Quiana 06/13/2010
Question:
Hi, I am about 7 to 8 weeks along and I have been feeling totally awful. At night, I have a hard time sleeping because of cramping, so I am always tossing and turning. The cramping comes and goes throughout the entire day. Does this sound normal for so early in the pregnancy? Should I be worried that something is wrong? Thanks!
The first trimester (up to 13 weeks from your last menstrual period) can be filled with irritating symptoms that can make you feel awful and sometimes worried. It is common to have mild cramping during the first trimester as the placenta is growing into the lining of your uterus.
If you are also having pain with urination or other urinary symptoms, you should consult your prenatal care provider, because urinary tract infections can also increase cramping.
If there is severe cramping with bleeding, there would be more concern for possible miscarriage, and you would definitely want to let your health care provider know.
The most common easily remedied cause of increased mild cramping is dehydration. Pregnant women require more fluid than non-pregnant women because blood volume increases by 50% during pregnancy. I recommend drinking 80 to 100 oz. of non-caffeinated beverages per 24 hours. To do that requires that you carry a water bottle (preferably BPA-free stainless steel or glass) with you all day and keep sipping. Which also means that you will need to go to the bathroom every couple of hours.