Cramping? Braxton Hicks? « Back to Group Discussions

[StartingAllOver]

I am 17 weeks and late this morning I started having menstrual like cramps. I would call them moderate. In all my previous pregnancies I have never had anything like cramping, only round ligament pain. Can BH start this early? Should they be this painful?

They started after a particularly stressful and upsetting time this morning and I am worried that my chronic stress levels are doing real harm. :( 
There isn't much I can do to alleviate the stress. It is due to divorce things and all the consequences of being both "the one that left" as well as "the other woman". 

There are plenty who would tell me that DP and I deserve to lose this child...

   

[Tenk]

Aww, mama, no one "deserves" to lose a child and please don't say that!!

BH CAN start this early and even earlier than this, but I don't think they should cause you "moderate" pain and for this reason you honestly should call your care provider!!  I don't really feel them this time, but have in other pregnancies, and pretty darn early too.  I'm 17w1d right now.  With my last they started around 10w, but they were never PAINFUL or tightening feelings.  They did get worse as pregnancy progressed though.  I would call just to be on the safe side.  (((HUGS)))
 

[talldarkeyes]

I am almost 17 weeks and have had painful cramping the entire pregnancy. I was always told it was a consequence of dehydration but you might also need some salt too. I am sorry for what you are having to go through!

[Tenk]

Originally Posted by talldarkeyes 

I am almost 17 weeks and have had painful cramping the entire pregnancy. I was always told it was a consequence of dehydration but you might also need some salt too. I am sorry for what you are having to go through!

Ah and see I never even thought "cramping" although it says it in the title LOL, sorry.  I have had VERY uncomfortable cramping that results in a BM (sorry!) and maybe even more than once in a day.  I don't think mine is dehydration because I drink a LOT but I don't have an explanation for it either.

[skycheattraffic]

First off, Tenk had it right: no one deserves to lose a child. Not every pregnancy comes at an ideal time but it doesn't mean baby will be any less loved. Give yourself permission to be imperfect and a bit messed up; we all are in one way or another and it doesn't mean we dont deserve to have children. Where I live there is a community program for expecting and new moms where I went for counseling when DD was about 6 months old and I really struggled with guilt, shame, and expectations.
I had borderline PPD and it was so helpful to talk to an objective outsider and unpack my emotional baggage and lighten the load. It really changed my outlook on parenting and let me enjoy my sweet little child again. If there's a way and you can make time, do consider talking to someone. It sounds like your situation is tough but self judgement and guilt/shame can make it a whole lot darker. Your baby will need you soon enough and if you could get yourself feeling more at peace now, it would only improve your life in the long run. You don't ever have to feel good about certain events but if you can put them behind you as an unfortunate/unpleasant chapter in your life then you can devote yourself to writing happier and more fulfilled chapters you will be proud of in the future.

[coalifetime]

hugs ((((starting over)))))

It does sound like you need some extra love.  I want to say that dehydration is a factor in some of the cramping feelings, but that has been said.  I will pray that 'getting this off of your chest' and feeling a little love here will start your relaxation and ease your symptoms.   I am sorry that this is a difficult time right now and you deserve both good and great things!  

I am hoping something like meditation or yoga can give you some relief and internal reflection

[lolliegee]

I agree about checking with your care provider, just to be on the safe side and to put your mind at ease. And I totally agree, that you don't deserve to lose the baby. Babies come when it's their time, even when inconvenient to us. Doesn’t mean they'll be loved any less. Ask me, this is our third (!) condom baby. And yes, we know how to use them. :0P