Yeah, the pinching and pulling is a tricky one to interpret. I get that with AF too but I get loads with a bfp as well. This is my 5th bfp which seems like a lot but when you compare it to the vast number of AFs I have gotten since I was 12 then it is sometimes hard to recall what is the bfp pulling and what is AF pulling. Generally, my bfp pinches and pulls are more numerous and more concentrated under my belly button and above the pubic bone where my AF pinches and pulls feel more random and all over the place and there is also the usual squeezing sensations. But I wouldn't write a text book on it or anything. lol
I find I get really swollen "in there" and was having a hard time checking my cervix just before my bfp. DTD was also a bit painful and awkward due to that.
I am reading reasons to be hopeful for you, Cary. I know you want to be realistic so let the rest of us cheer you on!
How much longer until you test?