[2puzzled]

Hi all,

I am only 5 weeks into my first ever pregnancy. I am 37 y old, and overweight (BMI of >30). I only mention that in case it is relevant to my concerns. In the past week I have had some stabbing, but relatively short pains in my lower abdomen, behind my very old appendix scar. I saw a Dr (first time I had met her) this morning as my first antenatal checkup and I forgot to mention these twinges. I have a bloated feeling and slightly nagging discomfort in my lower right abdomen. It is not completely unusual for me to get discomfort in my old scar site - e.g. if I haven't swum for a while, the first time I swim any distance I get a pulling sensation there. At the moment, when I pull up my pelvic floor muscles I get a stitch like sensation.

As a result, I now have nothing other than ectopic pregnancy in my head, and my dating scan isn't booked for another 2.5 weeks. GP said to come back for blood test results and scan results after that (after 26 Mar).

My questions:
1. Should I see GP after I get blood tests back or wait until scans plus blood tests are available? It seems a long time to wait for confirmation of my pregnancy...
2. Should I pitch up at RPA early pregnancy assessment clinic tomorrow morning to put my (possibly irrational) fear of ectopic pregnancy behind me? What can they see at 5 weeks, 1 day?
3. Am I just over-analysing and should I just sit tight and wait for my planned scan?

I realise this is a forum and not a medical helpline, but would be interested to get opinions. You may have experienced this anxiety as well.

Many thanks,
Natasha

[Tikiboo16]

OP, if there is one thing I learnt in my time being pregnant, it's that you can't be too careful. I got several stern words from my OB for not calling him when I was worried and something needed attention. You sound like you have some anxiety, and before leaping to conclusions, or getting an internet diagnosis from EB.. I would suggest you go to the doctor/hospital and find out what's going on. It may be nothing, buut better to put your mind at ease, and if it is something, you will want it addressed ASAP.

[Kay1]

I'm on my third pregnancy and have had similar anxieties with each one. Its all part of the journey I'm afraid.

Pulling sensations in early pregnancy (especially the first) are very normal. Google round ligament pain and see if it sounds similar. However, if it will put your mind at ease see your GP. She may be able to explain whether a surgical scar could cause these sensations.

As for a scan at 5 weeks, they'll be able to tell if its in the right place, that's about it.

Good luck and congratulations.

[Spring Chickadee]

As the pain is off to one side it cant hurt to rule out an ectopic. It is possible you are just being to anxious and other thinking things (I'm like that) but if it were an ectopic you would want to know asap and would kick yourself for not taking it seriously. Ectopic pregnancies can be very very serious.

I would call you Dr now to discuss the sharp pains to one side and ask if you can get a scan done tomorrow. I *Think* 5 weeks is enough to see where the baby is growing but too early to really make out much else. I'm getting a scan tomorrow and will be 5 weeks exactly.

[doubledelight]

I think for your own peace of mind talk to your Dr. Better to rule out everything than ignore warning signs and put your health at risk. To reassure you a little my last pregnancy was at 37 with a high BMI and I have 2 very healthy 6 year olds running around

[2puzzled]

Thanks all - will sleep on it tonight and if I can't get it out of my mind and am still stressing will get it checked out. Will probably (hopefully) be more a mental health check than anything else

[futureself]

I had a heavy feeling and pulling sensations in my abdomen from 3 until 8 weeks. I understand how nervous you are and honestly I would get an early scan done. It will be able to see where the implantation is and set your mind at easy regarding ectopic. While getting the referral from your GP you can talk about your scar and what that may mean too.

[AryaStar]

Agree with PPs but wanted to add that the pain on one side could be an ovarian cyst.

Sounds scary but it is not. Google "corpus luteum", which develops from the ovarian follicle that released the egg. It is a normal and common event essential to establishing and maintaining the pregnancy in its early stages.

I had the same ectopic fears as well. There is a lot of activity going on down there in those early stages and plenty to keep us guessing - and waiting - with much apprehension unfortunately.

Hope it all checks out OK for you OP, and congratulations on your pregnancy

ETA think there is a Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy sticky thread thread posted in this section somewhere. I remember reading it early on in my pregnancy. Might be worth a read.

Found it http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/ind...howtopic=590689

This post has been edited by Shady Lane: 07/03/2012, 02:40 PM

[2puzzled]

Hi all,

Thought I would update you - after a restless night I went to RPA early pregnancy assessment clinic and had an internal ultrasound and bloodtests. The pregnancy is confirmed but the u/sound couldn't pick up whether it was intrauterine, so it is still uncertain and although everything else looked OK, they are taking a cautious approach. Have to go back Sat morning to have more bloods done to check HCG levels have double, which is apparently a good sign the pregnancy is in the right place, and then another scan in 2 weeks. I was hopeful they could confirm straight away, but they seem cautiously hopeful that all is OK, even though they are not sure what could be causing the abdominal pains.

Thanks for the comments. Will post an update as I hear more.

[Wishing2011]

good luck