Cramps/pressure/tightness

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

I'd like to apologize for my blabbering trying to get to my point. I just don't know exactly to have describe what I am feeling physically or emotionally.

They say everything is normal during pregnancy, but when does it become abnormal? When is it time to be concerned?

I have had a ton of pressure and tightness that I thought was normal. Last week I mentioned this to my doctor and she was concerned but not overly concerned. This week it has progressed. Yesterday and Tuesday I was having pressure and cramping. The cramps were really uncomfortable, almost painful. Today I have had the same pressure, but the tightness has gotten worse. It comes and goes, almost like I'd imagine a contraction, and knocks the wind out of me. Then My husband was rubbing my tummy and just relaxed his arm on it. It was uncomfortable and painful, again knocking the wind out of me. I don't know how to describe the sensation that went along with it. It was weird.

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and plan on asking if this is normal and when I should be alarmed, I'm not looking for medical advice. So I guess what I am trying to determine is if anyone else feels this way. And also, when do you listen to to your gut and just say this doesn't seem normal I need to go to the doctor/ER/L&D?

Mztwilson · January 2014

Go with your gut. If it's not right then get checked out!

SarahSmile01 · January 2014

I've been uncomfortable lately too. Cramping and tightness which worries me but Dr says all looks good. Nothing that knocks the wind out of me. I just can't get comfortable and find myself doing deep heavy breathing in an attempt to loosen things up until the cramps pass. I'm a FTM so I'm just trying to stay calm and take my OBs word when he says the baby looks good.

I would agree with mztwilson and say go with your gut. I would definitely bring it up tomorrow at your appt and I wouldn't hesitate to go to the ER if you think something is really wrong. Better safe than sorry.

noryang · January 2014

I am having a ton of pressure/tightness today. And I get very painful cramping at the top of my vagina (not uterus) whenever I need to put my feet up. In general it is soooo hard not to worry but I really do think most of it is within the range of normal.

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

@SarahSmile01 Being a FTM I just feel like I am being over paranoid or second guessing myself. I am a natural worrier and over analyzer so I am never certain in my thoughts. It's really frustrating and I just never know if I am just making myself worried or if there is something more to it. AH! I am glad that my appointment is in the morning.

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

How much water are you drinking and how much activity are you doing? I have had to start limiting what I do at work because if I do too much, I will start feeling crampy.and have pressure. Drinking water helps get it.to.go away.

I drink a ton of water. I have a 20oz bottle that I drink at least 6 before I got to bed, then I drink more throughout the night. I pee like every 45 minutes. I haven't been real active and my job is sedentary. It's probably normal, what I am feeling, I just worry over everything.

coffee-saur · January 2014

Read up on 'Braxton Hicks' (sp?) contractions. It's been long enough ago that I read about em I'm not sure enough about describing it. The tightness, discomfort, and feeling sorta breathless- wind knocked outa you, could be that. Occasionally when I get em it's uncomfortable enough to make me sorta take deep breaths and stop what I'm doing. Like PP said drinking water actually helps with the Braxton Hicks too. But look it up (here on TB probably even) for more accurate description.

hope this helps!

Edit: stupid spelling...

MollySm · January 2014

I think it can be normal to feel a ton of different things, and that every pregnancy will feel different. So I think it's hard for doctors to make a general statement about cramps and pressure being fine vs being a problem. It never hurts to bring it up with your doctor. Other than that the only thing that helps me is drinking more water, and making sure I pee often, which it sounds like you are doing.

coffee-saur · January 2014

Oh and DEFINITELY talk to your Dr! If nothing else, they can help put your mind at ease

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

LizM05 said:

Read up on 'Braxton Hicks' (sp?) contractions. It's been long enough ago that I read about em I'm not sure enough about describing it. The tightness, discomfort, and feeling sorta breathless- wind knocked outa you, could be that. Occasionally when I get em it's uncomfortable enough to make me sorta take deep breaths and stop what I'm doing. Like PP said drinking water actually helps with the Braxton Hicks too. But look it up (here on TB probably even) for more accurate description. hope this helps! Edit: stupid spelling...

I was explaining this to my mom and she said she thinks it is Braxton Hicks. I guess I really didnt expect to feel them this early so I am questioning it. I am going to read up on this.

SarahSmile01 · January 2014

@ricecakes1216 I know exactly what you mean! I'm a worrier too and we lost a baby last year so I analyze every single thing I'm feeling. I think it's pretty normal for us FTMs. Just know you aren't alone :-)

Mowill59 · January 2014

Definitely sounds like Braxton hicks contractions. It's not too early for them, I've been having them for almost 2 months now but I'm a STM. Definite talk to your doctor about it but I think you are okay. If they start getting very regular (ie every 5 minutes, etc) and are also extremely painful and they don't subside if you change positions then you should call your doc ASAP. Read up on them! If you're dehydrated that can bring them on or sometimes doing too much can. But if you are worried you can always call your doc, even if it turns out to be nothing it's better to be safe than sorry!!

