Cramps in early pregnancy a sign of miscarriage?

Question

My last period began March 8th 2007 and I tested positive on April 13th. I found an OB and she took my blood to check the HCG level and scheduled an ultrasound because I have been having period like cramping for two nights in a row. I am not doubled over in pain and no bleeding. The blood test came back at only 129 which she said was an idication that I may miscarry since I should be in the thousands by now. The ultra sound came back and I never saw it but the OB said that it only shows thickening of the wall but no baby. I am pregnant but my OB said that if I don't start doubling the hormone "the baby will be dead" those were her exact words! I am upset and scared and I was wondering if anyone else had this happen to them and if they still had a successful pregnancy. I may be just too early to tell. I still have no bleeding and the cramps have stoped for now.

Answer 1

Cramps in early pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage, but it is also very common for women to experience menstrual-like cramping in early, and healthy, pregnancies. That the pain is not severe and that there is no bleeding are good signs. I have had menstrual like cramping with pregnancies that miscarried...and with a pregnancy that was perfectly healthy and viable.

When did you have the bloodwork and ultrasound done? Did your doctor order repeat bloodwork for 2 days or 3 days after the first test?

On April 13 you would have been 5w1d. The range of normal hcg levels in pregnancy is astoundingly wide. At 5w, hcg levels should be in the range of 19 - 7,340 -- so you see, I wasn't kidding when I said it is a wide range. Your hcg was within that range. A single hcg reading is generally not indicative of a whole lot -- what is more important is to look at the doubling rate. In an early, viable pregnancy hcg rates are expected to double every 48-72 hours. Many doctors -- particularly if there is some kind of question about the initial hcg level, or any reason to suspect a possible miscarriage, etc. -- repeat the bloodwork to check on the doubling levels. If a second test showed a decline in your hcg level that would in all likelihood indicate a miscarriage, whereas numbers that at least doubled in that 48 hour to 72 hour period would be a positive sign.

As for the ultrasound: the gestational sac is usually seen at 5w and by the middle of that week the yolk sac may often be seen as well. By 5 1/2 to 6 weeks the fetal pole can usually be detected with transvaginal ultrasound. I am assuming your doctor didn't perform an abdominal ultrasound, but used the transvaginal ultrasound equipment (what my friends and I used to refer to as the "dildo cam"), is that right? That she only detected a thickened uterine lining gives me pause more than your cramping and/or hcg level, but she may not have the most senstive equipment, the embryo may have gotten off to a slow start, and you didn't say when you had the ultrasound. Another thing about what may reasonably be seen on an early ultrasound: it is related to hcg levels, and while I cannot for the life of me find the info right now, I know there is an hcg threshold below which nothing is expected to be seen by ultrasound -- and while I can't find the details right now I do remember it well enough to know that an hcg level of 129 is below that "threshold." So I'm not convinced the ultrasound is worrisome, either.

No offense to you or to your doctor but...I would seriously consider finding another OB. For one thing, it does not sound like she did a good job explaining to you what might reasonably be seen on ultrasound so early (*especially* given what your hcg level was). For another, I think her comment about your hcg levels -- what it "should" be instead of noting what a wide range there is and that a single reading is not a prognostic indicator -- and, more than anything, her saying to you that "the baby will be dead" indicate a person who, at the very least, has no bedside manner and is insensitive. In my opinion (and I know you didn't ask for my opinion on this) that is pretty much the last thing a pregnant woman needs.

Try to relax until you get repeat bloodwork and a repeat ultrasound. If bloodwork wasn't ordered, insist on it. The absence of bleeding is a good thing, and mild cramping is completely normal.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

Cramping is an early sign of pregnancy. I experienced it for the first couple of weeks of finding out I was pregnant and then it went away. I had a miscarriage, but the cramping and losing Jordan are not related because I was almost done with the first trimester when I lost him. Implantation bleeding is rare -- so don't count on that as a sign. Also, your period seems like it's past due so I would test by the end of this week. I would get a test that is an early detect (it's more sensitive). Best of luck to you, Sydney

Answer 3

I cramped with both of my pregnancies and in this one also. I am four weeks along. It is perfectly normal due to the uterus growing. I am also on progesterone suppositories as I was before and you may want to talk to your ob (or a new ob) about them. They should check those levels as well or just prescribe them for you. Some obs in my experience don't have the best bedside manner. I had one that way and I left and found someone who really cared about what was going on. Chances are if you aren't getting good care now, you won't throughout your pregnancy. Do some research on what is visible in an ultrasound at your week and go from there. They can't see anything abdominally at thispoint, only transvaginal.

Best of Luck!

Answer 4

Hie

I wonder how on earth can an OB say such strong words to you. At this point in time, a woman needs an assurance that her pregnancy will stay and if she thinks it wont stay it was better for her to say that she thinks the pregnancy might not live and not "the baby will be dead". The time i was pregnant myself, i went to my Gynae alittle bit earlier just to confirm if at all i was. And at about 5 weeks, after an Ultrasound scan, all she could see was a thickening of the wall which was a sign of pregnancy. Prior to that, i also had some cramps but i believe it was due to implantation. Try taking maximum rest, wearing flat shoes, dont stress out, dont overwork yourself, if you are working, maybe taking some days off if possible is a good idea. But if you are in doubt, go and see your doctor, I was given progesterone supplements up to 3 months to boost progesterone levels which are crucial the first 3 months after which the placenta takes over the functions. Please let her give you these progesterone medications as soon as possible, otherwise i wish you good luck in your pregnancy.

Answer 5

Actually, I cramped for 4 days before finding out I was pregnant and then till about 8 weeks. I have finally stopped now. I'm 12 weeks. Cramping is a very normal thing for some people. Your hormone levels could be something to worry about but then again you may not be as far along as what your period suggests. Ovulation is not a set thing. I was about 5 days ahead of what my period suggested. Good luck. I hope everything turns out good for you !

Answer 6

Hi
It's been a long time since I was pregnant and they did not have the tests that they have today. However I remember getting cramps every time I would have had my period. I had 2 pregnancies and 2 healthy babies.

I would ask to see the Ultra sound. It is YOUR baby! Also look into getting a second opinion.

Good luck and keep the faith.

Answer 7

Your hormone levels should be increasing that is true. But with no bleeding and the cramps have stopped, it could very well be the stretching of the uterus that you were experiencing. If you start spotting and cramping again then odds are you are going to lose the baby. My thoughts are with you.

Answer 8

Though you may experience some, all, or none of these, here are the top 10 signs of pregnancy.

1. Prickling, tingling nipples
2. Spotting and cramping
3. Feeling sick
4. Tender, swollen breasts
5. Feeling tired
6. Needing to wee frequently
7. Darker nipples
8. Food cravings and altered sense of smell
9. A missed period
10. The proof: a positive home pregnancy test

Answer 9

It's normal to have cramps during pregnancy.