Some people may get these cramps while others may not feel anything at all.
Often, implantation cramps feel similar tomenstrualcramps, but they tend to be milder.
They have absolutely no impact on your pregnancy or the health of your growingfetus.
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The cramps may be accompanied by lightspotting, known as implantation bleeding.
The journey is brief, lasting only a few days.
The implantation supports fetal growth by delivering oxygen and nutrients.
This occurs one to three days after the blastocyst enters the uterus.
The blastocyst then burrows into the outer layer of the endometrium.
Prostaglandins are hormones associated with pain andinflammation.
It is these hormones that trigger muscle contractions in the uterus, causing cramping.
Symptoms of Implantation Cramps
Everyone who gets pregnant experiencesimplantationdifferently.
Many notice nothing at all, while others may experience cramps, light bleeding, or both.
Where the Pain Is Felt
Most people experience implantation cramps in the lower abdomen or lower back.
Implantation Cramps vs. Other Cramps
Implantation isnt the only thing that can cause cramping during pregnancy.
Several situations can mimic implantation cramps, some of which may be serious.
It is important, therefore, to contact yourobstetricianif you ever have cramps that seem odd or unusual.
Menstrual cramps (calleddysmenorrhea) can occur in the days leading up to your period.
Unlike implantation cramps, the pain from menstrual cramps can be continuous rather than intermittent.
It is also generally stronger, often radiating pain to the lower back and thighs.
Moreover, there would be the usual amount of menstrual bleeding rather than light spotting.
Ovulation Cramps vs. Implantation Cramps
Some people experience cramps when they ovulate.
(However, if you haveirregular periods, telling them apart can be difficult.)
The main difference (aside from the timing) is that ovulation cramps are more one-sided.
Ovulation pain is common, affecting more than 40% of menstruating people.
In cases like these, the bleeding is often mistaken for a regular period.
Even so, chemical pregnancies have distinctive features, including:
How Common Is Early Miscarriage?
Researchers believe that chemical pregnancies account for between 8% and 33% of all pregnancies.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Anectopic pregnancyis one that occurs outside of the uterus, usually in thefallopian tube.
An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.
The early signs of an ectopic pregnancy are similar to those of implantation, including cramping and bleeding.
Even so, the pain and bleeding tend to be longer-lasting and worsen over time.
Summary
Some people experience mild cramping, known as implantation cramps, when they first become pregnant.
This is caused when a fertilized egg embeds itself into the wall of the uterus.
Mild bleeding, known as implantation, may also occur.
These symptoms are generally short-lasting and resolve within two to three days.
Implantation cramps can mimic menstrual cramps as well as cramps that occur with ovulation or early pregnancy loss.
In:Regulation of Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Mammals.
New York, NY: Springer Publishing; 2015.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods.
National Health Service (UK).Ovulation pain.
Department of Health, State Government of Victoria.Ovulation pain.
2017;60(6):565. doi:10.5468/ogs.2017.60.6.565
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Practice bulletin: Tubal ectopic pregnancy.
2019;3(1):62-4. doi:10.5811/cpcem.2019.1.40860
