For anyone having severe cramping, only at night

[nikkchikk]

Experiencing strong, period-like cramps at night? I am. And they suck . For the last 4 nights I have been rudely awakened by strong cramps that I couldn't explain. During AF, this was a normal thing. I would wake up occasionally from cramps due to my period. It was normal, whatever. The only reason I am not freaking out NOW is because I hear baby's heart thumping away with a home doppler, and there is no bleeding. This powerful cramping only happens at night....so what the heck IS this phenomenon? When can I get some uninterrupted sleep??

I called my doc for some answers, and THANK GOD I got some!! I ask him if it’s anything to worry about and he asks me a few questions about adequate water intake, daily vitamins, any bleeding, etc, none of which I have a problem with. Then he asks me about sleep positions. I tell him I fall asleep on my side, and when I wake up with the cramping I find myself on my back, which is weird because I’m not a back sleeper. Side or tummy, that’s it. And tummy I can’t even do anymore, it’s too uncomfortable! So doc thinks that because I only feel the cramping at night while I’m laying on my back, I am compressing the superior/inferior vena cava. He said when that happens, it cuts off some blood supply to the uterus. It’s not harmful to the baby, but it hurts me because it causes the uterus to cramp like crazy until I move again.

So I have been banned from sleeping on my back. At 17 weeks. How freaking lame. My husband is going to get the Boppy pregnancy pillow for me to use tonight. I really hope it is comfy and keeps me from flopping onto my back!!

I hope this helps someone because I was at a loss. I sure am glad I talked to the doc. Don't take my word for it though...everyone is different so you should definitely double check with your doc or midwife before writing any strange pain off.

 

[Wallflower]

Gosh that's annoying!! Sounds painful too, I hope the pillow helps you!
I've not had cramps myself but it does hurt me to lay on my back for too long & feels like I can't breathe so i try to prop myself on my side with a pillow. It's tricky staying in the same position all night isn't it!

Hope u get a good tonight x

 

[nikkchikk]

I'm really not all that big right now, I just look a little thick around the middle. I was totally surprised by the doctors diagnosis because I thought I had to be much bigger to cause vena cava compression.