just a little nervous

[Libby Pritchett]

I promise not to flood you with 7 more months of this kind of stuff, but I'm feeling the need to share right now.

I'm just a wee bit nervous right now as my lower back has been cramping all day long since I got up this morning. I've read a lot that has said that it can be really normal to have lower back pain in early pregnancy (I didn't with my other pregnancy -- 14 years ago), but being as I know there's a higher rate of miscarriage if you get pg on the pill, I can't help but be concerned.

Even though this wasn't planned, I'm already super excited and will be crushed if I lose the baby. I'm trying to just take it really easy right now. Getting lots of rest. Hoping that helps. It's not excruciating pain or anything. It's sorta like mild menstrual cramps, but they're more in my back than abdomen. Also, I think I'm dehydrated, so I'm trying to drink lots, too. Anyway, I'm not having any spotting or bleeding of any kind, but if I'm still hurting tomorrow, I think I may call the clinic and just ask advice going into the weekend. I hate to be one of "those" women who call for every little thing though.

[mummytothree]

I had that with baby #4 and mine turned out to be a UTI!!! Maybe get yourself some cranberry juice too and drink it, it can't hurt and it might help if it's a mild one and you caught it soon enough!!! Good Luck Libby....I'll be thinking of you!!!

[newfiemountiewife]

Libby, by the time I got to my pregnancy with Rachael, I had cramps so bad I thought I was getting my period all the time, to the point I used to wear pads! But everything was fine. I think it's perfectly normal too. Drink lots of water and rest if you can! You can never take it TOO easy when you're prego

[heathergw]

yeah... totally normal... though like Elizabeth I've had a UTI with Isaac and was more crampy with him and believe it was from the UTI.

[Libby Pritchett]

You guys have no idea how much this helps! Thank you!

I didn't even think of a UTI, and I do seem to get those somewhat frequently. I happen to love cranberry juice, so I think I'll send Jeff to the store. hehe

[mummytothree]

Oh and I should have added that yes cramps in the front can be totally normal and can mean nothing...but I only got those cramps in the back once in all my pregnancies and those ones turned out to be the UTI!!!

[nun69]

I didn't have much of that, but I am thinking about you and get as much rest as possible {{{HUGS}}}

[aggiefamily]

With my second I had horrible cramps and spotting. Of course I freaked out! I was told to just take it real easy for a week (or until I could get an ultrasound) and increase my fluids.

[*Celeste*]

so glad that the ladies had advice for you. let's hope that cranberry juice does the trick. it's really the vitamin c in the cranberry juice that does it - not sure how safe it is to take a large dose of vitamin c while pregnant though.

[SweetMelissa]

I got the same kind of thing when I had a UTI with my third. I ditto the other ladies with the cranberry juice.

[Jengerbread88]

Rest. Drink water. Call your doctor.

Breathe.

Stressing about it is the worst thing you can do-- stress isn't good for the baby. But, I totally understand your worry. Trust me!

I would definitely second what other ladies said- it could be a UTI. I have had FOUR UTI's since I got pregnant, and bacterial vaginosis twice. Both cause really uncomfortable back pain. (Also, both are associated with Group B Strep, so make sure the doctor checks you for that at some point, too).

:: hugs :: I'm praying for you, sweetie.

[digideb]

Somehow I missed the announcement... CONGRATS!!!!!!!

[color of my heart]

just coming in to say
{{hugs}}

just think- you've done it once. it may have been a while ago, but you've still done it. so you know what to do. promise. (:

[Shawna]

Ugh that doesn't sound fun at all Hopefully it is something simple like a UTI and the cranberry juice will help some and you'll get some relief soon. Do you have one of those rice packs you can heat up in the microwave? I have one from Walgreen's (it's called a bed buddy or something like that) and it always helps with cramps or when I have a backache.

[jessica31876]

yes I have had the cramps in my back so many times in my life I know when it is a UTI. Cranberry juice, cut out sodas/tea and drink loads and loads of water!!

[pkstew2]

I'm so behind.....Libby, you are in my prayers - love you!!!!

[deepounds]

I'll be saying prayers that it's nothing serious, Libby . . . meanwhile, definitely take it easy! I know that's easier said than done with the kids there, but you just gotta do it!!!

[NeverendingJen]

{hugs} don't hesitate to call your doctor if you are nervous! A relaxed mama is a better mama, which I know is easier said than done. Do you know how far along you are? Hopefulyl they'll be able to do an ultrasound soon and help reassure you a little bit.

[rach3975]

Good luck! I haven't had much back cramping, but I spotted in the late first/early second trimester with all 3 of mine, and everything was fine. A weekend of bedrest and worrying, of course. It sounds like you're doing everything you can for tonight, and tomorrow you can call about getting checked for a UTI. I hope that's all it is!

[rachaelsscraps]

My back and sides started hurting in my 2nd pregnancy, turns out I was dehydrated. I thought I was drinking enough water- I felt like I was sipping all darn day but it still wasn't enough. So I started drinking lemonade and that did the trick

[kristijoy]

Originally Posted by NeverendingJen

{hugs} don't hesitate to call your doctor if you are nervous! A relaxed mama is a better mama, which I know is easier said than done. Do you know how far along you are? Hopefulyl they'll be able to do an ultrasound soon and help reassure you a little bit.

Agree. Give them a call just in case. Much better to know than to guess!

