Pregnant with first child and have some questions?

Question

I am pregnant with my first child around 6-7 weeks. I have not had my first ob/gyn appt yet. I go April 25. They will not see me until I am 10-12 weeks. I have a few questions until then that I was hoping some of you may be able to answer. (1) I have gained 5 pounds since I found out I am pregnant, is this normal? I found out Feb 28. (2) Is it normal to have a few small cramps, nothing big, in my lower abdomen? They do not bother me that much and I hardly notice them at times. (3) I am already unable to button some of my dress pants and blue jeans. Does anyone else experience this early on? I am really not sure what to expect early on, since this is the first time I have been pregnant. Any other things that I may experience please let me know. Thanks for all your answers :)

I am 23 years old for the first person who asked... I just really do not know what to expect :)

Another fact for everyone who is trying to say I am eating too much...I'm not...I am 5'2" and weighed 109 when I found out. I have NOT changed my eating habits at all. I am eating the same as I did before I found out.

Also, I found out I was pregnant at my annual exam so they gave me prenatal vitamins to take. I just have not had my first ob (pregnancy) appt yet to ask all of these questions. Thanks again :)

Answer 1

I'm 23 and expecting my first as well! Congrats. But everything you're worried about is completely normal. You've most likely retained water weight, and if morning sickness occurs, you will likely lose that weight as well. Try to keep eating healthy and not over-indulge, as that can lead to weight problems later on. My pants began to feel snug at about 10 weeks, but it's mostly due to bloating. The cramps are due to your tendons and ligaments stretching in preparation for the baby. There is no cause for concern unless it's really painful and accompanied by bleeding. I had some slight cramping on my lower left side and was so scared it was an ectopic pregnancy, but everything turned out fine. I've found that subscribing to sites like www.pregnancyweekly.com and www.babycenter.com, as well as referring to yahoo answers helps lessen my worries. Also, don't forget to ask your doctor if you're not reassured!

Answer 2

1. It is normal to gain this much wieght in the first trimester. You should get on a pregnancy diet to make sure you don't gain too much weight. I would reccomend getting the "What to Expect When Your Expecting" book. This answers alot of questions for every month and it has a good example of a pregnancy diet in the first couple of chapter. Just don't buy into the myth of you are eating for two and gorge on everything. This is not reccomended since you gain alot of unnecessary weight...you only need about 300 extra calories a day.
2. A few small cramps in the lower abdomen isn't too much to worry about since it is probably growing pains so to speak from your uterus enlarging to accomidate your baby. If the cramping gets alot worse or bleeding is present (more than spotting) then definatly call your doctor right away.
3. The fact that your clothes are starting to get tight isn't necessarily showing, it could be bloating. I started dealing with that right away with this pregnancy (#2). Just invest in some extenders for your buttons or some elastic waisted pants. I would reccomend going used unless you are really well off since you may only wear them for a month or so. Don't go on a huge pregnancy shopping spree this early since you don't know how you will be carrying several months from now or what you will find comfortable.

I would definately recommend investing in that bood though since it will give you a very good idea if you are in the normal or if you need to call the doctor right away. It should only cost about 10 dollars or so and you will probably use it all through this pregnancy and possibly any future pregnancy (mine is handy still). Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy.

Answer 3

First - Congratulations!

As you have heard by many that it is normal to have a few small cramps. As for the pants - I am heavy and gain all over, but when I started having problems zipping skirts and buttoning pants I took a HPT, and what do you know - I was preggo! Women gain for baby differently - you may just have it all out front!

As for the weight gain, you have a small frame and are on the light side of normal. Average total weight gain is 15 to 25 lbs, but you could be considered 'underweight' and gain 28 to 40 lbs - but how much you gain will be determined further down the road on how you feel and how fast baby is growing.

AVERAGE weight gain in the first trimester is 2 to 5 pounds and about 1 pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy. But again you are on the light side of normal and would be OK with a couple more pounds.

Also remember - baby will be around 5-8 lbs and amniotic fluid, placenta, and extra body fluids and blood in your body add up to another 8 to 12. You will have to deal with the rest afterwards.

I love BabyCenter. They can send you a week by week updated of what is going on with the baby and what you can expect. Here is the link for 6 week fetal development:
http://www.babycenter.com/general/1498210.html

And here is for 6 week pregnancy calendar:
http://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy-calendar/index?week=6

Take care - you'll do great. Email me if you have any questions!

Answer 4

The weight gain is a bit excessive, but may be that you're retaining water. Make sure you eat foods low in salt (unless you have low blood pressure).

The cramping is normal. It is caused by the implantation. Some women even have a little bit of spotting with it.

Your pants not fitting could be from bloating and weight gain. Your uterus hasn't really grown much yet, or risen from its resting spot in your pelvis, so it isn't the baby yet.

A GREAT place to go is iVillage. They have message boards for women who are due each month of the year. There are first timers, and BTDT (been there done that) moms who ask and answer questions. It is a great place to go to soothe your mind and find out that you are NORMAL!!!
I listed the links for the October 07 Expecting Club and the November 07 one below.

Answer 5

Congratulations! You must be very excited. :) I think it's awful that you don't even get to see a doctor until all of the reasons for your earliest questions/problems have passed. Hmph! Newly pregnant moms need info to reassure them that everything is going smoothly and on a normal course.

