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Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. Can you be having menstrual cramps and not be on your period? And if so, would this be a sign that your not pregnant?

A. Cramping in early pregnancy can be very normal. Many women believe that they are having their normal cramps that are usually accompanied by their periods. What they are really feeling is the stretching sensations as their uterus begins to grow, expand, move and generally fill with life. You have an increased blood flow and different hormones coursing through your body, a bit of cramping can sometimes be expected.

Pretty much with all of my pregnancies, even after the pregnancy test, I still felt "heavy" and crampy. I was certain that my period would come any minute. That went on for about eight weeks.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.