

I just found out that I'm 6 weeks pregnant Friday but today I have really bad cramps and I started spotting like my period is just coming off its alot of blood just really bad cramps. I've called the hospital and I have to go in on Friday for a ultra sound. What should I do until then?

[AnnieMay]

I am so thankful for this forum.  I found out that I am about 6 weeks pregnant. I have been having the slight cramping and little pings on my left side.  I was hoping all this was normal. I have been a nervous wreck.  I go for my first dr. visit on Thurs.

[jjsmama0406]

If you are cramping real bad and having major spotting... I would just take it as easy as possible until you see your doctor and have your ultrasound. The only bad thing is that if you are having a m/c, there is nothing they can do to stop it. So just try to relax, i know easier said than done, but try. And just take it easy! Hopefully it is nothing! Good luck and god bless!

[HM]

I am about five weeks pregnant.  I have had pressure and cramping in my abdomen since about 4 days after conception.  This is my second child but I never had any cramping with my first one.  It is nice to hear that others are going through this and I hope that all is well with all of you.  Are any of your crampings changing locations?  Mine normally is about 2 inches below my belly botton, but sometimes it s on the left, and since last night it has been focused on my right side.  It is not always there and I think it i getting worse because I am thinking about it to much.  No bleeding yet though.

[HM]

I am about five weeks pregnant.  I have had pressure and cramping in my abdomen since about 4 days after conception.  This is my second child but I never had any cramping with my first one.  It is nice to hear that others are going through this and I hope that all is well with all of you.  Are any of your crampings changing locations?  Mine normally is about 2 inches below my belly botton, but sometimes it s on the left, and since last night it has been focused on my right side.  It is not always there and I think it i getting worse because I am thinking about it to much.  No bleeding yet though.

[kaywill]

I've been trying to get pregnant for 16 mos, had an m/c at 7 weeks in April.  This is my 1st month on Clomid and I'm at day 33 of a normally 31day cycle.  I've been having slight cramping for a week, off and on and more achy than cramping, then last night and a little this morning the cramping was mch more noticible.  With my period I always have terrible cramping, and this is not that bad, but it's the same type of cramping.  I'm having sort of pink-tinged spotting, definitely not normal for my period. Anyone else have this kind of thing?  When I miscarried in April the cramping was exactly like my period cramps and I knew immediately that I was losing it, but this just seems very different.  I took a test 4 days ago, negative, and don't want to waste another test if it's my period coming, but I'm anxious about it all.  Thanks for any advice!

[bethoo]

This is my third pregnancy (two previous miscarriages)and once again i have cramping which concerns me as i had it on my second from conception til the actual miscarriage.  i had not spotted the second pregnancy but it showed on my scan at 11 weeks that it had died at 7.  now that i am 8 weeks and spotting i am concerned that it has already died and now i have to wait another 4 weeks for the doctors to tell me that may be the case.  i feel as though i have no support even though i have been down this road twice.  at least if i lose this one they have an obligation otinvestigate why i cannot carry to term.  has anyone else actually had this and carried full term?  any advice?

[3Angel]

I would like to share... that I have a 4-yr old daughter and this is my fourth pregnancy (two previous miscarriages)as well. I am pregnant again and I am almost 7 weeks. Why would you have to wait until another 4 weeks to see if the baby is okay or not? My advice would be to talk to your doctor and share your concerns. A sonogram can be done as early as 7-8 weeks to see the baby's heartbeat. I have been there and 4 weeks is way too long for you to wait. My prayers are with you... Good Luck!

[froxy]

I am sad but not surprised to hear about having to wait several weeks.  I just found out I am 6 weeks pregnant, and I am not scheduled to go in to the dr. until 12 weeks.  This is my 4th pregnancy, so I'm not too concerned; however, for first-time moms or those with a history of high-risk pregnancies, it seems odd not to have prenatal care in the first trimester.
I am thankful for this site...although it's my 4th pregnancy, I never had cramps or backaches with my others, and this one has had me worried, as I have had period-like cramps for over a week.  Thanks to all of you for your reassuring comments!

[onemoremakes4]

I am so glad I found this forum. I just found out I am pregnant. I am only 5 weeks, but I am having light cramping off and on. This is my fourth child, but I still get very worried. I did have this with my other three and they all were born full term and healthy. I guess I am just a worry wort.

[jael831]

I am so glad that they made this forum. I just found out on Thursday that my husband and I are pregnant with our first!! We figured out that I am about 6 weeks along now. He keeps on telling me to relax, but I want to do all the things I did before- mow the lawn, cook, and clean, etc. I did those things today and now I am having cramping and was concerned. Thank you ladies for allowing some comfort to me. I guess this is all normal!! Congrats to everyone, its a blessing.