Yes, it's common to gain a little bit of weight right away. It's also common to gain nothing at all for several months. Everybody is different. Appetite changes in early pregnancy, and presence (or absence) of morning sickness play a big part.

Small cramps are normal. Lots of changes are happening inside you-- the uterus is swelling, lots more blood volume is coursing through your reproductive organs now, the muscles have to stretch to support it all, etc. Major cramping, or any bright red (fresh) bleeding should be reported to your doctor right away. Mild cramping, and some spotting (brownish) is fairly common.

Bloating is common too, as I mentioned before there is a lot more blood volume being directed to the area, plus other fluids as well. Add those 5 lbs. you've put on, and you're already up a pants size! Try to wear stretchy-waisted pants to be comfy until you fit in "real" maternity clothes. :)

I hope this helps! Congrats again!

Answer 6

I had to buy new pants by the time I was 8 weeks. It's most likely bloating, not the baby, but either way I was more comfortable in the maternity pants that are meant for the beginning of pregnancy. I had more room to breathe. I kept teasing my husband that we were having twins because I was outgrowing my clothes already, but we're not. Don't worry, it's normal!

Since you were small to begin with, it's not unusual to gain a little more weight than someone who started out bigger. I probly gained 8-9 lbs in my first trimester, when all the books said I should only gain 3-4. My doctor had no problem with it. Don't limit your calories, but make sure you are eating good, healthy food. I gained 16 lbs between my 16 and 20 wk visits - Christmas was no good to me! I have now gained a total of 35 lbs, and the doctor is saying I really don't need to gain anymore. Try to pace yourself a little better than I did with the weight gain!

The cramps are normal. As long as you aren't bleeding and they aren't causing excruciating pain, I wouldn't worry too much. You might mention them at your doctor's appointment though, if they are still bothering/worrying you.

Good luck with your pregnancy!

Answer 7

It is normal to begin to gain weight and not be able to button clothes this early in pregnancy. It shows that you are eating right and taking care of your baby. Good job! The cramps are your uterus and abdominal area stretching, and as long as they are not accompanied by a bloody discharge, is nothing to worry about. You may begin to get headaches, and morning sickness. You will begin to be tired all the time and need extra sleep. Try not to lift anything heavier than 25 pounds for the duration of pregnancy. Your legs may get swollen, try elevating them when you sit down. You may get heart burn and migraines. You should continue eating well and getting plenty of rest. When possible sleep and rest on your left side. This position brings the most oxygen to the baby. Drink Orange Juice two cups a day, and Milk three times a day if your body tolerates it. Good luck! Relax, and don't listen to others negative comments. Also don't listen to what you should gain. Every pregnancy is different and every women's body responds to it differently. You need to eat right, and not worry about the weight that you gain. I gained between 50 and 60 lbs. with all of my pregnancies, but I had big babies...9-9, 9-5, and 8-1.

Answer 8

If I were you I would find a new OB There is no reason why you should not have an appointment before the 25th. For exactly these reasons. You have questions that need to be answered and you need prenatal vitamins. I would say that cramping can be normal however if they get more sever you would definitely want to be checked.

Answer 9

Yes, 5 pds is normal, considering most of that weight isn't exactly baby weight yet, most of it I'd consider as bloading, the baby is still about 4-6 mm during 6 wks and 7-9mm during 7 wks.
Yes, cramps are very normal, considering your uterus is stretching, making room for your little miracle. If pains get bad or there is bleeding go to the er.
Yes, your jeans may already be getting tighter, from the bloadedness and little bit of weight gain that you may notice and no one else really notices yet.
Hope I helped a little! Goodluck!
& Here's a website!!
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/yourbaby/a/pregcalendar.htm

Answer 10

Congratulations!

First pregnancies are always the most precious and most scary. However, it will be one of the most cherished experiences of your life......

You will gain weight throughout your pregnancy, but make sure the food you eat is healthy. You don't want to load up on junk food as you, and your baby, need plenty of good nutrition.

As far as the cramps go, it would be best to call your Doctor and let her/him know about them so they can at least be aware of it and advise you. Let them know if there are any changes. I do not remember having cramps, however, not all pregancies are the same.

Also, try joining a support group, such as a birthing class, which would give you tons of information on the changes your body goes through during each stage. Your Doctor's office or local hospital can refer you to one.

You can also surf the web, as there are alot of websites, which can give you additional information on pregnancy.

Some of the websites offer trial subscriptions to baby and parenting magazines, as well as coupons on baby needs. It's Good to start stocking up! :-)

Again, congratulations and take care of yourself.....

Answer 11

1) You should only gain around 5 pounds the first trimester (12 weeks)

2)It is very common at this stage to be having period like cramping and it can continue for several more weeks as the uterus is stretching.

3)You definately should not be gaining so much weight already that you are not able to button your pants. That is definately not the baby causing it at this point.

Eating too much and gaining too much weight will only make you miserable and sets you up for having complications during pregnancy. Even though the expression you are eating for two is somewhat true....it doesnt mean to overindulge and you really need no more food than what you ate before becoming pregnant.