What Does
Implantation Cramps Mean?
Implantation cramps refer to a supposed physical sensation that occurs when a fertilized egg burrows into the wall of the uterus during the process of implantation. While cramping may be possible in early pregnancy is it unlikely to be related to the physical implantation of an embryo.
It is important to note that there isn't any scientific data surrounding implantation cramps and that the process of implantation is difficult to study in human pregnancies.
Severe or persistent abdominal pain in early pregnancy could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or other complications and should be investigated promptly by medical providers.
FertilitySmarts Explains Implantation Cramps
With natural conception, an egg is fertilized by a sperm in the fallopian tubes and as cells divide and grow, it travels towards the uterus. In the uterus, it burrows into the endometrium or uterine lining through a process called implantation. The process of implantation can occur anywhere from 6-12 days after ovulation.
What do implantation cramps feel like?
It is easy to find a reference online to how implantation cramps may feel and that they are a sign of early pregnancy, but there isn't any data to back that up. In fact, the process of implantation occurs at a microscopic level and it is highly unlikely to produce any kind of noticeable sensation.
Are implantation cramps an early pregnancy sign?
The short answer: no. There is no evidence that cramping around the time of implantation is at all related to the process of implantation. Cramping may occur in very early pregnancy, but it alone is not a reliable sign of early pregnancy.
Period vs. Implantation Cramps
Cramping or abdominal tenderness may be felt around the time of implantation, but are more likely yo be related to:
- Menstrual cramps
- Fluctuating hormones