[margra]

I am 8 weeks now and I have had period-like cramps since my 5th week.  I don't think you should worry about it unless it gets worse and is accompanied by bleeding or spotting.  I also had some spotting for about 2 days which was hemorrhaging, but it has resolved.  My doctor suggested that I remain on pelvic rest... no intercourse or douches for about 2 weeks, so just take it easy.

[blondey_x]

im 5 weeks pregnant and i keep getting really sharp pains in my lower abdomon mostly to the right. it worried me quite a bit until i read this, its helpd a lot. but the pains im getting are lasting for up to 5-10 minutes, is this normal? i keep feeling really depressed aswel and crying for no reason and finking negative a lot. is this all to do with the pregnancy?
x x

[TaraM06]

I am soooo happy to see that I am not the only one experienceing the cramping. I am about 8 weeks pregnant I have had on and off cramping I think since I've conceived. I was getting very worried since none of my girlfriends experienced the cramping, except one. I have been paranoid since I have had a couple cycsts in the past on my right ovary. My gyno. didn't seem concerned about the cysts and said they are common. My mother experienced cycsts before she has children and they never came back after. I've noticed once I remove my bowels the cramping subsides.I suffered for years from bad period cramps so feeling this cramping now during pregnancy is very alarming to me.
This is my first pregnancy so I am nervous about everything. I know my body very well. I've worked out aggressively for years and I eat very clean. I am noticing every single change in my body, moods and cravings. I weight lift so I am confused as how working out is encouraged, yet to do silly daily activities is not. I really worked out this past weekend, since finding out I was pregnant. I just listened to my body and once I felt really fatigued I stopped.

[Elle_Marc]

This is my first pregnancy- I'm pretty young..  I'm nervous, excited and scared all at once. I am 5 wks along.  I have been experiencing cramping and very bad lower back pains. Does anyone know why?  Its funny,   every time I think about me being pregnant thats when I mostly notice the cramping.. its probably all in my head.  Is anyone else in here young in their first pregnancy.. any advice for being a mom???

[clara76]

Hi this is my first preg as well i am 30 years old. i am 6 weeks have had cramping for past couple of weeks and was worried so went to hospital and was examined doc said not to worry nothing abnormal. its horrible feeling as if my periods are coming any minute .. funny as when my mind on something else its not as bead. i felt walking helped. All the best

[EMD_Dancer]

I need help! About a month ago my boyfriend and i had an accident and i took a morning after pill...i experienced really bad cramping during that week and i got horrible clumpy bleeding about 5 days after i took it...i bled for about a week and it stopped for a week during that sunday i started my birth control and i stopped bleeding i was on it for about 1 and 1/2 weeks and i just started bleeding 9 days ago and i have horrible lower back pains and cramping with bad bleeding and i cant tell if its nausea or what but i cant eat and i feel sick to my stomach with light headedness and fatigue....the doctor said to stop taking my pill but i havent been able to stop bleeding or eat of anything and i have HORRIBLE cramps and back pains...I go to the doctors tomorrow...Does anyone know what could be going on and how long it will last?

[jewell01]

Well I'm trying to be hopefull I had one miscarriage on April 1ST. and Im pregnant again but I have cramps but only on my left side Im worred about a tublar pregnancy. I dont have insurance right now so I have to wait it out. Im hoping the pain goes away now that I know its common to cramp. well I wish everyone the best!!!  If anyone knows about tubelar pregnancys please let me know.

[az_chk.]

I recently had sex with my bf.. and four days straight we didnt use any form of protection, and now it's been a week or so later, and Im having really bad cramping. can someone tell me whats going on. please!! thanx.

[Wonderwall1]

I started spotting at 8 dpo. It started off pink and sparce, only appearing when I wipe. Today (one day later) it is heavier (enough for a panty liner or 2) and there have been 2 tiny clots in it. I do not expect my period until 7 to 9 days from now. I felt a weird sensation in my loser abdomen yesterday, and there is no cramping. I have a headache and I am tired. I have no idea what is going on. Am I pregnant and experiencing implantation bleeding? Am I having a miscarriage? Or am I just getting my period really early? Can anyone shed some light on my situation?

[Illeanna]

Iam 8 weeks pregnant( but just found out a week ago that i was pregnant) I have been having cramps since i was supposed to start my period...is the cramping supposed to last this long? This is my first pregnacy . I wasnt concerned about the cramping before i found out  because my period was always irregular..but now that im pregnant im getting scared..

[jay11]

I had terrible cramping at the beginning of my pregnancy. I remember feeling as though AF was about to arrive any minute and i kept rushing to the bathroom!
I dont remember how long it lasted though so if your in any doubt i would call your doctor.
Best of luck to you.

