What do implantation cramps feel like? A doctor explains

Nausea, fatigue, breast changes, and food aversions are all known early signs of pregnancy.

But one that not everyone may be as familiar with is called implantation cramping, and it happens just a few days after fertilisation.

To help us understand what implantation is, Dr Rodney Baber, a women’s health specialist at Kin Fertility, breaks down exactly why this process happens and explains what implantation cramps feel like.

What is implantation?

“Implantation cramping or pain is a poorly understood phenomenon that affects some women very early in their pregnancy,” Dr Rodney tells us, and to better comprehend it, “we need to understand what happens in the first two weeks after ovulation and conception occur.”

When ovulation happens, an egg is released and it travels into the fallopian tubes, where it may be fertilised if unprotected intercourse has taken place.

The fertilised egg transforms itself from one single cell to a cluster of cells – called a blastocyst – and it moves down the fallopian tube to enter the uterus. Once it gets there, it implants itself into the uterine lining (hence the name), where it will remain and develop until delivery.

“The outer cell layer of the blastocyst becomes the placenta which attaches to the endometrium,” Dr Rodney explains, “whilst the inner cell mass becomes the embryo,” which starts releasing hormones to prepare your body for the months to come.

In simpler terms, successful implantation indicates the official start of your pregnancy.

What are implantation cramps and what do they feel like?

Implantation is inevitable in any pregnancy, but for some mums-to-be, it comes with discomfort and abdominal pain. This is what is called implantation cramps.

“Although most women do not have any experience of implantation,” says Dr Rodney, “some will report a sensation of mild cramping, often described as a pricking, pulling or tingling sensation,” as well as light pressure in the lower abdomen, lower back, and/or pelvis.

Now, we know what you may be thinking. This sounds a lot like period pain — and that’s the thing about implantation cramps. They can be easy to mistake for premenstrual signs at first, but Dr Rodney mentions that there are a couple of differences to look out for.

“Early signs of pregnancy may help you to differentiate between implantation cramping and a period,” he explains, “and these include breast tenderness, tiredness, mood changes, and nausea.”

Implantation pain is also typically short-lived and milder than menstrual pain. If that’s what you’re experiencing, and if your period is late, you may just be newly pregnant.

However, it’s always advisable that you get an accurate pregnancy test result to confirm that you are, in fact, expecting.

Is bleeding normal?

Another thing that may happen when a fertilised egg attaches itself to your uterine lining — and an overlapping symptom between implantation and PMS — is light bleeding, or spotting.

This is completely normal, and not a reason for concern, as long as it is not heavy bleeding and it goes away on its own after a day or two.

“This pinkish discharge is quite different to the darker, brownish discharge which may precede a normal menstrual period,” says Dr Rodney. Plus, unlike period blood, it shouldn’t flow or contain any clots, although it can come with discharge from your cervix.

What can I do about the discomfort?

Implantation pain shouldn’t be debilitating, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be uncomfortable. If you need some relief, try these tips:

● Use a warm compress or heating pad – You may have used these before to manage period pain, and they’re also great options for implantation cramps. The heat will help you decompress and alleviate the pain.
● Take a warm bath – Similarly, the warm water will relax your muscles and minimise cramping.
● Get a massage – Ask your partner to gently massage the area or do it yourself while watching Netflix, listening to music or doing something that helps you unwind.

Alternatively, you can go to a professional massage therapist.

Just be sure to steer clear from medicines that are not recommended during pregnancy — “use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds or aspirin should be avoided at this time,” Dr Rodney recommends. Paracetamol may be a safer option but always check with your doctor before taking it.

“If the pain is more severe it could be from other causes, including non-gynae causes,” Dr Rodney explains, “and it is important that you go to the doctor in such cases.”

What if I don’t feel implantation cramps?

As Dr Rodney mentioned, implantation pain isn’t a commonly reported symptom. If you haven’t experienced it, don’t worry: that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not pregnant. Some women may never feel any signs of implantation, while for others, the symptoms may be so mild that they don’t even realise they’re experiencing it.

Remember, pregnancy can look different for everyone and there’s nothing like a pregnancy test to know for sure whether you’re expecting or not.