[Teresa]

Another crampy one here and all was fine. Don't hesitate to call your doctor, though! You know your body best! Congratulations!!!

[Tracie Stroud]

HUGS Libby! It's totally normal to be nervous about all these things. I had a super-crampy pregnancy this last time, especially the first trimester. Worried the heck out of me. Turned out to be completely normal. It definitely wouldn't hurt to let your doc know and to check for a UTI especially if you have them frequently.

[jaylensmom]

If you get too worried call your doctor...Congrats on your new bundle...

[[michele]]

Originally Posted by digideb

Somehow I missed the announcement... CONGRATS!!!!!!!

Ditto!

[rainydays]

EEEKK!!! Libby i totally missed the post that said you were preggy!!! CONGRATS!!!! Take it easy, get lots of rest!! {{HUGS}}}

[AmyG]

Praying for you!

I second all the good advice above. I had PMS crampiness the first several months of my second pregnancy too. Wouldn't hurt to call and maybe get checked for UTI. Don't they say the first symptom of pregnancy that sends women to the Dr. is a UTI? Hope you're feeling better in a few days!

[Libby Pritchett]

You guys! I just love you all so much. Yes, I'm emotional and sappy right now, but seriously, you have NO idea how much your support means to me. Thank you for all the excellent advice. The fact that so many of you experienced cramping makes me feel so much better.

I'm continuing to lay low & drink lots (I know I was dehydrated, so interesting that could play a role in the crampiness). I think I'll still call in the AM just to relieve my fears, but I'm sure they'll tell me the same thing.... rest and try to drink lots.

Anyway, thank you x1000. I feel like a first time mom again!

[Jengerbread88]

Originally Posted by Libby Pritchett

I feel like a first time mom again!

In many many many ways, you are. My mom had my brother almost 12 years after she had me, and a lot of things had changed. For example, Group B Strep was unheard of back then, but now it's a really common thing they check for. 3D ultrasounds weren't really "in" then, and there wasn't a lot of technology for it, but then they started becoming a lot more popular...
A few things may have changed since your last pregnancy, and every pregnancy is different anyway (my mom had TONS of morning sickness with me, but almost none with my brother, for example).

Hang in there. Enjoy the ride. And hopefully the very new experience ends up being a very good one

[pomi]

I had some cramps, too, I think it's normal - relax if it's possible, Libby, don't think about anything bad. Hugs and congrats!

[mariewilcox]

I missed it too! Congrats!

I was in your boat exactly - I had DD 13 years after DS and boy how things had changed! Definitely get checked for a UTI, especially since you are prone to them. I had my first ever UTI when I was pregnant with DD and had the whole back cramping thing. A quick round of antibiotics and everything was fine (cranberry juice wasn't enough). You definitely don't want an infected to go on long during a pregnancy or any other time for that matter.

After the initial shock wore off, motherhood the second time around after so many years was/is great - no stresses of other small children, the experience of having so many years under your belt, older and wiser ENJOY!!!

[nikkiARNGwife]

I had cramps very bad with DS. I was convinced I was having another miscarriage so my doc did an early US at 6 weeks and we saw his little heartbeat for the first time.

I also had some mild cramping with DD. I'd say it's totally normal, but if you'll feel better call the doc and he may do an U/S just to check things out

[livelys]

Take it easy sweetie, & let Jeff run around after you Hydration, relatation & a call to your doctor all sounds like good advice.

[Libby Pritchett]

Thanks girls! I feel a LOT better today. Still nauseous and tired, but not crampy. I know I'm dehydrated, so I'm gonna stay down today and drink LOTS. I was gonna call the doc if I was still crampy, but I've read lots of places that lower back pain is normal and dehydration can definitely cause it. So, I'm gonna just stay down and let the fam take care of me. I need to do laundry today, but I'm thinking between a husband and 2 teens in the house, someone else can figure it out.

[deepounds]

Originally Posted by Libby Pritchett

I need to do laundry today, but I'm thinking between a husband and 2 teens in the house, someone else can figure it out.

Absolutely!! You take care of YOU and let them handle the other stuff!!

[Tracie Stroud]

Libby, I had a horrible time staying hydrated during pregnancy, especially in the summer. It eventually led to kidney stones. My chiro recommended coconut water, and it did wonders! Seriously even gatorade doesn't touch this stuff. I drank 2 of the small cartons a day. Most health food stores and even some regular grocery stores carry it. This one was my favorite:
http://vitacoco.com/

[Leah]

YES! UTI...most definitely common in pregnancy. I was hospitalized for a week during my 2nd pregnancy. Get it checked my dear.

[AmberK]

yeah...I missed this announcement too. Congrats Libby!

Originally Posted by digideb

Somehow I missed the announcement... CONGRATS!!!!!!!

[ariesfl326]

OMG! I totally missed this important news! Congrats Libby...that is so exciting!

[Jengerbread88]

Also, if you don't feel like water is keeping you hydrated enough, you can get your water from other sources, too... salad, watermelon, cucumbers, celery, grapes... all of them have a high water content, and will help keep you hydrated when you eat them (don't stop drinking water, though! Use them together!).

I know I've never been big on drinking, especially water, until recently, but using fruits and veggies with high water content, I was able to stay a lot better hydrated, which helped me feel better.

[sczos911]

i'll add that i was crampy, too. drink and rest. hang in there & (hugs)

and i, personally, would like 7 more months of this. love it. it is so exciting!