Some question...5 weeks along

[Trying4aBaby08]

I'm about 5 or 6 weeks along and up until the last 2 days I had been steradily cramping throughout the days.  I have heard this is normal.  But is it normal for it to all of a sudden go away??  It has me a little nervous.

I also was wondring how many of the women on here had blood tests done before your first visit and sono.  My doc said she doesn't want to see me unitl I'm about 8-10 wks along.  But I have PCOS and am slightly concerned about my HCG level and am curious to know that the numbers are climbing.  I'm just very nervous about miscarrying.  

Is it normal for the doctor to not order a quantitative HCG?  Should I ask for one anyways and get it done in a lab somewhere else?  Any advice would be super helpful!  Thanks ladies!!

[KellyA74]

They ordered bloodwork at my first appt., but never drew Hcg levels.....that's not standard for my office.....I even asked if part of the "Pregnancy Panel" was Hcg and progesterone and they said no and that there was no need to draw them.
When I was pregnant in the fall, I requested Hcg levels be drawn as they wanted to do a D&C and I refused to do so until I had proof that the pregnancy was not progressing....That's the only time I've had them drawn...I think that all offices are different as it seems that alot of people on this forum know their Hcg levels....I always feel left out!  haha!  :o)

I am 8 weeks, 5 days today and have intermittant cramping...some days stronger than others, some days not at all.....So I would say it's normal.....

Best wishes.....

[evthing4reason]

Because i wasn't having serum testing my Dr wasn't going to do any bloodwork until i was 28 weeks, my last visit was when i was 17 weeks ad she put me off for high blood pressure but still never did blood or urine test, little did we know....
Next time i get pregnant i have to see a Dr pretty much as soon as I get my BFP, I'll be getting lots of tests since i will be considered high risk.
If the cramping is located on just one side they might do an early u/s to rule out ectopic (the one thing my Dr did right), needless to say i will be seeing a different Dr next time--she never measured my growth at all, not once out of 4 trips!
Try not to worry too much and good luck

[durhamjk1]

My cramping would come and go for the first month or so.  It is perfectly normal.  I too had never had my HCG levels checked and I am 12 weeks.   I agree with the others.  :)

[spade22]

I agree with krissyy regarding the cramping.

I am 33 weeks pregnant and never had my HCG level checked - my OBGYN didnt think it was necessary.   Several reasons:
1) Many people to "panic" and "stress out" because their levels dont fit within a typical range.  The ranges are based on average values and many women are outside these values which causes undue anxiety.
2) Not everyones HCG level doubles every few days - again, this is normal and causes many women undue stress.
3) Even if HCG levels were to indicate a miscarriage (going down, for instance) there is nothing that can be done and in many cases, there would be other tell-tale signs that a MC is occuring.  HCG levels would however, be monitored after a MC to ensure they go back to an appropriate level.

So......you need to decide whether knowing your HCG level would be beneficial or cause added stress.

[krissyy]

during my first trimester i would sporadically get cramps...it's just your body adjusting and stretching.  they would come and go...as long as they aren't severe with spotting, i wouldn't worry about it :-)

i didn't have bloodtests done till after my first obgyn appt.  i was at 6wks3days with my first visit.  i would express your concerns with your doctor to see if they will get you in sooner...if not, maybe check out another doctor??

i wish you a very happy and healthy pregnancy!!  congrats to you!