[lilianagmz]

hi! I'm 20 yrs old and well 5 months ago i had an ectopic pregnancy, it was really hard to go on and continue without feeling any guilt! i had 2 cysts also removed. now recently for a week i've been feeling cramps but my period was aug. 29, 07 and i was on yaz but the doctor said it was ok to try again for a baby... i never took the pills on a set time or there was days i would skip it. so aug 29 was the day of my period, i only had it for 3 days and it stopped just completly and that was it but my husband and i had sex on aug 28 one day before i had my period... i just see it strange that i stopped the pill and i had a normal period and then it stopped... and all this week i've been feeling really tired, and cramping that comes and goes.. no spotting, and im just waiting to get my period to see if im late! i really dont know whats going on im scared of having an ectopic pregnancy or that i might miscarry cause of my previous experience... can anyone help... PLEASE!! thanks!!
Best of luck to everyone!

[jay11]

It could be a number of things. Your body will take time to adjust once you stop taking the pill so it could be to do with that. The cramping could be ovulation pains which happens around mid cycle.
Either way i wouldnt worry too much unless you are in severe pain, in which case you must see a doctor.
Good luck and i hope everything works out for you.

[nuttysammy]

im 6 weeks pregnant i think and i keep getting jabbin pains in my left or my right side got it in my right side at the mo this is my second child.
its making me really worried as i dont know why this is its when i move or ive done to much can any one help to think what it might be i dont have no lower pain at all.
could i be further gone?
docs think im 6 weeks as from my last period but i did stop my pill mid pack and had iregular bleedin so periods  were never 28 or 21 days more like 2 weeks and i only had 1 from stoppin my pill back in june xx

[daprincess21]

i too am having littel cramping. they dont last long and i cant really say that they are painful either. i think this is normal. i am 4 weeks.

[pjx]

i am 4 weeks pregnat and i have been getting period pains for the last three months just recently they have been getting worse im not bleeding though.but im scared i might be having a misscarrage has anybody had this before?  

[daprincess21]

if you read the above posts,they are all very helpful. and answers to your questions.

[wannaBprego]

My period is a week late and I have been on the button every month since I was 13!  (I'm 29 now.)  I have a lot of pregnancy symptoms, right down to morning sickness.  However, I took a pregnancy test a few days ago and it was negative?  What's going on?  

[COURT2007]

I AM 6 WEEKS PREGNANT AND HAVING REALLY BAD CRAMPING.IM NOT BLEEDING AT ALL THOUGH. IVE HEARD TO HAVE A MISCARRIAGE YOU HAVE TO BLEED BUT I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM MY FRIEND TODAY AND SHE HAD A MISCARRIAGE AND SHE NEVER HAD ANY BLEEDING. MY CRAMPING IS LIKE 3 INCHES BELOW MY BELLY BOTTON AND THEYLL LAST ABOUT 5-10 MIN. THEY COME AND GO.SOMETIMES THEY EVEN TAKE MY BREATH AWAY AND I HAVE TO STOP WHAT IM DOING. MY NURSE HAS TOLD ME EVERYTHING IS OK BUT IM STILL CONCERNED. ANY1 KNOW IF THIS IS NORMAL OR NOT? THANK YALL!

[NF74]

Hi pjx I'm about 3 weeks pregnant now, and have been getting bad cramps. My ObGyn referred me to a Radiologist and they did the ultrasound. Everything looked fine. Plus you won't be able to determine if you're having a miscarriage since the pregnancy is still too early. At least you know that you're not alone :-)   Just pray to God that He will protect you and the baby. Good luck!

[stevesgurl]

Ima 7 weeks pregnant and i get light cramping feelings and stabbing like pains in my left or right side sometimes but no bleeding.i also get a sharp pain in my breast every once in a while is that all normal i heard it is but dont know...

[Tummymummy]

Hey ladies! I am 20 and i just found out about 3 days ago that i am pregnant. We think i am about 5 or 6 weeks (irregular cycles), i have my 1st dr apt in 2 weeks, but this morning i woke up and have some very mild (but noticeable) cramps in my left side, moving didnt help, heat didnt help and now i am getting a little worried. Last year around this time i had to have an non optional DnC because of complications with my body but this tine we are excited about it and i dont remember ever having cramps with my 1st one (who is now 3). Should i call the doctor tomorrow or just work it out, im so scared, i want this baby so much.

[kimmy191]

Hi there....i had a miscarriage feb 29th which was really sad. We were being really careful but obviously not careful enough....ha ha. We were pregnant two weeks later. Seeing as this happened I am finding it hard to get excited b/c I worry about it happening again. I am about 6 weeks now and I have been getting sharp pains and cramping as well. Feels like gas and other times like period cramps however nothing Iike I had ecperienced on the 29th.

