Cramps and Tiredness

I had light cramping for at least the first trimester and some of the second. As long as there is no bleeding I would try not to worry too much.

Cramping and tiredness are totally normal. I was so tired at the start of my pregnancy that I would take naps. Good luck!

Hi S.,
Congratulations on your pregnancy! What you have written sounds pretty normal to me, but if you are ever not sure of what you are feeling, i'd get it checked out. That's what the doctor is there for. I'm 24 weeks pregnant with a boy right now and I'm still getting some mild cramping...(how encouraging, right?) I think the key is that you aren't experiencing any bleeding. If you have that, I would be more concerned. Rest when you can. Good luck!

Congratulations on your new baby! The cramping can be a couple things.

One, you ligaments can be stretching as your uterus grows. Some women feel nothing from this, some women have terrible pain from this. Most fall somewhere in the middle, with some type of cramping here and there.

Two, it can can Braxton Hicks contractions. Women vary on when they feel them, but it can be any time during the pregnancy. Usually, the earlier you are in the pregnancy the more they'll feel like a cramping. Later on they feel more of a tightening and squeezing, similar to regular contractions. This is the uterus basically "exercising" to get ready for the birth down the road.

Everything you described sounds normal, especially the tiredness. Some women feel fine, some are tired in the beginning and/or end, and some seem to never wake up during the entire time. There's no real set rules for pregnancy.

Drink tons of water, eat many small healthy balanced meals, walk when you can. Take your vitamin daily and drink plenty of milk if you can.

Good luck!
K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HarrisburgPAChat

I was extremely tired with both my pregnancies. If I remember correctly it started getting better around 16-18 weeks in. I don't remember cramping with my first but do remember it with my second. I was convinced that I was getting my period and completely bent out of shape because I wanted to be pregnant. :) If it will make you feel better, call the OB/GYN office and ask the nurse, they answer questions all day so don't feel bad about bothering them. Best of luck and congratulations on the pregnancy!

Hi S.! First off congratulations!!! It is so exciting expecting a baby, I have two boys and honestly is gets more exciting for each one. I believe that what you are experiencing is totally normal. I did not really have too much cramping but the tiredness for each of my boys was unbelievable. I could barely function. During my first trimester I was constantly late for work because I just couldn't seem to get out of bed. I would go to work, come home, manage to eat a little something, and was usually in bed by 8- 8:30. I definitely don't miss that about being pregnant. BUT, it gets better by the second trimester, you kind of start to feel like yourself again. Hallelujah!!! Try to worry too much about the cramping, I'm sure everything is just fine with the baby. Very best wishes with your new baby. They really do turn your world around in the very best of ways!!! Leah

Congrats S.!! Tiredness.... completely normal. Make sure you are taking your prenatal vits. As far as the cramping goes that is also normal. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. I found that when I started to get cramps I would take it easy and just chug a ton of water they would go away. Also if you EVER feel that something is not right or are even a little bit unsure always call your doctor. That is why they are there. Don't feel like you are bothering them or asking silly questions. Just remember that the only important thing is that your little one arrives here safely!

Melaleuca has wonderful prenatal vitamins. One of our ladies said she takes and she isn't tired like most people are when they pregnant. If you are interested in them. Let me know.

Hi S.,

I would ask about the cramps. BTW, do you have a good OB/GYN?

During my first trimester, I was really tired too. I understand that this is normal--after all, your baby is developing from a little egg into a baby, you're developing the baby's placenta, you and your husband are dealing with a lot of change, and you really are eating for two, with the baby getting first dibs.

If I were you, I would make sure you are getting four servings of dairy a day. I found ginger beer was great for morning sickness.

Good luck!

