Is it unusual to have moderate abdominal cramping around the 16th week of pregnancy? There is no bleeding at all. Could this be due to my uterus stretching, or do I need to go to the ER?
I called my midwife, but she was out on an emergency, so the receptionist told me to go home and relax and go to the emergency room if the cramping didn't stop because no cramping is normal with a pregnancy. After checking online, however, it seems as if quite a few women have cramping during pregnancy. My clinic is closed for the night, and I would prefer not to go to the ER if it's not necessary as the cramping is uncomfortable like a period, but not necessarily overly painful.
Call you Ob/Gyn or midwife :) THats what theyre there for! They will let you know if they think its ok or if you should go in...
Round ligament pain doesnt feel like period cramping, its more like sharp pains. Yes, lay down for a little bit, if it doesnt get better I would get checked out.
Call the doc... like everyone else has said. There is such a thing as "round ligament pain" which is more of a "stretching" or pulling sensation than cramping. For me it hurt... and could be very uncomfortable... but was a lot different than cramping.
BUT- even if you suspect this is what you actually have- call the doctor and very specifically explain how you feel... where and then follow their advice. Also keep a lookout for any new symptoms... spotting, lightheaded, nausea - etc. There is a 50/50 chance that what is going on will warrant a visit to the office or ER- but don't make the mistake of ignoring anything weird in pregnancy!
Good Luck and Congrats on your baby!
-M.
Dear M.,
I have had three children, all normal deliveries. If I was doing too much running around and streching my day longer than I should, I would get some cramping. This told me to "Stop, enjoy what I have, and let the rest go until later." I would sometimes elevate my legs if I was on my feet too much. It might be eating too much, or something like that.
Get to know what your body needs, and most of the time you want to get the body moving because you have so much to do, and your baby wants more space. Let them have their way. You will feel a lot more comfortable. Enjoy a book, do some sewing, take a nap.....once I did not listen to my body and ended up in bed for 2 days and bent over for the next 5 days. Be careful, be safe, take care. Enjoy, you're special!
E.
P.S. Sometimes your health insurance company will have a nurse on 24/7 on call hours who might offer additonal guidance.
Definitely call your Dr. and explain all your symptoms. He/She will tell you what to do next. Good luck.
I had this with both pregnancies around 18 weeks and again at 24. Its your uterus stretching. Especially if this is your first pregnancy. Drink TONS of water; this helps a lot!!
I have just started getting the period type cramping but I am 36 weeks so at this stage in pregnancy it's normal cause I should be starting to get those off and on contractions being that I'm at the end of my pregnancy but for you.....not so much. You're probably fine but I would relax for a while and see if they go away. Mine usually last only about 10 to 20 min. then I won't have them again for a few days. But if they get worse or stay steady for hours then yes get checked out.
One of my teachers at my preschool went through something similar. The doctor said it was gas. I think you can take Mylanta (check first with doc) for gas, or Tums and see if it subsides. After the doctor diagnosed it as just gas she noticed it was triggered by somethings that she ate. The cramping was also very low and she was very nervous as well. Also, drink lots of water, I think they also said dehydration can cause some cramping. I think the fact that you are not bleeding is a very good sign. When I had a miscarriage I spotted and then had severe cramping. Good luck!!
Do you have an OB? I know you said your midwife is on emergency call. In my experience period type cramps were the start of contractions. Round ligament pain is painful not crampy. If it were me, I would call back, if she is still on a call and you are still having the cramps, I would go to the ER.
Always be safe and call the doctor and see if you should go to the ER.
I'm pregnant with my second (almost 36 weeks along) and I've had cramping the WHOLE pregnancy. Most of the time, it's aggravated when I've been sitting too long or exerting too much.
As the others have stated, always stay in touch with your body and listen to its needs. Keep in mind that your uterus is stretching, your abdominal muscles are adjusting, your pelvis and hips are spreading...you're making room for a baby to grow! There's bound to be some discomfort there.
If it concerns you greatly, seek advice from your doctor/midwife. I'm a big believe in peace-of-mind when it comes to pregnancy.
Best of luck to you. Kick your feet up and enjoy the journey!
I am 15 weeks and and 3 days and i will every now and then get this sharp pain just for a second but i think i may be dehydrated since i hardly ever get it. But for just cramping i havent had any. I just went to the ob today and one question she asked me is you have any cramping? i said no she said good. So if it stays steady i would def. go get checked out.