[steff23]

I am in your situation right now! I found out 11 days ago that I'm pregnant and a few days after I started to bleed and cramp! I know cramping is completely normal.. It could be any thing. The baby implanting itself in your uterus can cause some cramps and light bleeding. Were you on birth control before you got pregnant? If so then the with drawls from not taking bc anymore can also cause some cramps. I never had bleeding or cramping with my son. But, This one is completely different! If your doctor don't seem to concerned then I wouldn't worry! I'm sure your doctor knows better then anyone! Are they doing blood tests to make sure your hcg level goes up like it should?

[steff23]

Oh, I forgot to add. My cramps and bleeding was actually like I was on my period! The bleeding is now gone but the cramps are there if I move around to much! My doctor told me to try and stay off my feet as much as possible! Maybe you can try that.

[steff23]

I would call your doctor if I was you! Mine told me if I get light headed at all to go into the ER. Light headed can be a sign of MC. I don't want to really worry you but you should go see the doctor as soon as possible. It could be nothing but it's better to be safe then sorry!

I wish everyone luck with there pregnancy and I pray all of your babies are and will be happy and healthy!

[maranda08]

i am also very young and this is my first pregnancy. i'm 5 weeks along and very excited, nervous and scared as well!! i've been experiencing slight cramping too, but no bleeding or spotting. and also no lower back pain. good to know this isn't abnormal!! congratulations and best wishes to everyone!!! :]

[nervoussarah]

Hi maranda

i am six weeks this friday and i am experiencing the same period like pains i miscarried in january so i am worried but my doc said its normal so keeping my fingers crossed all goes okay this time i say a pray for you if you say one for me ha ha

[sunshine839]

i have had unprotective sex with my boyfriend about 9 times  and we are trying for a baby .. my period is due on the 14th i have been having alot of pregnecy symptons but all the test say neg i have  took and still my breast hurt and ive been so tired but im cramping like im getting ready to start my period could i still be pregnet i need help my last period was adnormal

[mel1985]

I'm 7wks pregnant tomorrow and I have been having period like cramps since about 2 or 3 weeks preg. They are stating to ease off now but I have been told by many other pregnant woman that it is very normal as they say to me "there is a hell of a lot going on down there" "there is bound to be some discomfort" I have been told by my doctor to expect cramping and I told him "oh don't worry I've already got it" As I had it before my period was due I thought it was just my period coming. It then of course never came. My concern is that at 7wks I do not have any morning sickness. A few days last week I felt a little bit queasy once or twice throughout the day but thats all. I've been told that morning sickness is a sign that all is going well this the baby and as I don't have this I'm really starting to worry!!. I have an ultrasound on Wednesday (whish feel like it will never come).
Good luck to all.

[mel1985]

Sunshine, don't stress yourself out by testing early!! My friend tested early with one of those preg tests that say you can test a week before your due and she got neg too and she was pregnant! I know its really hard but just wait it out and see if your late.

best of luck!

[Girl257]

I am 6 weeks pregnant.  I had a miscarriage in August.  I am so excited to be pregnant but my boobs have stopped hurting and I have had period like cramping.  I am basically just waiting for the bleeding to start.  I go to the doctor tomorrow for blood work etc...so I guess I will find out for sure tomorrow.

[GRose]

Girl257
Symptoms come and go in early pregnancy and period like cramping is completely normal as long as it isn't too painful. It should just be a dull achy kind of cramping.
Don't just assume that you are going to miscarry, that is no way to think, try and be positive. Good luck at your appointment tomorrow and I hope you get great news

[shannon222]

I've never been pregnant before and I insiminated 2 weeks ago today.  I've been having severe, sharp, knife-like pains on my lower, left side for a few days now.  While they only last a few seconds, they are harsh!!  I've taken two pregnancy tests, but they were both negative.  I haven't missed a period yet, so it's still early.  My doctor has me on progesterone.  Could the pains be a sign of pregnancy, a side effect of the medicine, or something else??  Anyone have any ideas or feedback to share?

[jessy_17]

hi i was on the pill then found out i was pregnant and stopped taking it. then 2 days later i started with a brown discharge like the start and end of a period. i have bad period cramps too.
am i having a miscarraige?

[joanna82]

i just try not to think about the cramps i had bleeding while ago but went to my gyn n baby is fine i am now in my 11th week.i have cramping but it is normal in less u have heavy bleeding and even then the baby can still be fine.the more u worrie the more cramps u will feel.
destract ur self it sometimes helps me our lay down helps me to.sometimes takeing a warm bath helps.our laying down and rubbing ur belly helps to even sometimes eating also.i would not advise doing any bending ur 1st 3 months thy make my cramps act up lol.wish u all the best.