Implantation vs period cramps: Differences & what they feel like

Implantation is a process when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This process might cause light cramping or other symptoms such as bleeding. While many pregnant people may report feeling implantation cramps, unfortunately, there isn’t much conclusive research out there on the topic of implantation cramps and other symptoms. 

While you may be eager to find out whether or not you may be pregnant, it’s too early to tell for sure at the point of implantation. That said, having knowledge about your body is helpful at all points in our fertility journey, so let’s take a closer look at this early pregnancy symptom. 

What does implantation feel like?

The way implantation feels varies from person to person – all of our bodies are different, and that influences how we experience things. For some people, implantation might feel like nothing. Others might feel distinct cramping sensations that resemble period cramps.

Where do you feel implantation cramps?

Some report that they experience implantation cramps in their lower abdominal or lower back region, similar to where period cramps can be felt.

Implantation cramps vs period cramps

Implantation cramps and period cramps happen due to two very different processes in our bodies. Period cramps happen when substances called prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels in the uterus to contract at the end of our cycles when the fertilization of the egg hasn’t happened [1]. Implantation cramps, on the other hand, occur when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining, which is one of the earliest stages of pregnancy.  

However, implantation cramps can feel very similar to period cramps, and it’s easy to mistake one for the other. So, how can we tell what we are experiencing? Well, there are some tell-signs we can look out for:

• Intensity of pain: Most often, implantation cramps are milder compared to period cramps.
• Cramping sensations: Some people report that implantation cramps feel more prickly, tingling, or like pulling and might come and go in waves. Period cramps might feel like dull, aching pain.

When does implantation cramping occur?

Implantation always occurs after conception and fertilization. Most often, it happens about six to ten days post ovulation [2]. If the egg has been fertilized, then the body prepares to protect it and support its growth by providing oxygen and nutrients [3].

Implantation signs and symptoms

So, how can we recognize implantation cramps? Well, implantation cramps can feel similar to period cramps, and it might be hard to differentiate between them. 

Implantation cramps might or might not be accompanied by other symptoms like implantation bleeding, which is a type of light bleeding or spotting. The research is not conclusive, and bleeding during early pregnancy can happen for a number of reasons. In fact, it’s thought that as many as 25% of pregnant women might experience bleeding in the first trimester — some of this bleeding could theoretically be caused by implantation, but more research is needed [4]. 

The most reliable way to know whether your symptoms were due to implantation is to wait until you’re able to take a pregnancy test. We know that the so-called two-week wait between ovulation and the expected period can be challenging when you’re trying to conceive, especially if you’ve been there for a while. However, avoiding stressing over small symptoms like cramping or light bleeding is best for your physical and mental health during this period, so try to remain patient.

How long do implantation cramps last?

Implantation cramps usually don't last too long. The cramping can come and go in waves and usually resolves within a couple of days [5].

How to ease the implantation cramps

If you experience implantation cramps and they're causing you discomfort, there are certain things you can try to ease the cramping. One of the most effective ways to treat cramps is to take a warm bath. Warm water will help soothe the pain in the abdominal region and relax your muscles. One thing to remember about using heat to ease the cramping is to make sure the bath water is not too hot, as very hot baths aren’t recommended during pregnancy. 

Alternatively, you might want to try some prenatal-yoga stretch poses to ease the discomfort. Yoga offers gentle movement of the body that stretches the muscles and promotes relaxation, which can relieve any pain you might experience. A few great prenatal yoga poses to try are:

• Happy baby: Lay on your back and bend your legs at the knees. Lift your legs to hip height and pull them towards your chest. With your hands, hold onto your feet. You might gently rock side to side. This pose helps relieve the tension in the hips.  
• Malasana (yoga squat): Stand up and reach your hands to the ceiling. With an exhale, circle your arms down and slowly lower yourself into a squat. Go as low as you can without feeling pain or discomfort. This pose helps open up the pelvic area.
• Child's pose: Get on all fours. Bring your toes together and open your knees wider. Push your pelvis back to rest on your toes and stretch your arms in front of you. Rest your forehead on the mat between your arms. You might add pillows and blankets under your pelvis and between your legs to make this more comfortable.

If you think you may be pregnant, you should avoid taking certain painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, as they may increase the risk of early miscarriage and are not considered safe to take without the supervision of an HCP during pregnancy [6]. Opt for the most pregnancy-safe painkillers instead, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), which is considered to be the safest OTC pain reliever for people who are pregnant [7]. Always check with your HCP before taking any medication, including herbal remedies, if you suspect a pregnancy.

Other early signs of pregnancy

Pregnancy is often accompanied by various symptoms. If you suspect you might have experienced implantation cramps, look out for these early pregnancy signs in the next couple of weeks [8]:

• Missed or lighter period: You might miss your period completely, or it might be lighter than usual [5].
• Feeling sick: You might experience "morning sickness" and feel nauseous or even vomit. Despite the name, it might happen anytime during the day, not only in the mornings.  
• Extreme fatigue: You might feel more tired and fatigued than usual.
• Sore breasts: Due to hormonal changes, you might notice your breasts change in shape and size and become more sensitive than usual.
• Peeing more often: You might feel the need to urinate more often and even wake up during the night to pee.
• Change in food and drink preferences and unusual cravings: You might find that certain smells and tastes repulse you, and you might experience strong cravings for particular foods that you haven't had before.

It's important to remember that everyone's bodies are different. That means that you might experience these early pregnancy symptoms, or you might not. You might experience more symptoms or fewer symptoms than your friend did,  but that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with your pregnancy or your body.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect that you might be pregnant, it might be a good idea to take an at-home pregnancy test. You can get them at your local drugstore without a prescription or order online. The best time to take a pregnancy test is right when you notice your period being late or about three weeks after having unprotected sex if your cycle is very unpredictable [9]. If the pregnancy test is positive, you should book an appointment with your OBGYN so they can confirm the pregnancy, perform all the early pregnancy checks, and run some tests.

Sometimes, light cramping and bleeding might not be due to implantation or your period. Other conditions have similar symptoms, like early miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency, and early signs include cramping and bleeding that might be similar to implantation cramping and bleeding. However, in the case of ectopic pregnancy, the symptoms tend to last longer and worsen over time [10].

If you suspect your cramps and bleeding might be due to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Plan pregnancy with Natural Cycles

Natural Cycles is an FDA-Clearedr app that can help you understand your cycle better and aid you on your journey to planning a family. You can easily track your menstrual cycle and log symptoms like implantation cramps (and more). Our temperature-based algorithm is able to predict your most fertile days and ovulation window so you are always aware of what's happening in your body.