I have had 1 misscarriage and 1 tubal pregnancy. I also have 2 children and had slight cramps and small "implantation" spotting with all.
With all my pregnacies, the dr. told me to just get off my feet and rest (VERY important) and just to take it easy. If cramps got worse or bleeding got worse to call dr.
Tiredness and slight discomfort are totally normal. I literaaly fell asleep on my daughters floor when I was preg. with my son.
I would make sure to keep your dr. updated on everything and just take it easy and enjoy this time! After all, when, besides your first can you take advantage of all your crazy symptoms!
Congrats!

S.,
If I remember correctly, there may be a time of some cramping as the embryo implants to the uterine wall. Listen to your body--if it worsens or is really concerning you, call your doc asap--that's why they are there! Definitely mention it & the tiredness at your next appt. Are you taking pre-natal vitamins? I believe it's normal in the first trimester to feel tired. The second, you will feel GREAT and the all pooped out again in the third. Do you have a good pregnancy book yet? If not, I would pick O. up. Like maybe, "What To Expect When You're Expecting." Congratulations!

Congratulations! I just had my first baby in November...it's such an exciting time! When I was pregnant, starting at probably about 6 weeks pregnant, I had horrible cramps. They were different than period cramps, but they were very painful (to the point where I thought something was wrong with the pregnancy.) Turns out, that was all part of being pregnant! I was concerned and I called my doctor about it and I was able to go have a sonogram to ease my fears. So, if you are really worried, maybe you want to call your doctor and go for a visit. Even if you just get some blood work done, they should be able to know if your pregnancy is progressing properly. I know I read a lot of things on the internet, and that was NOT a good thing to do...it seems it always talks about the worst scenarios! Oh and the tiredness...that first trimester really wipes you out. That is completely normal, so listen to your body and sleep! Good luck and congrats!
N.

Some cramping early on - not long after you find out - is pretty normal. I don't remember it so much with my first or second, but I some pretty significant cramping around that time with my third. Always feel like you can check with your doctor if you are uneasy about something, but it just sounds like implantation to me. It sounds like they are only mild and with no bleeding either, so it doesn't seem like you should be concerned.

with my 1st 2 i had cramps really bad and worried something was wrong. my dr said b/c i exercised i felt the muscles expanding also happens when thin..it did go away and i have 4 healthy kids..the tired thing is definately normal..it will get better

Hi S.,
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am 23 weeks pregnant w/ my first. The exhaustion is, unfortunately, a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. There were some days it was all I could do not to fall asleep standing up. Make sure you get lots of rest- your body needs it right now! The cramping might be round ligament pain. I started with the round ligament pain really early in my pregnancy (usually I guess it doesn't start until 2nd trimester). It's a ligament that supports your uterus, so as your uterus grows and stretchs, you feel the ligament stretching. To me it felt like ovulation pains. It's usually in the lower abdomen or groin on one or both sides. However, I am a firm believer of checking with your doctor on any symptoms that concern you. That is what they are there for and the peace of mind is very reassuring.
Good luck!
J.

the first trimester you will feel very crampy like you are getting your regular period and will be tired. this is very normal. you will have more energy once you reach your second trimeter. you will feel really good about months 4-8 and from there you will be ready to have the baby. you will urinate a lot especially at the end of your pregnancy as the baby grows and sits on your bladder. get yourself the pregnancy journal,it has day by day development. they sell it at target. it is cool because it says how you may be feeling and what on the baby is developing.
congratulations and best of luck

I am a first time mom too. I'm 39 and no one warned me about the cramps. One time I was lying on the floor and went to laugh and the cramp that came on made me scream. I taked to my Doctor and she said it was normal, it was my uteris stretchng and the ligaments. I am in my fourth mounth and I still get cramps from sneezing or moving wrong. As for the tierdness, yes its normal, My first 3 months were like a zombie time. It helps to eat right, take walks and rest.

Good luck
B.

Very Normal! Even some light spotting is normal too. I remember falling asleep on a crowded subway when I was first pregnant, and I usually can't nap even in my own bed. If you are at all concerned your doctor can do a blood test to reassure you. Good luck.

Perfectly normal. Now, just enjoy being pregnant.

