How Long Does Implantation Cramping Last and The Hidden Secret

February 3, 2018

Anna Chen

How Long Does Implantation Cramping Last and The Hidden Secret

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One day, you notice an uncomfortable pain in the lower abdomen, but it is not exactly like the usual menstrual cramp. Do not underestimate it, because it might be the very first sign of pregnancy – an implantation cramping! But how long does implantation cramping last? And what to do next if you actually have an implantation cramp?

Keep dragging down, and you will see the most useful information.

What is implantation cramping?

During the whole life of an adult woman, there must be at least several times that she feels cramps at the lower abdomen which related to the menstrual cycle. In most cases, these cramps are caused by the contractions of the uterus when it forces the blood to go out.

However, since cramping could be the first sign of pregnancy, it is essential to have a full awareness of the symptoms in the pelvic area, especially when it is the implantation that causes the cramping.

So, what is implantation cramping and how long does implantation cramping last for?

If the intercourse occurs when a healthy egg is about to leave the fallopian tubes, there is a high chance that it will be fertilized by a sperm. The cells of the embryo then start to divide and multiply quickly within the first hours. It is not until day 3 or 4 that the fertilized egg moves down to the uterus and turns itself into a blastocyst.

When the blastocyst reaches the lining of the uterus, it will burrow itself into the thick mucosa – which has been prepared for this occasion previously. The whole process causes mild cramps in the lower abdomen or implantation cramping.

Read more about IS IT NORMAL TO HAVE CRAMPS BEFORE PERIOD and you will know more about different types of cramps you may encounter.

How do you feel when you have implantation cramping?

The level of implantation cramping varies from woman to woman, as some may experience mild and not continuous cramps while others have uncomfortable pain in the lower abdomen.

Here is the reason why the cramps occur: the uterus mucous membrane where the fertilized egg is about to attach will melt, so it supports the egg to burrow deep inside. Typically, the implantation cramping should be like a light pricking or pull pain, which happens about one week before the period.

How long does implantation cramping last? Plus with early pregnant signs

 

abdominal cramping
Abdominal cramping

The symptoms may last for a few days or just in one day, depends on the reaction of each woman body. Around 8-12 days after the ovulation, you should notice the cramps as the very first sign of pregnancy.

So how long does a typical implantation cramping last correctly? As the fertilized egg just need an adequate amount of time to implant itself, the usual length of the cramps should not be longer than three days. If you experience the cramping for 1-3 days, it is considered normal.

Along with the intensity of cramps, it is essential to notice the presence of other signs related to the pregnancy as well as how long they may last. It does mean that there are several implantation symptoms, including cramping, bleeding, digestive issues, and even mood changes – which last during the pregnant period.

Implantation bleeding

It appears as a small amount of light brown or pink blood on your undergarment, at the same time with your cramps. Experts explained that the blood is released when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus wall. According to a study of over 4000 women, 98% claimed that it lasted for three days along with light pain in the lower abdomen [1].

One important thing is to distinguish the bleeding caused by implantation and ovulation, as you may need to know what is ovulation and HOW LONG DOES OVULATION SPOTTING LAST.

Missed period

After the sign of implantation cramping, your body starts to release specific hormones that last during the pregnancy – typically hCG – which supports the uterus lining. The high level of hCG in your blood prevents mature eggs from leaving the ovaries, thus stops the monthly cycle. At this time, an hCG detection test will show a positive result.

Stomach upset

During the first three months of the pregnant period, you are likely to experience uncomfortable symptoms of the stomach, such as morning sickness, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

In most women, these signs will be no longer available when they are about week 13, but you need to consult your doctor if these symptoms are severe or last for longer than usual. You may need to know HOW LONG DOES PERIOD BLOATING LAST to distinguish it with the symptoms of the menstrual cycle.

Fatigue and mood changes

Due to the high level of estrogen and progesterone in your blood, it is obviously that you will experience mood swings and fatigue without any reason during the pregnancy.

Increase heart rate and body temperature

Along with the increase of fundamental mechanism, your heart starts pumping faster and faster from week 8-10. The body temperature raises up to 1-1.5°C, so you will be easier to get sweat.

Besides those changes mentioned above, there are some possible symptoms that you may experience in the later pregnant period. But if you notice some of those, especially the implantation cramps, you need to check your health status more often to make sure you have a healthy pregnancy.

How do you distinguish implantation cramping with menstrual cramping?

do yoga
Do yoga

Even when you have answered the question “How long does implantation cramping last?”, there is still a chance that you mistake it with menstrual cramping, as they both happen around menstrual cycle. So are you really pregnant or it is just the usual pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS)?

Let’s distinguish these two concepts!

The severity of the cramps

As the implantation cramping feels like a pulling or prickling, it is considered mild and intermittent in most cases and does not require medications. Meanwhile, the menstrual cramps range from mild to intense level; sometimes you need to seek proper control from a physician.

The length of the cramps

Although both cramps last for a short time, the implantation cramping will no longer be available once the implantation has completed. The pain related to menstrual cycle may be longer due to the contractions of the uterus, so it may take more than three days to suffer.

The implantation cramping usually associated with implantation bleeding –  which makes you notice by a spot, light, or brown blood. If you experience bright red blood that comes with a significant amount, it is likely that the menstrual cycle is about to start.

Besides, plus with the early signs of pregnancy that we have discussed above, you will be easier to confirm the pregnant status. The most accurate way to know if you are pregnant is to perform a quick hCG detection test at home, one week after the normal start of the period.

How to get rid of implantation cramping?

No matter how long does implantation cramping last, it leaves behind an uncomfortable feeling that you just want to get rid of it right away. Do not worry; it is quite easy to release this pain; you just need to perform some simple home remedies below.

