AF like cramps after BFP - worried si... - Fertility Network UK

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AF like cramps after BFP - worried sick! Experience or advice?

Scarlett13 profile image
91 Replies

So, getting my BFP on Friday was amazing! But now I’ve been having AF like cramps all afternoon quite intensely (but not painful) and it’s driving me insane!!

Any advice/experience with this?!

I’m currently 12dp5dt.

I had a blood test today to check my hcg levels so hope that comes back tomorrow.

This time last time I got a BFP I had cramps like this and they got worse and then I ended up having my miscarriage on what would be tomorrow, so that’s also playing on my mind.

After being relatively symptom free, these cramps are really unnerving me xx

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Scarlett13
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91 Replies
Lowamh profile image
Lowamh

I had quite a lot of period like cramps in the early weeks leading up to the first scan. I’m 11 weeks now and they haven’t been as frequent since and I’ve been worried about not having them! You can’t really win but for me it was normal in the first few weeks, so hopefully it’s nothing to worry about x

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toLowamh

Thank you so much, that’s reassuring- and congrats!!!! Not long til your nhs scan ❤️👍

Charleexn2 profile image
Charleexn2

Oh sweetheart, I’ve got absolutely no idea but hoping my comment pushes your post up. I do know that some twinging and cramping is normal in early stages of pregnancy though so crossing everything that it’s just that 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞. I had a few twinges so googled lol.

It’s mental isn’t it, we spend months/years anxious and longing for that BFP and then once we’ve got it there’s more to be anxious about 🙈🙈 hope everything is ok xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toCharleexn2

Thank you!!! Congrats again to you xxxx I seriously hope everything is ok xxx

Strawberrychaos profile image
Strawberrychaos

I had really bad cramping for weeks and weeks into my pregnancy hun. I was always on edge that I may start bleeding but luckily enough it never came. Xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toStrawberrychaos

Phew, thank you for taking the time to message me that, that’s lovely to know. I so hope I’m not having another miscarriage. Xxx

Strawberrychaos profile image
Strawberrychaos in reply toScarlett13

Oh hun, I hope not I will have everything crossed for a happy healthy pregnancy for you xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toStrawberrychaos

Thank you xxxxx

Kiedy84 profile image
Kiedy84

Hold on there hun, I have had experienced the worst period like cramps in week 4-5, I woke up one night feeling like somebody was poking me with a knife I literally cried with pain and I was convinced that this was it, but there was no bleeding. I was advised it was the baby just snuggling in. I am now 10 weeks. Everyone is different but as long as there is no bleeding cramps in early pregnancy are pretty normal😘

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toKiedy84

Thank you so much for replying - that’s really reassuring- it’s so scary isn’t it?! Congrats on your pregnancy! You’re almost at the 12 week scan now 🤞❤️🥰

Cinderella5 profile image
Cinderella5

I'm still getting odd cramps now and then although I wouldn't say intense! I think when you've had a as experience it really plays on your mind! Hopefully your bloods will give you some reassurance tomorrow!!🤞🏻xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toCinderella5

Yes I hope I get the result tomorrow....although this time last time my hcg results came back as really good and then I still miscarried the next day 😢 Hopefully this wont be the case now I’m on better progesterone! Xxx

Cinderella5 profile image
Cinderella5 in reply toScarlett13

Yes, I think the progesterone will make a big difference!! I'm starting to freak out a little bit and I know there is nothing I can do but cant help it!!🤪xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toCinderella5

It’s much crazier now than the 2ww!!!! X

Cinderella5 profile image
Cinderella5 in reply toScarlett13

Ain't that true!!🤯🙈😂xx

Flounder84 profile image
Flounder84

Hang on in there. In the week leading upto and after my BFP i had cramping that felt just like my period was about to come (just not as severe as my usual cramps!) I was told this is common in early pregnancy as things are stretching/ moving around down there xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toFlounder84

Thank you! Mine are worse than usual AF cramps BUT I don’t normally suffer with hardly any AF cramps, only ever very mild, so maybe these being more intense is a good thing for me if they’re pregnancy related - got to be positive!!! Glad I’m not the only one who has experienced these cramps. Thanks for replying x

Flounder84 profile image
Flounder84 in reply toScarlett13

Yes it could be they feel more intense as your usual cramps are pretty mild! My usual AF cramps were horrendous so maybe that’s why the pregnancy ones didn’t feel too bad to me. I think everyone experiences it differently - but I know that doesn’t stop the worry! Sending you lots of positive vibes xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toFlounder84

Thank you xxx

HollieW profile image
HollieW

I had really bad cramps and spotting after my BFP so try not to worry although that's easier said than done! Thinking of you x

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toHollieW

Thanks H, that’s good to know xxxx

Kempton profile image
Kempton

A lot of people have already said it but I also had AF like cramps just before I got my first BFP and for a few days after, sometimes quite intense! I had a smooth pregnancy after.

