13 weeks and 3 days into my pregnancy and I awoke with the most terrible pelvic cramps on my left side. It felt a lot like what every woman experiences on a monthly basis. Despite knowing I was now done with the high-risk first trimester, the thought of miscarriage still crossed my mind. Of course, I was quite aware that in the days leading up to this pain, my stomach had started to “pop”. Perhaps these were merely growth pains? It’s difficult to know when it is your first pregnancy and the books make no mention of a symptom you are experiencing.
I did a bit of research, and what I had encountered were in fact the very common “round ligament pains”, especially experienced by those in their first pregnancies or with petite bodies. As your uterus grows, the muscles and ligaments surrounding it stretch and expand. It really made common sense, but, as I’m sure every expecting mom would agree, erring on the side of caution and monitoring such a situation seems like a good idea. Of course, should these pains persist and intensify, it is always best to contact your doctor.
For the most part, these pains are just part of the natural process of growing a little human in your belly. Instead of worry and fear, when you feel these sharp twinges, think of it as your precious bundle trying to make room in there, and reminding you that he/she is still there. What an amazing thought at a time when you cannot yet feel your baby’s movement!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I don’t recall experiencing this during my first pregnancy, so when I was 16 weeks during my 2nd pregnancy and I experiance this, it was quite a shock. It’s really uncomfortable, but mine seemed to pass within 10 minutes. Please continue to share such posts.