Stretching pains - what are they?

[tj1980]

May sound like a stupid question - but what are stretching pains?

I had pains in my stomach yesterday and somebody asked if they were stretching pains? I didn't want to sound dumb so said no!!! But i dont actually quite know what they are.

Any ideas?

 

[Mervs Mum]

I think you mean when you have strange pains in the abdomen and basically it's your uterus streching for obv reasons!

 

[Serene123]

They're just pains, they can't really be described.. Everyone feels them differently

 

[anita665]

They can feel a like AF cramps in early pregnancy and are the uterus stretching. Then as you get further on the muscles and ligaments supporting your uterus start to stretch and they can feel like cramps, stitches (like when you've been running) and sometimes just random sharp or pulling pains in your belly.

 

[Mervs Mum]

they can feel like cramps, stitches (like when you've been running) .

Mine tonight are like this.....
x

 

[xJG30]

Mine are constantly like period cramps.. Worried me at first cause it's my first baby but once you get them, you'll know

 

[nikky0907]

I started getting them too....They are like period cramps but more intensive for me...

 

[Vickie]

Mine were period like cramps in the early stages (still get them sometimes). Also hurts when I move the wrong way, a sharp pain in my side.

 

[Ann-Marie]

Sudden sharp pulling sensation in the lower abdomen when standing up for me. And at night when I go to bed, I feel quite crampy... maybe just coz I'm more aware....
Just general aches and pulls in your lower tummy.

 

[nashbotha]

i get these pain all day every day. they are just slight stretching pains(like getting your period)

 

[pocahontas35]

They are the ligaments loosening up and stretching. I have them all the time and they really do feel like I have been running and got a stitch in my side. I have found that the more pg I have, the worse they get.

 

[tj1980]

So i'm assuming the pain i get just below my belly button-esp at night is stretching pains?

 

[shellbelle]

Hello, thankyou for this thread. I am brand new pregnant (prob. only a couple of weeks or so)..and going to doctor tomorrow for a checkup.I have been beside myself for the last couple of nights because of all the cramping and in fact have had cramping since last Friday..the night before last it was so strong I broke out in a sweat and got all dizzy/faint. I ended up just sort of talking myself down and breathing deeply and they subsided into these sort of contraction like pains (ebbing & flowing) til they stopped. But boy was I terrified!!!! Again last night the same thing (at exactly 2am! like night before)but not as bad..or at least I didnt panic..i dont mean to be decriptive but I went pee and had a bowel movement and it seemed to help..and then walked around the house a bit til it subsided. I have no spotting at all. The cramps come and go during the day and night..but nightime seems to be the most active and boy is it tough!!! I never knew this happened so of course im thinking im in trouble til I started reading about this. Thankyou thankyou..this is my first baby so Im really sort of overwhelmed with what's happening to it.
Thanks again.

 

[Ann-Marie]

I started reading you post shellbelle, and immediately thought 'constipation', and then lo and behold you mentioned feeling better after a going to the loo. I had exactly the same thing... in the middle of the night... and the pains were horrendous, so I can understand your worry..... but what'dya know... went for a no.2 and felt fine

Congrats on your pregnancy

 

[Gabi]

They can be quite scary at times. When I'd just found out I was pregnant they were like menstrual cramps. But they were pretty bad. Then they started fading only to be replaced by stretching and pulling sensations.

Nowadays I still get the odd period type cramp but mostly they're pulling pains. Down the sides of my abdomen. Especially when I move or turn suddenly. It's sharp but brief.
I've also been getting what feels like a stitch just next to my belly button for the past day or two.

It's never-ending

 

[tj1980]

Hello, thankyou for this thread. I am brand new pregnant (prob. only a couple of weeks or so)..and going to doctor tomorrow for a checkup.I have been beside myself for the last couple of nights because of all the cramping and in fact have had cramping since last Friday..the night before last it was so strong I broke out in a sweat and got all dizzy/faint. I ended up just sort of talking myself down and breathing deeply and they subsided into these sort of contraction like pains (ebbing & flowing) til they stopped. But boy was I terrified!!!! Again last night the same thing (at exactly 2am! like night before)but not as bad..or at least I didnt panic..i dont mean to be decriptive but I went pee and had a bowel movement and it seemed to help..and then walked around the house a bit til it subsided. I have no spotting at all. The cramps come and go during the day and night..but nightime seems to be the most active and boy is it tough!!! I never knew this happened so of course im thinking im in trouble til I started reading about this. Thankyou thankyou..this is my first baby so Im really sort of overwhelmed with what's happening to it.
Thanks again.

Its my 1st too and every pain makes me worried--that why i needed reassurance from others. Take care x