Hoping the best for you!

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toKempton

Thank you!!! The more people that say it, the more I feel reassured! So glad it all worked out well for you xxx

MissSaoPaulo profile image
MissSaoPaulo

mild cramps can be the uterus expanding - I had mild cramping most of the way through the 2ww and for a while afterwards. I hope that's all it is, got everything crossed for you xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toMissSaoPaulo

Thank you!!! I so hope so xxx

Squeak2 profile image
Squeak2

With lots of luck its just baby getting snuggled in hunny! Still have everything crossed for you 💕 xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toSqueak2

Thank you xxx it’s been making me feel so low this afternoon/evening as it’s so constant 😢 I hope I manage to sleep ok and wake up feeling better x

Stephybivf profile image
Stephybivf

Hey Scarlett, I had quite bad cramping the last two weeks. Hope everything’s ok and it’s just the little peanut implanting 😘😘

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toStephybivf

Thank you - I remember you got your BFP a bit before me - so you’ve been having cramping too? Fingers crossed for both of us getting to that scan xxx

Stephybivf profile image
Stephybivf in reply toScarlett13

Hey, yes I had like period pains about a week after transfer and it lasted on and off for about 10days. No bleeding touch wood but it seems to have settled now. Keep getting the odd twinge now and again xx 🤞🤞🤞🤞 for us xxxx

Dreamingofbaby profile image
Dreamingofbaby

Hey. As others have said hopefully it is ur body growing and adapting. I remember having these cramps for my bfps too.

Hope all goes well for u this time 🤞🤞. Best wishes xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toDreamingofbaby

Thank you!!! It’s so reassuring to know others have had these cramps with BFP because it just feels so wrong to be right?! X

Dreamingofbaby profile image
Dreamingofbaby in reply toScarlett13

Oh it def does indeed. Always v worrying until u can see all is ok. When will u have ur scan? X

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toDreamingofbaby

It’s my OTD tomorrow so I have to test again and ring the clinic to arrange it but when I rang them on Monday I was told my scan would be 22nd or 24th July. Seems forever away xxx

HopeTTC18 profile image
HopeTTC18

Haven’t got any advice but I’ll be thinking of you and hope all is ok x

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toHopeTTC18

Thank you xxx ❤️

MrsH007 profile image
MrsH007

I feel for you. I hope you get some good HCG levels tomorrow to put you at ease. My own personal experience - lots of aunt flow style cramps and it was positive. :/) 💖🙏🏻

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toMrsH007

Thank you xxxx glad to hear you experienced the same and got positive xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toMrsH007

Just saw your gorgeous baby oh my!!!! Xxxx

MrsH007 profile image
MrsH007 in reply toScarlett13

Thank you 😍 I never thought it would happen, after years... praying it’s your turn xxxxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toMrsH007

🥰🥰🥰🤞🤞🤞🤞

I've got nothing for you Scarlett other than I've got everything crossed for you. When you get your BFP you're so relieved and then you wake up the next day and realise what is ahead of you! Hoping we both get our happy ending. Keep us in the loop how you're getting on.xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

Ditto!!! I had my hcg today but not sure when I’ll get the result - I haven’t asked for a retest but I should shouldn’t I?! Fingers crossed for your retest, your number for today is very high, you must be feeling very reassured by that? Xx

in reply toScarlett13

You'd like to think so wouldn't you!! I got a BFP in Jan 2018. 1st HCG was 768 and second was 321. So it had halved. Although I had had quite a bit of spotting etc. You definitely need to get another test in at least 48 hours. Otherwise you have nothing to compare today's result to. Let me know how you're getting on as I think we transferred same day! 20th June?

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

Yes we did transfer same day so it’s nice to be able to compare. I read that 5 to 50 was normal for a hcg at 3 weeks! So you blew that out the water!!!! I didn’t get a retest last time as had my miscarriage following my first good hcg. My gp wasn’t convinced about letting me having a blood test today so hope I can convince him to let me have another!!!! Xxx

in reply toScarlett13

Tell him that without getting another oner he's effectively already wasted money so he might as well give you another go! Let me know your result tomorrow.x

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

Hope I get my result tomorrow! I was told it could take a few days?!