Hi S.,

Congratulaions on your pregnancy! I can remember having cramping that was worse than my period while pregnant - I would just sit on the couch and hold my belly and moan!! It is always a good idea to get checked out, though. I would suggest calling your ob/midwife and talking to the nurse - they can probably tell you over the phone if you need to come in for a check.

Congrats again!
J.

A Mother's Boutique
Maternity and Breastfeeding clothing, nursing bras, breastpumps, slings and accessories
MamaSource members save 10% off their first order (excluding breastpumps) by using promo code MAMASOURCE
http://www.mothersboutique.com

Being tired is okay. Your body is changing and the baby is going to suck up a lot of energy. Get the book "What to expect when your expecting" It is the best book I refered to it through all three of my pregnancies since each one is different! Watch your diet and make sure you are getting enough protien and veggies. Make sure you start building a good relationship with your OB/GYN NOW! Write down questions to take with you to your appointments and make sure you cover them all. If you don't understand the reason for a test or an answer to a question keep at it until you do. A good doctor will take the time. Don't hesitate to call the office and talk to a nurse if your worried about anything...sometimes cramps in the early stages is nothing more than baby streching your uterus...sometimes it could be sometime more worrisome. Call the Dr. tomorrow first thing and ask about it. Don't listen to any horror birth/pregnancy stories (everyone will want to share as soon as they see your pregnant). Most importantly...SLEEP NOW you'll need to store up as much energy as you can...babies like to keep new parents up ALOT!! Congrats and best wishes!

Just sounds like you are pregnant to me:0) E., mom to 7

Tiredeness is DEFINATELY on key. In the book, 'What to expect when you're expecting', the author compares first trimester tiredness to climbing a mountain that day. All your energy is going into forming your baby right now. Try to get as much rest as possible. The tiredness should go away in the second trimester so hang in there!! Sometimes you can cramp during first trimester. Especially if its during the week you expected your period. Just take it easy when you feel the cramping, but if you are concerned and they really start hurting, then you should contact your OB. This is the health of you and your baby so don't ever hesitate to ask questions! Good Luck and enjoy your journey of motherhood...its amazing!!

Hi Shannnon. I am not an expert or anything, but it sounds like your cramps are normal. I am 10 weekss pregnant with my second and have had cramping on and off at 5, 6 and 9 weeks. We had our first ultrasound today, and things look good. This just supports what my doctor told me that the cramping is normal provided it isn't accompanied with blood and they don't get too severe. Good luck to you.

First of all Congratulations! Welcome to motherhood. Sounds like you're in the very early stages of your pregnancy and you need to see a doctor to ensure safety and good health for you and your baby. The first thing I would do is to eliminate all unhealthy habits... are you smoking? or drinking anything stronger than juice(don't even drink sodas)or even drinking too much coffee? girl when I found out I was pregnant (25yrs ago)I was used to smoking and drinking and I just had to quit.It wasn't easy but i just thought about the health of my baby and it worked. If you can't see a doctor right away try to eat a healthy & balanced diet,take your vitamins,iron etc. and keep crackers by your bedside to help you when you have morning sickness. Anything that feels uncomfortable, just stop it.One more thing, pray to the good Lord God for Him to give you strength .God loves you and most of all your child He will not fail you.

I had the same feelings with my first child. My Dr. told me it was normal with any number of pregnancy, because your body is finding it's own way of adjusting, and making changes for your baby. The best thing to do when possible, relax! Possibly schedule your daily routines around your sleeping schedule, because it is such a high priority. Mostly this will probably be within the first 2 trimesters. For some, the whole pregnancy!

i know how you are feeling, the best advice anyone can give you is talk to your doctor. it is probably nothing to worry bout but i find it best let your doctor in on everything.

Hi S.,

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am 36 weeks pregnant with my first child and am excited about the up coming day.

