Hi moochiecat, as horrid as those pains are, the specialists and doctors I've spoken to have asssured me that these pains are normal.  I'm in my 8th week and still experience these pains ranging from slight to really severe.  I know it is very worrying, but unless accompanied with bleeding; they are "normal" pains. Like the other girls have said; at the early stages, we can expect cramping and pain as our body adjusts, the uterus is growing to accomodate your growing bubba and by 7 - 8 weeks it's already double in size!  you can also have implantation pain when the embryo is attaching itself to the uterus, as well as pain around when normally your period is due.  You can take panadol safely during pregnancy if that helps too.  All the best - see you on the April 09 thread