Many women have tried to embrace abdominal cramps as they experience it throughout their cycle. While for some, it occurs only after implantation. Implantation cramps are one of the earliest signs of conception.
However, they are not a reliable sign of pregnancy. Abdominal cramps indicate implantation only when early pregnancy signs occur. A positive pregnancy test confirms implantation undoubtedly.
Some women do not even feel the slightest discomfort. Others feel like they have a whale inside them. But the biggest problem with implantation cramps is differentiation from pre-menstrual cramps. So we have discussed implantation pain in-depth to answer all your queries.
What are implantation cramps?
Implantation cramps are light pricking and pulling cramps that last for a couple of days or so. The lower part of the abdomen has a localized pain.
They occur when the uterine lining starts to melt to make space for implantation of the baby (Blastocyst). Because of this, the baby safely attaches to the wall of the uterus. This feeling does not last longer than a couple of days and ceases soon after implantation of the baby.
How Long Does Implantation Cramping Last?
The implantation window lasts for 1-3 days. The implantation window is the interval during which the baby attaches itself to the walls of the uterus. Obviously, this is how long the spasms last.
The implantation cramps can be painful. Blessed are the women who do not feel a thing at all.
Doctors and pregnant women dispute over it. Doctors believe that a blastocyst is a very tiny structure trying to embed itself in the lining of the uterus.
Thus, according to the doctors, implantation cramps should not be painful at all. But many pregnant women have told us what do implantation pain feel like.
What do implantation cramps feel like?
- Implantation pain cannot last longer than three days. This is because that is how long an embryo takes to attach itself to the lining of the uterus. This uterus lining is the endometrium.
- Implantation cramping feels like aches in the lower abdomen or pulling and pricking sensations in the lower abdomen. Read: Implantation pain: How does it feel like?
- Implantation cramps are often confused with premenstrual cramps.
- The pains are not mild and not too intense either. If they are really painful and persistent, then they are not implantation cramps.
- In such a case, you are likely to get your period or have some issue with your reproductive health.
How to identify implantation cramps?
Cramping experienced soon after conception is identifiable by the following factors:
1) Duration of cramps
Implantation cramping does not last long. They continue for just 1-3 days until the process of implantation is complete. Cramps are short spasms that can last for minutes, or an hour to two and then stop completely only to reappear in the next few days.
2) The intensity of pain of cramps
Implantation cramps are mostly bearable. They are not too mild and neither too painful but they are very unpleasant. Read this
3) The timing of the cramps
Implantation occurs after the third day of ovulation and can occur until the twelfth day.
4) Associated symptoms with cramps
Some women experience very scanty spotting. Spotting is light bleeding from the vagina during the time of implantation. Other symptoms include aching of breasts, fatigue, back pains and dizziness.
5) Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge around this time will be either white or slightly pink in color.
Implantation cramps Vs. pre-menstrual cramps?
Points to differentiate between implantation cramps and pre-menstrual cramps:
- Most women feel that pre-menstrual cramps are intensely painful spasms in the lower abdomen. However, in the case of implantation cramping, they are more localized on one side of the abdomen. Like if the embryo is attaching itself to the right side of the uterus, then more pain is towards the right side than the left.
- The intensity of pain varies. If these cramps are pre-menstrual cramps then you will feel unbearable pain. It is like your stomach is being intermittently squeezed. Menstrual cramps are also subjective. Some experience excruciating pain so much so that they are unable to do anything else and other women do not even feel the slightest of it. Implantation cramps are mild to moderate but mostly mild. They are sure as hell unpleasant but tolerable.
- If you think you are having implantation cramps, then be patient and wait for a few days. If you miss your period and experience some light spotting, then take a pregnancy test. Some women might not experience anything at all, and it is normal.
- During implantation cramping, there is tingling feeling and aching in the breast. Other implantation symptoms are fatigue, nausea, light-headedness, weakness, vaginal spotting, and dizziness.
Are Implantation cramps different for different women?
It is essential to know your body. Women who usually have no pain when PMSing have very mild pain or slight discomfort during implantation cramps.
Women who have lengthy and painful premenstrual spasms experience nagging discomfort during implantation cramps.
It is a wonder how some women bypass this stage and do not feel a thing at all.
If the pain just keeps increasing in intensity, then it would be safe to visit your doctor once. You will find out if there are any pregnancy complications or any other underlying systemic diseases.
How to relieve pain experienced during implantation cramping?
Generally, the pain is mild but if not so then doctors advice for the pregnant woman to lay supine on the bed. She has to raise her legs up and take few deep breaths. The key is to relax your mind, body, and soul. Go to yoga and meditation if your doctor does not mind. Even after doing everything, if pain persists and keeps increasing in intensity, then consult a doctor.
Implantation is the onset of your pregnancy. If implantation goes right then, your pregnancy gets a higher probability of surviving. Implantation to places other than uterus will lead to severe consequences. Implantation cramping is necessary as it alerts you about your pregnancy.