ETA: whenever I get BH contractions I get that "wind knocked out of me" feeling, it's weird but totally normal!

kibean · January 2014

Definitely talk to your doctor. I have no experience with contractions of any kind, so can't help you there, but have you considered if it is gas pains? I have had gas pains and cramps (both when pregnant and not) that have had me doubled over and they sometimes are triggered by me rubbing at an area of my stomach that feels uncomfortable.

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

Thanks everyone. I am going in for my appointment in about 2 hours, so we shall see what the doctor says.

ADalesa29 · January 2014

Any update? I think I'm experiencing something similar so just wondering what your doctor said!

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

@ADalesa29

Oh yes! Doctor said that I was definitely having contractions last night and most likely the day before. Last week it was found that my cervix is soft and the baby is low so I get extra monitoring. My cervix is funneling (I think that is the right term) I am dilated to a one on the outside, but the cervix is still closed. She is concerned that I am having signs of preterm labor. Next week we have our a/s and they are measuring my cervix again to make sure it is still long. If I have contractions 10 minutes apart or less I am to go to L&D so I can get the attention I need.

She mentioned that if everything continues down this path I will most likely be going on bed rest, for now I have a stress free sedentary job so she is comfortable with me staying at work. She is also concerned that I won't be making it to June. Depending on what they find next week I may be going on progesterone. There is new research showing that progesterone administered in the second trimester can stop the thinning and shortening of the cervix and sometimes even reverse the cervix issues. The goal at this point is to get to 36 weeks and this may be the best bet.

It's complicated and there are a lot of factors to my situation, so don't get freaked out. Everything that I have been feeling is normal on it's own. Adding everything together at the same time is when they are worried. So I guess I was right about being freaked out last night.

And that was a long winded answer.

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

Thanks!

ADalesa29 · January 2014

Thanks for the update! Good luck. Hope your LO stays put for as long as possible. I'm upping my water intake and definitely going to mention to my doctor next week.

hjl050308 · January 2014

Good luck. Are they talking about possibly doing a cerclage because you're funneling? Just curious.

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

The hydration is a big one. Definitely make sure to drink tons. Doctor said that I should be going to the bathroom once an hour.

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

Good luck. Are they talking about possibly doing a cerclage because you're funneling? Just curious.

They didn't say anything today. That is something that I am going to ask about. I think that they are determining the plan of action after my u/s next week. Thanks for bringing that up. I am trying to get a list of questions together for next weeks appointments.

kibean · January 2014

Oh wow, glad you were able to see the doc. I hope things settle down! Good luck!!

irenewslee · January 2014

Glad you got the attention you needed! I hope everything will be ok. Good luck on your scan next week!

coffee-saur · January 2014

Glad you got to the Dr and hope stuff turns out ok. And good luck!

ricecakes1216 · January 2014

LoHerrim said:
OKAY... First, don't apologize for worrying. We all worry, FTM or not. Second, if you are hydrated and still feeling these cramps (most likely contractions), put your feet up, and rest. Taking a warm bath to relax you may help, as well as lying on your left side. Tell your doctor immediately about your cramping especially since it has gotten worse. As soon as you turn 20 weeks, you can go to L&D to be checked out instead of the ER and at 20 weeks they will also attempt to stop your contractions. I have them the entire time I am pregnant (yay me!). Also count how many you are having in an hour. Are they consistant? Does your body relax for a while after the tightening?

ETA: I should read the whole thread before responding. lol sorry for giving you info you already had!

You always have great advice!

Mrs_D_in_KY · January 2014

I was just going to comment to go to ER/maternity ward/doctor ASAP. What I chalked up as Braxton hicks sent me to the ER when I was 28 weeks with my son and I was 2 cm dilated. I was then on anti contraction Meds and bedrest for 8 weeks.

This pregnancy my doctors are acting like my cramping is no big deal. I demanded a cervical length check so I knew for a fact I wasn't dilating early again. It came back fine and they can say I'm paranoid all they want. But I don't care, I am the best advocate for my unborn child.

If any mom feels something isn't right or normal, you should push and push your doctors.

megzep · January 2014

Good luck!!

kbellizio3 · January 2014

A friend of mine started having contractions shortly after 20 weeks and they were able to get her to the late 30s with bed rest and meds. She had a perfectly healthy and average weight baby. Good luck! Take it easy and keep that bun cooking!

stacisoccr · January 2014

I have also been uncomfortable. I always have to tell my DH that his hand is too heavy to lay on my stomach. It hurts me bad when it's there. I can't even stand all the way up to walk sometimes. DH calls it my grandma walk because the pain is literally that bad. It keeps me from going places and doing things. I just want it to go away!

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