Is this normal?

After 2 days of faint lines, I finally tested this morning with a digital. I'm still shocked that I got a BFP. I've been having strange side pains today, mostly on my right side. The pain tends to be at the same level as my belly button, but much closer to my side/hip. I also occasionally have back pain (on my right side). It's a different kind of pain than regular cramps. Of course, I'm terrified that something is wrong. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

I've been taking a regular multivitamin, but plan to switch to prenatal vitamins tonight. Does anyone have any OTC recommendations? TIA.

Re: Is this normal?

YES, I've been getting what I can only describe as strong af-like cramps. My RE said that it's totally normal, unless it's accompanied by heavy bleeding.

But yeah, you're not alone--sometimes I double over from these cramps!!! I was told this is the result of the uterus expanding so rapidly.

Re: Is this normal?

1st off- Welcome and congrats!!
I'm not sure about the cramps. I got my prenantals from CVS just make sure it has at least 800 mg of folic acid (most do)

Re: Is this normal?

Congrats on your BFP!

Yes, perfectly normal. You will feel achy for the first few weeks.

You can continue taking your multi and just get an additional folic acid (800 mg) or get any generic prenatal pills, but still get the additional folic acid in either case.

Good luck!

Re: Is this normal?

First of all, congrats on your BFP!! Second, I had cramping [sometimes bad ones] from the time I got my BFP until I was about 5 weeks along. I wouldn't worry about it. It is nerve wracking but as long as you aren't bleeding heavily, all should be ok. Cramps+bleeding is usually bad. Call your OB and go in for some bloodwork to ensure that your HCG levels are increasing!!

As for OTC prenatals, I used Rainbow Light brand. I bought them at CVS. You may want to ask your OB/Gyn to call in an Rx for you if you have prescription coverage. You'll probably get them cheaper and the Rx ones have a bit more folic acid in them, which is very important at the beginning stages of a pregnancy. Good luck! And welcome to the preggo board!

Pic of the OTC prenatals that I used to take:

Re: Is this normal?

Posted by twinkletoes807

First of all, congrats on your BFP!! Second, I had cramping [sometimes bad ones] from the time I got my BFP until I was about 5 weeks along. I wouldn't worry about it. It is nerve wracking but as long as you aren't bleeding heavily, all should be ok. Cramps+bleeding is usually bad. Call your OB and go in for some bloodwork to ensure that your HCG levels are increasing!!

As for OTC prenatals, I used Rainbow Light brand. I bought them at CVS. You may want to ask your OB/Gyn to call in an Rx for you if you have prescription coverage. You'll probably get them cheaper and the Rx ones have a bit more folic acid in them, which is very important at the beginning stages of a pregnancy. Good luck! And welcome to the preggo board!

Pic of the OTC prenatals that I used to take:

Re: Is this normal?

have you tried taking your vitamins at night? before bedtime?

Re: Is this normal?

congrats! yes, that mild cramping / pulling feeling is totally normal... it's your uterus expanding. It goes away sometime around week 5 roughly...

I took target prenatal vitamins and never had an issue with them upsetting my stomach. for whatever reason, some OTC prenatals go down easier than some of the prescription ones...

just buy small bottles of several brands until you find one that doesn't make you feel bad.... you should try to get off of the reg multivitamin becuase it doesn't have enough folic acid, and it has way too much vit A (which is not good during pregnancy)
If you continue to have issues with the vitamins, talk to your OB....

welcome!

Re: Is this normal?

Posted by bicosi

have you tried taking your vitamins at night? before bedtime?

Re: Is this normal?

Posted by MrsS2005

Posted by twinkletoes807

First of all, congrats on your BFP!! Second, I had cramping [sometimes bad ones] from the time I got my BFP until I was about 5 weeks along. I wouldn't worry about it. It is nerve wracking but as long as you aren't bleeding heavily, all should be ok. Cramps+bleeding is usually bad. Call your OB and go in for some bloodwork to ensure that your HCG levels are increasing!!

As for OTC prenatals, I used Rainbow Light brand. I bought them at CVS. You may want to ask your OB/Gyn to call in an Rx for you if you have prescription coverage. You'll probably get them cheaper and the Rx ones have a bit more folic acid in them, which is very important at the beginning stages of a pregnancy. Good luck! And welcome to the preggo board!

Pic of the OTC prenatals that I used to take:

Thanks. I always have to take my multivitamin on a full stomach or else I feel very nauseous. I'm worried about my stomach's reaction to prenatal vitamins, especially since I'm already starting to feel queasy. Did you have any problems with Rainbow Light?

Re: Is this normal?

Congrats on your BFP!!!!!!!
I know it feels very surreal now.

I had the pulling/crampiness too, and still do occasionally get light cramps (I'm about 9 weeks). I think it is totally normal.

As for the prenatals, when I called to make my first appointment my doctor's office offered me a bunch of samples so that I could decide which type I liked best. When I went to my first appt today, she gave me more samples of the one I liked best, and then next time will give the permanent script if I'm happy with them. Maybe your office does the same thing?

Good luck! (I also get queasy with vitamins and find that taking it right before bed helps).

Re: Is this normal?

Posted by hidingttcer

Congrats on your BFP!!!!!!!
I know it feels very surreal now.

I had the pulling/crampiness too, and still do occasionally get light cramps (I'm about 9 weeks). I think it is totally normal.

As for the prenatals, when I called to make my first appointment my doctor's office offered me a bunch of samples so that I could decide which type I liked best. When I went to my first appt today, she gave me more samples of the one I liked best, and then next time will give the permanent script if I'm happy with them. Maybe your office does the same thing?

Good luck! (I also get queasy with vitamins and find that taking it right before bed helps).

Re: Is this normal?

Posted by MrsS2005

Posted by hidingttcer

Congrats on your BFP!!!!!!!
I know it feels very surreal now.

I had the pulling/crampiness too, and still do occasionally get light cramps (I'm about 9 weeks). I think it is totally normal.

As for the prenatals, when I called to make my first appointment my doctor's office offered me a bunch of samples so that I could decide which type I liked best. When I went to my first appt today, she gave me more samples of the one I liked best, and then next time will give the permanent script if I'm happy with them. Maybe your office does the same thing?

Good luck! (I also get queasy with vitamins and find that taking it right before bed helps).

Thanks. I called the office today and made an appointment for 5/1. It seems so soon yet so far away. I mentioned that I had been taking a multivitamin, but wanted to switch to prenatal vitamins. The person said any prenatal vitamin was fine. I guess I'll buy a small bottle of one brand and then see what happens at my appointment.

Re: Is this normal?

Well, the CVS I went to only had 2 different brands of prenatal vitamins. I bought the CVS brand. I hope they'll be ok.

Re: Is this normal?

OMG Brooke, congrats!!!!!!!!!! So exciting!!!!!