First timer - advice wanted

[loving_life]

Hi, New to this forum (and all forums!). Just found out I'm pregnant! Yippee! Only about 5 weeks but it's all new and none of my close friends have been through pregnancy. I've read through the forums to find answers to my questions. Everyone seems terrific. Just wanted to know if having period like feelings is normal? I've had it a few days, it's not so much like cramps but the feeling that I'm having my period but I'm not? I'm so excited about pregnancy but no idea what to expect and what's normal? The GP did the urine test, couldn't answer any questions I had and referred me to the OB of my choice (Meredith Tassone - any thoughts on her?). I've read some posts talking about hcg levels. Do you have to have a blood test to know this and who does it - GP or OB? I've been reading books but I'm a little frazzled at the moment so any advice would be great.

[*Sparkles*]

Hi :wave: welcome to bubhub and congrats on your pregnancy, when are you due?
I am 20 weeks and I had period feelings (which is known as AF - Aunt Flo in here ;) ) at the beginning and I kept going to the loo to check if AF was there. I also had cramps for several weeks. All of this is quite normal and it is just your ligaments relaxing and stretching to make way for the new bub.
However, if you do experience any severe cramping or heavy bleeding then go to your doctor or the Emergency dept straight away.
Good luck and enjoy your pregnancy.

[whatwasithinking]

1st things first - WELCOME :wave:
2nd thing - CONGRATULATIONS:smiliedance:
3rd- When the Dr confirms the pregnancy they generally tell you the HCG level which tells you kinda how far you are. That is done through a blood test.
And last but not least - the period type feeling could be your body just doing funny things being hormonal and pregnant and all that. Talk to the dr or ob if you have any concerns. Sorry I couldn't give you more info than that.

Hope to chat to you more and hope you really like this forum - it is full of helpful ladies and gents (yep there are a few gents on here who actually give good advice)

:thumbsup:

[mummybunny]

im a newbie too hun and i have recently found that u need to take it all as it comes cause everyone is different! the girls on here always have great advise tho so any qs just ask away! :) good luck with it all :)

[loving_life]

Thanks heaps for the warm welcomes, congrats and advice. Knowing it's normal is a relief. I'm due 15th May and can't wait. Congrats to you all and hope all goes well for you and look forward to chatting to you again :)

[becstar]

Congratulations!!!!! How exciting, and wonderful for you. I am currently 26 weeks pregnant with my second bub and still find pregnancy baffling and scary at times. Though I must admit it is not as stressful as that first time round.......I had cramps and pain during both pregnancies (and also for a pregnancy that resulted in miscarriage). I think its quite normal and its even normal to bleed a little around the time you would have normally got your period. But if its heavy or bright red then see your doc right away. Pregnancy is a long journey with lots to learn....I am sure all your questions will be answered if you pop in here to ask them.....GOOD LUCK.
Bec

[NoMoreScuba]

Hello! And many congratulations on your pregnancy :smiliedance:

I'm no expert at this (19 wks pregnant with my first), but I had quite strong period pains on and off right up until about 14 weeks or so. Apparently a lot of it is to do with all the ligaments stretching etc. Now my period pains have disappeared, but occasionally I'm getting quite sharp pains.

As with everything to do with pregnancy - if you are at all concerned the best thing you can do is to have a chat with your GP or Ob. gonnabamummy is right, everyone's pregnancies seem to be different, so something that's ok with 1 person might not be ok for you. Go with your gut instinct...

All the best for a happy and healthy time ahead...!

Sarah

[twitch]

Hey Loving Life! You should pop into the May 2007 thread (under When Are You Due). There's lots of us in there now and more ladies are coming over by the day. We're all giving each other support through this pregnancy journey, so definitely come and say hi! :wave:

[katyjoy76]

Hi livinglife,

I too have had the feeling i was getting my period and the cramping, unfortunately i did end up haveing my period and have been bleeding now for nearly 7 days, its all rather strange. So far baby is ok as i have a foetal heartbeat but i do have to go get checked again. But this is my first too and i know how scary it all is and every little niggle and cramp can send you worrying rate through the roof, believe you me am sure my GP is sick of my phone calls and worrying.

Good luck and if the pain gets worse or you notice blood go and see your GP or go to the hospital, but it is normal to feel some discomfort and even to get some bleeding.

All the best

Kate :fingerscrossed:

ME 30
DH 30
# 1 DD 8/05/2007