37 yrs old 5 weeks pregnant

[jward1274]

I'm 37 yrs old, first pregnancy, and only 5 weeks along. I haven't seen an of yet since I found out but I am experiencing a lot of cramping. The psin is similar to menstral cramps, which I tend to get pretty badly through the years. I went to the gyno 2 weeks ago, just a few days before my period was due. I had my annual well woman exam, blood work etc. I have a small fabroid tumor on my uterus, which I have had for years. I use to take BC pills to keep the menstral cramps at a minimum but I had to stop last year, due to blood clots forming in my leg. I went for a pelvic soon last week and the results were the same as they have been, over the passed few years...small fabrois tumor, not to be too concerned.  So, this passed weekend, I realized I was about 5 days late, which is normal for me. My cycle is normally 30 days and my period usually lasts about 7, with unbearable menstral cramps during the first 2 days. I have had minor cramping for about 3 weeks now, which started on a few days after the ovualtion period. I didn't think much of it, just assumed my period would be early, even spotted lightly, the day of my gyno well woman visit. The cramps have remained consistent so I figured my period would have been any day now. Besides, I figured if I was pregnant, one out of the 3 healthcare professionals would have noticed. My obgyn, on the day of the visit, the pathologist that ran all of my blood work, the radiologist that did my pelvic soon, or even my pcp who read the results of my annual labs, I had done with him. Well, apparently not. After 4 pregnancy tests, I guess I figured it out on my own. I called a new obgyn yesterday to set up an appointment ( my regular gyn is about 2 states over and 2 and 1/2 hrs away) I didn't want to give her up when i moved last year. The new practice won't take me until the 27 of Feb. Her exact words were "that's protocol" . I kind of didn't want to accept it, so I called another practice.... same response. I went to my pcp, who did the regular hcg blood test to confirm. It was positive. My regular gyn said that the cramps are normal but I can't help to be worried because they are exactly as unbearable as they would be on the first day of my period and they have been for 3 weeks. I have read some articles on topic pregnancy and well, with that fabroid oh my uterus, I am concerned that it may be symptoms of that. I mentioned it to my gyn and she just said that if they become worse or I begin to bleed, just go to the e.r. I have tried to make my first appt but the new obgyns just won't take me yet. They said that they wouldn't be able to see anything until the end of Feb. I know that the day of conception was Jan 13, so that would be about the 7 the week. Any ideas, any suggestions,advice? Anyone else experience these cramps, consistently? My fever has been running 99 flat so far, no bleeding, no naseua, no fatigue, just the consistent menstral cramp feeling. I know some of your first responses may be "get to a doctor" but according to all of these practices, they say wait.

[jward1274]

Thanks! Today, I had a mild bloody nose, has anyone ever experienced that as well? I was just cleaning the dishes and it it came. Nothing too bad but I was wondering if it is common?

[Super_sally888]

I'm 34 weeks and I still sleep on my back (it's most comfortable for me), but with pillows to prop me up a bit.

My baby is growing extremely well, so am sure I don't need to worry about blood flow.

Early on, don't worry about your positioning.  Just be comfortable.

[buggie216]

That doesnt happen until later...they say 13w is when you should watch positioning...i was able to sleep in my stomach till about 12w...i had bilateral hip replacement exactly a year ago and i cant lay on my sides...so my OB said as long as you have atleast one pillow under your head/shoulders your fine...they just frown upon no pillows at all laying completely flat...again that 13+w

[jward1274]

Thanks everyone. The cramps are starting to ease up and the heating pad that I purchased is helping. I just read that lying flat in bed on your back is not such a good idea. I have been basically just going to work 9 hours where I sit in front of a eesk to coming home, grabbing the heating pad and laying in bed until morning. Has anyone ever head of that. I read it on webmd. They mentioned that if you lay in your bed on your back too long, your oxygen levels to your baby drop as well as lowering the blood pressure.  Should I be concerned?

[mommayam]

Hi,
I'm 34 (I know, a little young for this forum, but feel more at home here...). This is my 5th pregnancy, 4th child (M/C 12/11).  I am 6 weeks 2 days along and experiencing some pretty similar cramping.  It began more like muscles stretching, but the last 3 days has definitely felt more like cramps.  Some are harder than others.  I found that making sure my bladder is empty, resting and not pushing through them, and warm heat seems to help.  I have resisted taking any meds, as I know how critical this time of development is for baby.  I can encourage you by telling you that I remember cramping during my 3rd daughter's pregnancy.  It was a new symptom that time, but I certainly remember it.  As nervous as I am about the cramping too, I try to remember that there are so many things growing and moving down there.  Be encouraged! :)

[jward1274]

Thanks for the well wishes. Im trying the hot water bottle as we speak and I am taking children's liquid tylenol. So far it seems to be helping. I wish I can take the hot water bottle to work with me but I'm thinking I would get a few weird looks from my coworkers.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

actually cramping is very common in early pregnancy.  And there is nothing much the doctors can do about it.  I had heaps of cramping early on, which settled down about 6 weeks or so.

I understand tylenol is safe, but don't exceed the recommended dose and only use it if you really have to.  Maybe warm hot water bottle and resting as much as possible in a curled up position will also help.

Best wishes...

[jward1274]

I was wondering if anyone takes CVS brand tylenol for pain? Is it safe?