QuestionI am 29 years old and this is my first pregnancy. I ovulated on 9/7 and as of 9/21, today, I have had 2 positive home pregnancy tests. I did have a little spotting a week ago and now I'm having cramping but no bleeding. Is this normal? Also, when I called my doctor today to see if I should come in for a blood test they said no, wait until week 8-10. Is that common? It seems awfully long to wait to have the MD confirmation. Thanks!
AnswerHi Terri, And Congradulations :)
What you are feeling is completely normal, so dont worry :)
The spotting is implantation bleeding. This is followed by cramping. The cramping feels simular to a period cramp, and is often mistaken for an upcoming period.
When your fertilized egg, implants itself to the lining of your uterus, is often causes spotting. Dont be alarmed, its very normal. Cramping goes with with the implantation process as well.
You will feel cramping off and on during your pregnancy as well. That is called roundligament pain. Thats just the tendons, and ligaments of your uterus, stretching to accomodate growing baby.
I am in complete disagreement with your MD. I hate to diagree with doctors. However, the first trimester of your pregnancy is the most critical time. So I think that you need to either call back your doctor, and INSIST you be examined, and if they still refuse, then you need to go to another doctor, even a walk in clinic, to get your blood work done. This is critical.
I will say, that in most cases, your family physician will look after you, up until you reach 12 weeks. Once you reach 12 weeks, then you get care from your OBGYN. Regardless, whether it be a family doctor, or your OBGYN ..you need to have blood work done, immediately.
Also teri, its essential that you start taking pre-natel vitamins immediately. They are SO important in the healthy development of your baby. So if you havent yet, go out and buy them immediately. Folic acid, is a must in pregnancy.There is folic acid, in the prenatel vitamins, however some women need to take a higher dosage, because of issues like spina bifida, ect that run in their family. Folic acid, significantly reduces the chances of birth defects in your baby.
So yes the vitamins are a MUST ..
That alone, really makes me wonder why the doctor doesnt want to see you right now. There are little things, like I just mentioned that are so important. And it cannot be assumed, that you already know this ..you are a first time mom to be, and this is new to you.
So Teri, please get to a physican asap, the prenatel care, needs to start NOW ...not 8 weeks from now. I cannot stress how important this is, and I hope you listen to me.
I wish you all the best, and if you have any more questions, please dont hesitate to write back :)
Kristy-