KW83 profile image
KW83

I'm a bit late to this party, but just wanted to add my experience - I had awful cramps from just after getting my positive until at least 11 weeks - I'm 15 weeks tomorrow and still have them most days now, although I think they are now mostly wind 🙈 It's really scary but it does seem to be quite common, and for me it didn't mean anything was wrong. Try to move around plenty, eat lots of fibre, drink lots of water - I definitely find mine are worse if I haven't drunk enough water. Xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toKW83

Thank you so much for your reply, I really do appreciate it so much!!! I can’t believe how anxious I’ve been today so it’s so nice to hear that hopefully what I’m feeling is normal and common and not a worry. It’s so weird that feeling so wrong could be so right?! I’m so pleased you have got to 15 weeks feeling like this with no issues. Congratulations xxx

KW83 profile image
KW83 in reply toScarlett13

Thank you - I think I am beginning to worry a tiny bit less now but it is really hard for the first trimester - we train ourselves to expect the worst don't we? Keeping busy and staying away from google is virtually impossible but it does help if you can manage it. All the best lovely xx

Novice_knitter profile image
Novice_knitter

I had so much cramping in the first 8 weeks or so after BFP. Some were very strong & was so anxious but turned out to be all part of the normal process in the end so hang in there hun. Hope your next test goes well - it’s so nerve wracking!! Xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toNovice_knitter

Oh wow thank you so much for the reassurance. I so hope that this is the case for me and that nothing is wrong, really thank you so much for letting me know your experience xx

bms12 profile image
bms12

I had cramps too in early pregnancy, I'm now 11+4 and get a few here and there but not many. Cramps are normal. Between where you are now and where I am now pur wombs grow to the size of a grapefruit. Which means everything else has t make room too xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply tobms12

Thank you so much for replying, really appreciate it and I’ve got so much reassurance from you all today. I was so anxious but am feeling a bit better now. Still very nervous of course!!! But not as concerned by my cramps as I was. Congrats on your pregnancy!!!! I wish you all the best for your 12 week scan and rest of your pregnancy ❤️ ps a grapefruit is a large area to grow in a short space of time indeed! Xxx

Charleexn2 profile image
Charleexn2

Thinking of you today xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toCharleexn2

Thanks! 2 strong lines!!!! Xxx

Charleexn2 profile image
Charleexn2 in reply toScarlett13

This is amazing news!

I’m sorry you’re going through this. It’s hard enough becoming pregnant after a previous loss ( I’ve been there) I had lots of cramps with this pregnancy. I think some cramps are normal in early pregnancy ( no one ever says about pregnancy cramps!) as uterus is stretching & going through massive changes. Providing you’re not doubled over in agony with heavy bleeding like filling a pad every hour or less chances are all will be fine 🤞🏻my midwife told me when my baby has a growth spurt to expect period cramping!

The difference I had with my CP vs my recent pregnancy having my daughter was the cramps were much stronger & the spotting turned heavier full on bleeding quickly with huge blood clots once it started it didn’t stop till all content had expelled.

Sometimes with pregnancy you can have constipation ( I did) and that can feel like cramps too.

And pregnancy symptoms will come & go this is very normal. Mine came & went & send me into a blind panic serial tester 🤣 the body gets used to the pregnancy hormone & only when your levels rise do you get symptoms. And some women don’t have any symptoms but have healthy babies ( my mil had no symptoms with all 3 pregnancies resulted in 3 sons)And you’re only 4/5 weeks so very early days some women don’t have symptoms kick in till later 6/8 weeks. I only had breast pain & tiredness in the early weeks so relatively symptom free too. Symptoms ease off at the second trimester anyway!

Just because the last pregnancy didn’t work out doesn’t mean this one won’t. Most women who have a miscarriage will go on to have a healthy baby.

Really hope your blood tests can offer you some reassurance xoxo

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

Thank you so much. That’s very useful. It’s my OTD today and got 2 strong lines so feeling more positive today and the cramps have settled. Hopefully I’ll get a good hcg Reading come back too today 🤞 Really appreciate your message xxx

EmGLA profile image
EmGLA in reply toScarlett13

That's brilliant news! I'm glad you're feeling a little bit more reassured and positive! Fingers crossed your doctors phone soon with the HCG result and that confirms what your test shows!!

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toEmGLA

Thank you!!! The result still isn’t in yet.... x

Masses of congrats lovely! Got a great feeling about this one being a sticky one - you deserve it! xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

Thank you! I hope you’re right xxxx

Anya80 profile image
Anya80

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

It’s worrying but cramps are pretty normal in early pregnancy. I would say that as long as they are not associated with bleeding (my mmc was bad cramps and bleeding light) this actually might be good sign, it was for me.

Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy and baby xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toAnya80

Thank you!!! I had cramps then bleeding and miscarriage with my last embryo so I’m anxious. Just cramps but no blood so far this time 🤞🤞🤞 Thank you for your reassurance xxx

Anya80 profile image
Anya80 in reply toScarlett13

I’m sorry to hear about you mmc😔my mmc was same bad cramps associated with bleeding although only light week 5-6, despite hearing baby heart at 7wks it meant not be for us😰like you when I’ve felt pregnant again last year currently 33+3wks pregnant) I’ve been fearing worst with every cramp but I’ve tried to stick to it that as long as no blood is visible we might be fine ...I know not easy for you at the moment but hopefully this time round cramps are only natural normal sign of healthy pregnancy 😘

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toAnya80

Oh wow I’m so sorry you got past the first scan and heard the heartbeat then still had a miscarriage, that’s so awful, I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience. My miscarriage was on this day last time! So was very early days and why I’m feeling so anxious! I’m still cramping today but thankfully no blood. Congrats on your current pregnancy and being at 33 weeks! That’s amazing!!!! I very much look forward to your birth post ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Anya80 profile image
Anya80 in reply toScarlett13

Yes that was me last time waiting to pass first 5,6wks then 7wks and not seeing blood then 12wks etc slowly reassured myself all must be fine ... and that how we reached today’s day🤭so grateful for this to heavens, just pray for getting positive ending here at the end of our journey!

Small steps at each time, so hard but 🤞🤞🤞🤞for that, be strong girl, you can do it too😘

SunnyDream profile image
SunnyDream

Hello, Scarlett. I remember, when I had my bfp I was on the sevenths sky. In a week I noticed some cramps as well and they have been lasting for several days. I was afraid too and didn't know what to do. I went to my OB\GYN and called the clinic where I have my treatment and they told me that it is normal. I have also read that sometimes it happens so there was nothing to do for me but only wait. How do you feel now? Did you talk to your doctor?

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toSunnyDream

Still crampy but reassured by everyone messaging that this can be normal and glad I’ve got no blood. Also now very bloated!! Thank you for your message and I hope you’re doing ok in your journey xxx

SunnyDream profile image
SunnyDream

What does your dr say? Did she\he comment it somehow? In any case, I think, you'd better consult you dr

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toSunnyDream

Doctor said it’s normal xxx

Kari55 profile image
Kari55

I would say everything from mild to moderate is normal. I’ve had a lot of stabbing pain on my right side and was worried it was ectopic. I can totally understand that you are worried and unfortunately pregnancy after IVF is a very stressful time but we have to keep positive and hope all is ok. I hope your blood test comes back with great levels xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toKari55

Thank you xx it came back as 293 x

Kari55 profile image
Kari55 in reply toScarlett13

That’s a great number. Will you have it repeated? X

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toKari55

Hopefully tomorrow if my gp will let me x

Oh no I feel your pain right now it's such an anxious time. When I spoke to clinic nurse today she advised me to take paracetamol for the cramps as she said it will take the edge off and being uncomfortable does not help you relax so it's better to take it. I would call your consultant or clinic and explain. The nurse was great with me in saying that almost anything is normal in pregnancy because we are all so different and was totally understanding of my anxiousness. Sending positive thoughts your way and hope you're able to relax a little. 😊

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toMeditationconvert

My nurse told me it was all normal too but it’s good to know paracetamol is ok if we need it, thank you xxx

Rainbowhope profile image
Rainbowhope

Best of luck hun

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toRainbowhope

Thank you x

I just read about your BFP and your (totally understandable!) worries! How is It going now? Oohh I really really hope It sticks strongly there!!! Xxxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

Thank you! I’m 5 weeks today. Had my hcg done Tuesday and Thursday, it went from 293 to 725. Got the sbsn booked for July 24th. I’m feeling ok, way less crampy now, but I’m so nervous! X

in reply toScarlett13

I can totally understand... But the hCG are reassuring! I hope these couple of weeks time fly and you can sigh with relief soon! 😘

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

I so hope so!!!!how are you doing? Xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply to

I’ve just read your post from a month ago! How’s the pregnancy going?! Congratulations xxxxx

crisps88 profile image
crisps88

Wowwwwww congrats!! I haven’t been on here for a while that is amazing news you really deserve it !! Congrats on your positive I am really happy for you. Xxx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply tocrisps88

Thanks so much! I’m 5 and a half weeks now, so nervous, 2 weeks to go until my 7 week viability scan x

crisps88 profile image
crisps88 in reply toScarlett13

amaZing! Made up for you. Good luck lovely keep us updated z

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply tocrisps88

Thank you 😘

Noah1981 profile image
Noah1981

I know it’s early days but even in that early period your body is going through massive changes everything is stretching getting ready for that beautiful little bub to grow I know it’s hard and we question every ache and pain but just try to relax take it easy and hopefully bloods will be good and we will be celebrating another lovely little miracle real soon take care sweetheart xx

Scarlett13 profile image
Scarlett13 in reply toNoah1981

Thank you Noah!! I hope it’s just stretching as I’m 5 and a half weeks now and still getting cramping on and off. Xx

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