Intense cramping (mostly at night)

NurseTMD85 · June 2016

I am only 4 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I got a faint positive HPT on 6/8/16 - 12 days after my IUI. I went in for my first beta and it was 22. I was told this was low, but that I also was in much earlier than most women for my first blood draw. That evening I began having cramps like AF was coming. These cramps have continued, and are sometimes intense. But I have not had one drop of blood. I had a second beta on 6/10/16 and my level quadrupled - 84.4. My nurse told me this was a good sign so I try not to worry. I think my cramping is a combination of the general tight/full feeling in early pregnancy, on top of some gas and minor constipation, but I can't be sure. I have tried everything to resolve the gas and constipation - colace, altering my diet, fiber supplements. I even tried drinking coffee. Nothing has given me any long term relief. I have a third beta today, that will hopefully have at least doubled. I just have such anxiety when I go to the bathroom, because the cramps really feel like AF is coming and I expect to see blood every single time.

So, I'm wondering.... Has anyone experienced this cramping before? Any natural/safe home remedies that gave you relief?

BecauseBabyIamAPug · June 2016

Cramping is very normal is pregnancy. Just think about it, your uterus is already changing and growing to accommodate your embryo.

As for safe remedies, tynelol is a class A drug. I am a fan of hest (low), for a few minutes. Not enough to raise your core temperature but just enough to relax. Warm baths, Epsom salts, stretching.....

The big no no is motrin.

NurseTMD85 · June 2016

Ok. I have been doing all of those things (except epsom salts - I'll have to try that one) and not taking motrin. Using the heat and the bath makes me nervous but it's one of the only things that helps. I'm hoping it eases up a little so I don't need to do it as often. Thank you for your response!

CornchipLA · June 2016

I'm 5 weeks and have had cramping the last week and 1/2. Sometimes they are so bad I'm sure I'm losing it but everything seems fine. Hang in there!

Mylitta · June 2016

I'm at 8w now. I cramped pretty intensely everyday most of the day from 4-7w. I thought I'd lose it some days. So far nothing wrong and no bleeding. I cramped when constipated, when hungry, when full, when I moved after sitting, when I sat after moving...
Your uterus has to stretch... it's apparently a pretty normal occurrence. As long as there's no bleeding and your hcg keeps going up, you should be good.

NurseTMD85 · June 2016

@CornchipLA @Mylitta Thank you for sharing!! Your posts make me feel much better!

PrimRoseMama · June 2016

NurseTMD85 said:

I am only 4 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I got a faint positive HPT on 6/8/16 - 12 days after my IUI. I went in for my first beta and it was 22. I was told this was low, but that I also was in much earlier than most women for my first blood draw. That evening I began having cramps like AF was coming. These cramps have continued, and are sometimes intense. But I have not had one drop of blood. I had a second beta on 6/10/16 and my level quadrupled - 84.4. My nurse told me this was a good sign so I try not to worry. I think my cramping is a combination of the general tight/full feeling in early pregnancy, on top of some gas and minor constipation, but I can't be sure. I have tried everything to resolve the gas and constipation - colace, altering my diet, fiber supplements. I even tried drinking coffee. Nothing has given me any long term relief. I have a third beta today, that will hopefully have at least doubled. I just have such anxiety when I go to the bathroom, because the cramps really feel like AF is coming and I expect to see blood every single time.

So, I'm wondering.... Has anyone experienced this cramping before? Any natural/safe home remedies that gave you relief?

In first trimester you can have stretching pains as your uterus gets bigger that are quite intense. Tylenol is perfectly safe if the pain is intense. Honestly, natural does not always mean safe. There are plenty of "natural" remedies that can harm you during pregnancy-- mainly because they are not uniform in concentration or dosage. So, the dose makes "the poison" in these instances. I needed to tell you this because the natural fallacy is strong during pregnancy. Natural does not always mean safer.

bren9019 · June 2016

I am now 11.1 was and have has cramping since 10dpo. I still worry even though I've had a perfect ultrasound and heard a beautiful heartbeat. This is my first so it's hard not to worry even when everyone says it's normal. I still look for blood every time I pee.

AmberTensing217 · June 2016

I know this was posted a week ago, so without checking your PH I don't know how it turned out. Either way, for future posters, cramping is normal. Anecdote: I had cramping up until week 8, but I was told it was normal and it's your ute stretching and moving shit around.

NurseTMD85 · June 2016

Still having intermittent cramping, but it freak me out less now. Especially since I had a 6 week ultrasound today and saw two little guys! Unfortunately one is measuring very small and may not make it. But my other guy is right on schedule and had a heartbeat!!!

SSCmomma · June 2016

Just came on to scout around because I have been having on and off cramping that seems more intense than my last pregnancy (which was healthy and produced a lovely dd). I guess I have to keep reminding myself every pregnancy is different but it feels better reading that it s normal.

abha24 · September 2016

NurseTMD85-- I just came across your post. I have been having fairly intense cramping. I'm currently 5w2d. Hopefully you'll get this. Just wondering how things are for you and your little blessings.

MrsCPALeslie · September 2016

Cramping has been kicking my ass for the last few days. Like really intense cramping. On Wednesday, I was cramping so bad I could barely sleep. The next morning, I started bleeding and went to see my OB that same day. He checked my cervix and said everything looked good and he didn't see any signs of a miscarriage. Then he checked my HCG level and said I was at 25,000 which was way more than what he expected, but he said it was good. So now, I'm getting a sonogram on Monday to see what's really going on. Right after i bled, the intense cramping stopped, but I'm still cramping mildly. So, I just hope this bad cramping is just something I'll have to deal with for now.

OlishkaTannushka · October 2016

I'm right behind you at 4 weeks and 2 days. I've also had some cramping. A couple days ago without thinking I took some Aleve. :X Hopefully just that once won't do anything.

But as others have said, Tylenol is okay to take for the cramping. I've been taking it because my back is already killing me. My job involves standing all day.

It's crazy that the uterus is already stretching when its tenant is the size of a poppyseed!

mschmitt17 · October 2016

I had the same cramping, especially noticeable at night. I increased my water intake (to about 2.5-3L per day), and have not had any more episodes of strong cramping.

hpiazza33 · October 2016

Around 4-5 weeks I had intense abdomen cramping that would wake me from my sleep! I would rush to the bathroom thinking the worse but would see no spotting or blood. My doctor said it was from my uterus - anything can make it tighten because that's the only response it knows. So in the middle of the night, I would get a full bladder and it would irritate my uterus causing cramping. The only real thing that helped was laying on my back with a pillow tucked under my lower back. It would go away after about 5-10 minutes. It was worse at night, but would sometimes happen if I had to pee or if I ate too much during the day. I am 7.5 weeks now and cramping has pretty well gone.

JAM85 · October 2016

So I've had cramps since 1dpo all the way to now at 12dpo- it was the number one clue that something was up. With DD I also had cramping earlier on before 10 weeks and this time and that time I had the pulling and pinching feeling. Sometimes these cramps can be more intense than others but they are always there in a low grade mild way along with low back aching

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