lower left abdomin pain

[fay9]

Hi, I am 5 wks 6d and I am having lower left abdomin pain and had spotting last night it was dark brown....this is my first pregnancy ever and I am very nervous! I just started prenatals two days ago I am just a little concerned with the pains and then spotting for a few hours yesterday? Any comments?

[Dragon1973]

If you are concerned, as you should be, I wouldn't take any chances.  Get an appointment right away with your doctor, or even go to the hospital to get checked.  During weeks 4-10 there are things you should be aware of, like Etopic Pregnancy.  You can look up the symptoms of Etopic Pregnancy online, and some of the symptoms are as you described.  Lower abdominal pains, with spotting, bleeding and pain.  Now, lower cramping is and can be normal, but is not thought to be normal when accompanied with bleeding.  Do not ignore any type of bleeding.  Bleeding in itself may not be a concern, but should always be checked out and monitored.  Some people have bleeding throughout their whole pregnancy and mistake it for a period.  (This isn't the case though, and is known as pregnancy bleeding.)  When bleeding occurs, you do not have the typical uterine shedding as with a period, but bleeding can be caused by a number of different things.  Early on can be caused by conception & implantation.  Later on, (after 3 weeks along - gestational dating not foetus dating) can be placental bleeding or like I mentioned Etopic or Fallopian tube rupture.  Sometimes it can be as simple as a cyst rupturing also, but this is less likely when you are pregnant.  So as you can see, there are a bunch of reasons why bleeding can occur and not all of them may be serious.  But, that should be left to a doctor to determine, not you or I  or anyone on this site.  
In addition to anything I have mentioned, please keep in mind, that while I or others may have extensive knowledge in many areas, you should always seek professional medical advice from your own physician, as it pertains to medical conditions or concerns.
If you have any other questions that I can help you with, please feel free to message me directly, or respond directly to me by direct message instead of through this thread.  (I don't usually monitor this thread).  If not, my best wishes and good luck.

Sincerely,
Sandi (Dragon1973)
MedHelp Down syndrome Community Leader
& Ds Group Forum Founder/Moderator

[BTS1022]

I had the same left side pain early in this pregnancy. I went to the ER at 5 weeks because of it, as I have had an ectopic pregnancy before. They did an ultrasound, however they could not see baby as it was way to early. They did however notice my left ovary was swollen, which is very common in early pregnancy. The ovary which releases the egg tends to swell due to releasing hormones to support the pregnancy. I am 6w3d and the pain comes and goes. I would monitor your spotting and bleeding as said above, and I would also monitor your pain. If the pain becomes unbearable, I would suggest going to the doctors/ER ASAP, as pain in one specific side, can be a symptom of an Ectopic pregnancy.

[Clysta]

Spotting and cramping can be fine in early pregnancy. It wouldn't hurt to monitor it though, and if it starts to turn bright red or you pass clots, you would need to talk to a doctor. It can be an indication of miscarriage.