During my first trimester, I had similar issues with cramping and tiredness. I talked to my doctor about the cramping, it was pretty bad for a week but thankfully there was no bleeding, and he told me it was just the round ligament that was being stretched. I was told to take some tylenol and rest. It was a bit scary but it went away within the week.

As for the tiredness, I had headaches because I was trying so hard to stay awake. The only thing I could do was sleep.

If you haven't already, talk to your doctor so that he/she knows about it and can rule out anything else.

I hope you enjoy your pregnancy as much as I did. Just wait until you feel your little one move!! It is amazing!

Take care, J.

The first trimester is the most critical. This is the most critical time while being pregnant and when most miscarriages occur. Right now, your body is trying to say that it is normal to have your period right now. BUT you are pregnant so that is not going to happen. This is perfectly normal. Make sure you see you OB/GYN doctor/nurse practicioner. Get plenty of fluids, including about a gallon of water a day, and lots of rest/sleep. Keep calm and do not get too mentally stressed out.

Make sure you do not get dehydrated, this will lead to having abdominal cramps and could lead to a miscarriage. If you get overly mentally stressed, this can also lead to having abdominal cramps and could lead to a miscarriage. So stay calm, I know it is easier said than done. So far, it does not look like you have anything really to worry about and everything sounds normal. If you start fainting, severly throwing up, having more painful cramping..notify your OB/GYN immediately. Your OB/GYN should give you a paper or pamlet with thing to look out for as well.

CONGRADULATIONS! Many blessings on your family!

S., this is COMPLETELY normal. The cramps are probably from your uterus starting to loosen up/stretch as it begins the process of accommodating a little bean in there, and the tiredness is absolutely normal too! (It's hard work to grow a whole other person!)

But yeah, if there's no bleeding and there's mild cramping, it sounds like your baby-making parts stretching and making way for your little one. Nothing to worry about unless your doctor thinks there is. :)

Good luck and congratulations!
J.

Congratulations! What you are feeling is normal. I felt the same way when I was a few weeks pregnant. The cramping scares you, but it is the embryo attaching itself into your uterus. You just don't want to be doubled over in extreme pain, that's not normal. As for being tired, you'll feel that way the first trimester. With me, I was tired just pulling out the vacuum from the closet! A good book to read is "What to expect when you're expecting". It answers alot of questions you'll have throughout your pregnancy. Good luck!

Sounds like first trimester stuff...but even so it is worrisome. I remember I would just pass out in class some days (I was working on college when I was pregnant with my first and second) because I just could not hold my head up...lucky for me I had awesome professors who just let me sleep...LOL.

If you are worried call your OB/Gyn about the cramping. I know I had severe pain on my right side with all 4 of my pregnancies and I still panicked and made them do an u/s to make sure all was okay (covered by insurance because of the pain I had). Everything was okay...I would just get bad ligament pain in my groin during the first trimester. You have muscles pulling and stretching in all directions.

CONGRATS!!! I know once my second trimester started it seemed like I had non-stop energy....all the sleep I got during the first-trimester seemed to have rejuvinated me..LOL.

CONGRATS & Welcome to motherhood!!! This is just the beginning of what's yet to come.
As far as the cramping---thus you may feel them, more than likely it's pyshcological knowingly that you are pregnant, unless there is family heredity of complications with pregnancies on your side of the family.If not---
Enjoy these 9 months.;-)!!!

Mom of 4.

oh yes, honey you are pragnent and this will go on for the first trimester then it will go away. your body will do all kinds of things before the baby comes out but its worth it. just ask your Dr. if your not sure about something. congrts. and good luck. K.

S. it's normal. You have to listen to your body. If you are tired sleep. I know it can be rough if you have a job, but the more tired you are the worse it will all be. If you are cramping rest!! Drink some OJ and just chill.

I couldn't stay awake to save my life with my first son (i have 4). I just couldn't and it was the sleep of the dead believe me. Sleep and rest. You'll need it. Take some prenatal vitamins all though they may make you vomit. You could use some supplement help.