[bec_1108]

I'm 6 weeks today and have been getting cramping pains like AF is on the way since before I found out I was pregnant. The pain is mainly on the left side, and comes and goes. Mostly there is no pain, but I get a few twinges throughout the day. Today it felt more generalized, on my right side as well as the left. I've not had any bleeding. Does this sound like normal uterus growing pains? I'm a bit of a worrier so keep thinking it could be ectopic. My first OB appointment isn't until Feb 18 so I've a while to wait.

[BBV]

I had a lot of cramping in early pregnancy, it really worried me at first, started to ease off around 8 weeks or so from memory. If there isn't any bleeding and it's not all the time I would try not to stress too much - easier said than done!

[CharliMarley]

So, is this when your AF would be due, because that was the first sign of pregnancy I noticed. You think you are getting AF and you keep going for a look, but there is no bleeding. I am sure that is what you are experiencing.

[Peppery]

The cramping was what sent me off to the Doctors to discover I was pregnant. The pain was much more intense than the period pain I normally experienced.

[minimae]

I've had so much cramping, for the first couple of weeks I was convinced af was just round the corner. I'm nearly nine weeks now and so far so good. I also had pain that was mainly on one side, so much so that I was worried about ectopic. I went for an early scan and all was fine, little peanut in the right spot with a nice strong heartbeat.
Good luck, I'm sure it will all be fine op!

[duck-o-lah]

I suffered AF cramps for the entire first trimester. I remember they were most intense around the 5-6 week mark, I was sure it was all over. Now nearly 30 weeks.

I don't think the cramping has ever really subsided, but the first trimester was the worst (probably because I was so paranoid!). It's a worrying time OP, good luck with it

[Relly23]

I had a lot of cramping in the first trimester - felt like bad period pain. And even bleeding - from a subchorionic hematoma (blood clot) - they reckon it can be leftover blood from implantation bleeding.

One day my cramping and period like pain was so bad that I had to go home from work. It doesn't really stop either, I get stretching pains now (a little bit of a different feeling to cramping) some days. Early first trimester, my pains were all on one side too (so much so that I went to two different doctors - because the first one refused to give me an early scan because I thought it was ectopic). I had a 7 week scan and everything was fine . When you think about it though, your uterus is teeny to start off with and it is constantly growing during pregnancy, so you're bound to feel a little discomfort.

[Hoping2BaMummy]

I think you guys have put my mind at ease a bit too. I'm almost 6 weeks and have had some mild cramping this week. It stressed you out that's for sure!

[midstudentcatie]

I had cramping from about weeks 7-11, a bit stronger than I'd usually get with AF. I was convinced that it was all over, but nope, am now 37 weeks and she's still nice and comfy in there!

Just noticed you're a Crohnie - I am too Good luck with it, I hope it behaves for you for the next 9 months!