Vaginal Cramps? Know the difference between Implantation or Period or Ovulation
When you’re trying to get pregnant, one of the very earliest signs of pregnancy is implantation cramps accompanied by implantation bleeding. After intercourse, when an egg is fertilised, it attaches itself onto the inner lining of the uterus. When this happens, some women tend to bleed a little and get implantation cramps. Most often, implantation pain lasts for no longer than two days.
One would think that cramps are part of a woman’s basic, routine experiences much like thirst or hunger. We get them when we get our period, we get them when we ovulate and then there’s implantation cramps as well. However, if you’re trying to get pregnant and get cramps, how would you differentiate between ovulation cramps vs implantation cramps vs period pain?
Understanding the reason behind implantation cramps, ovulation cramps and period pain, and their key differences will help you identify each of the cramp.
What are period cramps?
When you get your period, your uterus squeezes or contracts to push out the blood through the vagina. This contraction of the uterus causes cramps. The sensation one feels when the uterus contacts can range from sharp, poking sensation to a feeling of aching or tightening. Period cramps typically are at its worst in the initial two to three days of your period. For most women, both - the cramps and the bleeding begin to subside as you progress toward the end of your period.
And to manage the bleeding, it is recommended that you use good quality sanitary products such as Always pads. Try the Always Ultra Thin pads. These are equipped with a super absorbent core that has the InstantDry System which absorbs menstrual discharge in a few seconds. The Ultra Thin pad is also armed with flexible wings, so it stays in place no matter where you are and what you do. For those who prefer to use tampons, there are the dependable Always Tampax Cardboard tampons. These have an innovative absorbent core that keeps discharge locked in. It also has a protective skirt that minimises the risk of leakage and an anti-slip applicator ensures smooth and easy insertion.
What are ovulation cramps?
Women ovulate every menstrual cycle when the ovaries release an egg. This process is known is ovulation. Some women experience a cramping sensation when they ovulate which they get on one side of the stomach, whichever side the ovary releases the egg. You can get ovulation cramps before, during, or even after the release of an egg.
Signs of ovulation cramps
When it comes to ovulation cramps, the pain can either be mild or intense. You may also find it difficult to know the reason of the pain because ovulation cramps typically don’t occur every month.
Below are some signs of what ovulation cramps feel like:
- pain or cramping on one side of the abdomen
- sharp or, at times, severe pain
- pain or cramping that starts in the middle of the menstrual cycle
- cramps that alternate sides, every month.
What are implantation cramps?
In simple terms, implantation cramps are muscle cramps that you may experience during implantation. What is implantation? It is when a fertilised egg attaches itself inside the lining of uterus, marking the beginning of a pregnancy. It is also accompanied by some bleeding. Although it differs from one person to another, implantation pain lasts only for a few days.
So, what do implantation cramps feel like? It is similar to abdominal cramping, wherein you may feel some slight discomfort, or even mild menstrual pain. When you have period pain, you may be experiencing moderate to severe cramping but with implantation cramps, these do not tend to be as strong. You may experience some light pulling, tingling, or prickling sensations when you get implantation cramps.
Timing of implantation cramps
If you’re trying to get pregnant, the period from when you’ve ovulated till your next period, can make you anxious. But if you learn how to identify the signs then you will be able to successfully recognise implantation cramps. The key is in the timing. We know that implantation cramps and periods don’t happen at the same time. If implantation were to occur, it would happen earlier than when you expect your period. The question is, ‘how do you know whether the cramps you get are due to implantation or periods?’.
Let’s look at an average, typical menstrual cycle. On day 1, you begin your periods which lasts anywhere between four to seven days. Then comes ovulation, which last from around day 14 to 16. Now for the egg, there is a window of about 24 hours after being released when it can be fertilized. However, with sperm it can live inside your body for about 3 to 5 days in suitable conditions. Although we can’t be sure when exactly fertilisation occurs, the window for it is around two to three days before and after ovulation.
This fertilised egg then implants into the uterine wall around day 22 to 26 of your cycle. Considering you have 28-day menstrual cycle, your period won’t arrive until after day 28. If you notice bleeding earlier and lighter than normal, then it’s most likely that it’s implantation cramps, not your period.
Ovulation cramps vs implantation cramps
In most cases, because ovulation and implantation cramps occur near one another, it can get quite confusing to identify one from the other.
However, when it comes to early pregnancy there are other signs that can help identify implantation cramps. Typically, if you’re pregnant, you may experience:
- nausea
- a frequent urge to urinate
- fatigue
- vomiting
So, if you’re experiencing any of these above signs along with mild implantation-like cramps, then you could be pregnant.
Implantation cramps vs period cramps
Period cramps are very different from both implantation cramps as well as ovulation cramps.
Period pain or menstrual cramps occur when you get your period, accompanied by mild to severe cramping and bleeding that lasts between four to seven days. Whereas with implantation cramps, they tend to typically be milder and doesn’t necessarily involve bleeding.
| Implantation cramps | Ovulation cramps | Period cramps | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is? | Cramps that you get when a fertilised egg attaches itself to the inner lining of the uterus. | The cramps you get when you ovulate, i.e. when your ovaries release an egg every month. | The cramps you get when you get your period wherein your uterus contracts to push out the blood through the vagina. This contraction of the uterus causes cramps |
| Signs and symptoms | Mild cramps, light pulling, tingling, or prickling sensations. | Pain or cramping on one side of the abdomen, and sharp or, at times even, severe pain. | Sharp, poking sensation, feeling of aching or tightening. |
| When does it occur? | Typically happens anywhere from three to 10 days after ovulation. | Usually happens about 14 to 15 days before your period, when you ovulate. | Typically, just before and/or during your periods, from day one to day six or seven. |
When to see a doctor
Typically, ovulation, implantation or period cramps don’t need medical assistance. However, if the cramps cause unbearable pain and disrupt your daily routine, you must contact your doctor. The below signs may help identify:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Painful urination
- Pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
- Vomiting
- Had a missed period.
Takeaway
Implantation cramping and some light bleeding could be an early sign of pregnancy. For those who want to get pregnant and want to know if they have implantation cramps, it may be confusing. That’s because its symptoms are similar to ovulation cramps or period pain. However, with the distinguishing factors mentioned above, we hope you will be able to identify them.
If the cramping or pain you experience is intense, and is accompanied by vomiting or unusual bleeding, you should contact a doctor immediately.
Keep a track of your ovulation period with Always Ovulation Calculator and Period Calculator.
Curious about the signs ovulation is over? Our guide offers clear insights to help you understand your cycle better.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between ovulation cramps and implantation cramps?
Because ovulation and implantation cramps occur close to one another, it can get quite confusing to identify one from the other. However, when it comes to early pregnancy there are signs such as nausea, frequent urge to urinate, fatigue and vomiting that can help identify implantation cramps.
2. Can implantation cramps be mistaken for period cramps?
Period cramps are very different from implantation cramps. Period pain occur when you get your period, accompanied by mild to severe cramping and bleeding that lasts between four to seven days. Whereas with implantation cramps, they tend to typically be milder and doesn’t necessarily involve bleeding.
3. How many days do implantation cramps last?
Although it differs from one person to another, implantation pain lasts only for a few days.
Disclaimer
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