17 Weeks and Cramping?

[lindsvancamp]

Hello everyone,

This is my first pregnancy so naturally I have been worrying a lot. I try not to and have been good about it for awhile but then starting yesterday morning, i started getting cramps in my lower abdomen. A few inches below my belly button, it started off on my right side, but now it just seems to be across my lower stomach. I thought maybe round ligament pain, but everything I read on that says they are quick sharp pains. This has been a steady cramping feeling, sometimes worse than others. I think i also had some gas pains mixed in there as well. I'm just concerned because it is not subsiding. It's mainly a dull achy pain.
Could this just be from the stretching of the uterus and ligaments? Is anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks!!

 

[harlantr1]

I am having the EXACT same thing! I called my OB and she had me come in to check things out. Turns out is is still ligament pain but just a different feeling. The reason being is that my uterus (and yours too) is stretching out so much because our babies are growing fast! She put my mind at ease, listened to the little heatbeat and said "This is what I am here for - to reassure you everyhting is okay". Call your OB's office and tell them what's going on. Don't be afraid to be a nervous first time mom, they understand

 

[lindsvancamp]

Thanks for the reply! How long have you been having the cramps? I was planning to call this afternoon if they didn't go away.

 

[AuntieKate]

I've been having generalized cramps on/off again too the past week. I find I get them every couple of weeks or so as baby is definitely going through a growth spurt. I'm also having round ligament pains on both sides of my uterus.

Hopefully you get a little bit of a break from it soon!

 

[harlantr1]

Thanks for the reply! How long have you been having the cramps? I was planning to call this afternoon if they didn't go away.

I had the (ligament pain for about 6 weeks) increased cramping for about 4 days before I called and I am soooo glad I called - just to put my mind at ease you know?

 

[lindsvancamp]

Thanks!

I also notice that the pain is more of a pressure and is mainly there when i'm sitting. and of course i'm sitting at work all day! must just be the extra weight putting pressure on my uterus. i dont know!

 

[SCgirl]

I've been having the same thing (except worse when i move as opposed to sitting). Talked to an OB friend, who said it's most likely RLP since things are growing (like the others said)- but it's all up my right side, and sometimes moves across my lower abdomen. She said not to worry too much unless the pain originates in the back and radiates to the front like contractions...

 

[Rose1978]

I'm currently 20 weeks and have had cramping very similar to what you describe on and off throughout the pregnancy every few weeks but worse at about 16 and 19 weeks. My midwife said it was normal and that I also had strong stomach muscles (no idea how!) so could be a growth spurt putting extra pressure on. She also said it could be ligaments stretching which I thought would have felt different but who knows eh? The one thing I've learnt so far is that everybody's different, not very helpful though is it?! I've also found it's worse when I'm over tired. Hope it eases for you soon.

 

[Kiwiberry]

I had some cramping around 16-18 weeks. Sometimes it would be so bad it reached into my legs. As far as I know though hun it was perfectly normal. At least for me it was!! Good luck sweetie .

 

[lindsvancamp]

Thanks everyone! I called my Dr. and she just said unless it's severe, increasing, or I am bleeding that it is probably ok.

 

[barbikins]

Glad I found this!I also have lower abdominal pain like my uterus is ripping from my body (ya lovely) and it stops when I stop walking & sit down. It comes on either when I'm walking or if I have a very, very full bladder....figure has to do with pushing my uterus up.
Anyway, unlike ROUND ligament which are on the sides, I'm feeling this central & low & almost under my uterus like.
Anyone have that?

 

[lindsvancamp]

Mine is pretty much all over! usually the sides but sometimes all across. Also been having some lower back pain as well. Baby must be going through a growth spurt this week!

 

[SCgirl]

@barbikinis - I have the same thing when I have a full bladder (heck- even when it's not full- just whenever my body wants to get rid of it). been going on since 6 weeks, but only getting worse- the pain from the bladder is the worst at night, esp when I turn and try to get used to a new position...

when I asked the doc about it way back, they weren't concerned. said part of things growing and shifting inside...

 

[barbikins]

good to know SCgirl! It helps hearing the same from others!