6 Weeks Preggo and Worried About Cramping

Updated on November 05, 2010
S.H. asks from Columbia, SC
10 answers

Please offer me some advice. This is my first pregnancy. I am 6 weeks pregnant and have been experiencing light cramping for about 2 weeks. The cramping happens every afternoon around 5 or 6 pm and lasts about a half an hour. I have had no bleeding or spotting. My doctor said that this was normal, however, tonight I had severe cramps and almost went to the hospital but decided to wait it out to see if it would go away. I took a Tylenol and used the heating pad and the pain subsided after about 20 minutes. Does anyone know why this is happening? I am very worried that I could be having an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Thanks!

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A.K.

answers from Atlanta on

I had bad cramps for most of my entire first trimester - every single day. No one I knew had experienced them, so that made me even more paranoid! They did eventually go away & the rest of my pregnancy was great. Just wanted you to know you aren't alone!

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B.F.

answers from Atlanta on

In the first few weeks with my first pregnancy, I had cramps so bad they actually woke me up. My OB did an ultrasound the next day just to make sure everything was OK. Everything was fine and she said cramps are not unusual and are just the muscles and ligaments supprting the uterus preparing for the advancing pregnancy but are not usually as painful as mine were. Sometimes they would have me doubled over holding my stomach. They eventually went away with no ill effects.

E.H.

answers from Kokomo on

You will have lots of normal cramping(like period cramps) especially on your first pregnancy. That is your uterus changing and growing. As long as it is not extreme, severe pains and no major bleeding there should not be anything wrong.

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S.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm not an expert by any means but my doctor told me that early on in pregnancy cramping is normal unless it becomes unbearable then it's best to call your doctor or go to the ER. Yours subsided which is a great sign I think. My girlfriend had an ectopic pregnancy and when the strong cramps started they did not go away. They just got worse an worse.
On a side note, my doctor also told me not to put a laptop computer on my stomach because of the heat it generates after a while. I'm sure your heating pad was not nearly as hot but you just may want to check with your doctor to make sure it's ok to use this early on. Early pregnancy is tough because it seems like we're always worrying about something... but I'm sure you'll be fine and your little blessing will be here before you know it!!!

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

i agree with the previous...i had cramping & i think i was more aware/worried about it because i was pregnant. i would even have some pretty severe sharp pains in my abdomen. because you are pregnant esp. with the first you are much more aware of your body whats happening. as long as there is no bleeding/spotting you shouldnt worry too much unless the pain so bad you cant stand/walk. you may need more rest too, i know that i worked when i was pregnant & even when i didnt if i was up on my feet all day then by 3 or 4 i was definitely tired & would have cramping, your body is also telling you to rest! put your feet up & try to relax.

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J.G.

answers from New York on

Congratulations! Please don't worry it is normal! What you're feeling is your uterus stretching and getting ready for its biggest job ever! I was very worried, too, when I felt it, but it is normal. My cramps were fairly bad, too. Try to relax (a B vitamin complex really helps ( try Nutricalm from Nature's Sunshine- I lived on the stuff my whole pregnancy)). The more you can relax and put your feet up, the less worried you will feel. Listen to your body if you feel you should see a doctor- GO, but it really is normal. You are so early in your pregnancy, that your OB would probably not be able to do anything if a miscarriage were imminant. That is what my OB told me when I asked her your same question. But don't worry, your baby will be fine, it is all normal. And in a few short weeks you will freak out again when the cramps stop and Braxton Hicks begin ;) Mine started at 4 1/2 mos. Also normal. Hug that baby and start a sleepsack collection! Goodnight.

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I had light cramping early in my pregnancy. I associated it almost with a sense of my uterus stretching, although I don't think tha tis exactly it :) Probably normal. But if you have cramps to the point tha tyou can't hold a conversation or continue your activities, you should ask the doctor to check you. As you progress in this pregnancy, it is better to be safe than sorry and that is wha tthey are there for. When in doubt call the nurse. They know the right quesitons to ask and will give you good advice. COngratulaitons and good luck!

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

I've had many miscarriages and my kiddo. With my SON I had twitchy cramps throughout the first 4 months. Especially whenever I finally RELAXED. You know, been busy, sit down, and ouch... twitchy ouchy... weird. Around 4 months everything just started aching all the time. (Yay fun).

With my miscarriages (eveyone is different) I did NOT cramp until after I felt like I was going to passout. Like someone let water out of the bath... dizzy... blurry... couldn't think straight. I'd feel like I was on the edge of consciousness for a few hours and then the contractions would start.

My pregnancy with my son was so different from the others, it was one of the reasons I just had a feeling he'd pull through.

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

I had some pretty severe cramping with my pregnancy too. My doctor told me it was because my uterus was stretching and getting bigger to accomodate the baby. Since I had no bleeding, she told me not to worry. If you develop a fever or have cramps so bad that you can't walk or talk, then you should go to the ER to have an ultrasound to see if it's an ectopic pregnancy. However, since you are already 6 weeks along, I think it's probably just your uterus stretching. Good luck and congratulations!

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S.K.

answers from Port St. Lucie on

hey well i was looking for some info on this subject cause i am 6 weeks and cramping pretty frequently, like a dull cramp and i am paranoid because about 5 months ago i had a miscarriage and it felt similar to the pains i get almost everyday so im trying to just relax and hope for the best but your answers and input have been very re assuring to me : ) thanks and good luck to all!

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