Take a rest

In stress conditions, your muscles tend to stretch and worsen the pain. Everything you need to do is lying down, release the body muscles, and take a deep breath. The pain will pass after a while.

Take a warm bath

It is undeniable that warm water is the most efficient way to keep the cramps away. To enhance its effectiveness, please prepare a warm bathtub and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils (our recommendation is cinnamon or lemongrass oils), or you can take a look at BEST 10+ ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ENERGY: RECIPES AND TIPS.

Hot compress

With the similar effect with warm water, the benefits of hot compress are to release the muscles which cause the pain. To make a compress, dip a clean towel into hot water (be careful not to be burnt), then place on your lower abdomen.

Get massage

If you cannot ask another person to perform some gentle massage on your abdomen, you can totally do it by yourself. Create your own massage oil by combining olive oil and a few drops of essential oils, then apply on your belly. After that, move your palms in a clockwise motion slowly and gently within 5-10 minutes. You will feel very comfortable with no longer implantation cramps.

Change position

Hold your body still in one posture may stretch the abdomen muscles, so it is recommended that you switch to another position after every 15 minutes.

Do some yoga

Since doing intensive physical exercises may worsen the implantation pain, yoga is highly recommended. The gentle movements and asanas (the unique name of the postures in yoga) support the blood flow thus alleviate the pain.

If the cramps occur when you are not at home, are there any tips to get you ot of it? You may be interested in HOW TO GET RID OF CRAMPS AT SCHOOL, as it may be a little bit different!

How long does implantation cramping last – When to be concerned

It is not that hard to recognize an implantation cramping that is disturbing you. But a cramp in the pelvic area may relate to many problems. Even with a medical professional, it is not easy to diagnose the exact condition.

So please skim quickly these possible reasons for the pelvic pain to eliminate the risks inside your abdomen.

Appendicitis

Mentioning about the cramps in the lower abdomen, you should not forget appendicitis – an inflammation of the appendix. It starts with cramps, mostly at the right pelvis, which increases through time and reaches the severe level of pain. Other signs of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, and light fever.

Once you are diagnosed appendicitis, a surgery to remove the infected appendix is essential or it may lead to complications that endanger your life, such as peritonitis.

Ectopic pregnancy

This abnormal pregnancy occurs when the embryo grows outside the uterus and attaches to the Fallopian tube or some organs inside the abdomen. The hidden danger of ectopic pregnancy is that you will suffer the very early signs of pregnant except for the intense pain when the embryo gets bigger.

If the condition is left without treatments, it leads to severe bleeding or Fallopian tube ruptures – which are considered medical emergencies that threaten the maternal life.

Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PIDs)

This term refers to the infectious conditions of the genital organs, including the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the uterus. PIDs may be a consequence of the sexually transmitted diseases and results in pelvic pains that sometimes be mistaken with implantation cramping.

Combining with abnormal cramps in the lower abdomen, you may experience abnormal vaginal discharge and pain during sexual intercourse. If PIDs is not well controlled by antibiotics, it may lead to some severe complications such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

Ovarian cysts

A cyst that formed inside the ovary is associated with a fluid-fill follicle, when it does not release an egg each month, or when it is undissolved after egg release. You are likely to suffer sharp pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, sometimes painful urination.

If the cyst is big enough, clinical palpation may detect a mass in the pelvic area. Most cysts will dissolve on their own, but in some cases, you need to take medications or surgery to remove them.

Uterine fibroids

Along with ovarian cysts, another type of abnormal mass – or tumor – which grows on the uterine wall is quite common to cause cramping. The intensity of cramp varies from mild to a severe level, depends on the size and the number of fibroids.

Other symptoms of uterine fibroids include pelvic pressure, painful intercourse, and vaginal bleeding. If you are around 30-40 years old, you are more likely to develop uterine fibroids compared to other ages [2].

Endometriosis

This disease occurs when the endometrial tissues grow outside the uterus lining and attach to the surrounded organs (ex. urine bladder, intestines, and ovaries). Similar to the normal function of the endometrial tissues, they thicken and break down each month, resulting in blood inside the abdomen.

The woman will not only experience the pelvic cramps but a high risk of infertility. The proper treatment of endometriosis requires hormonal therapy and medications to alleviate the symptoms, sometimes followed by surgery if the case becomes uncontrollable [3].

Those mentioned diseases are the most common reasons for pelvic pain that need to be distinguished with implantation cramping. That is why you need to notice every little sign of the reproductive system and consult your doctor if things become worse.

How long does implantation cramping last – Frequent Ask Questions

Can I experience other types of cramps during pregnancy?

Yes, the cramps may occur throughout the pregnancy due to many possible reasons. As the infant grows up days by days inside the uterus, the ligaments and muscles have to stretch to support the weight of the baby. That is when you feel cramps during the second and third trimester. Sometimes, bloating or constipation may take responsibility for the pains.

How should I do if the implantation cramps last for too long?

Does it matter if the implantation cramping last for longer than three days? Yes, because it is the adequate time for the egg to implant itself. If you notice an abnormal cramp, please check for other signs such as vaginal bleeding, painful intercourse, or painful urination, etc. If they do not go away after trying the remedies above, please consult a doctor to have a full examination as soon as possible.

Is it true that implantation cramps mean that the egg has implanted safely?

The only message that implantation cramps sent to you is that the fertilized egg has burrowed itself inside the uterus wall, but nothing guarantees that the whole process is safe. There are still risks for both the mom and the infant until delivery. For example, the egg may implant at the wrong place (let’s say near the cervix) and cause future miscarriage.

Conclusion

Now you have had the full view of implantation as well as its related signs, haven’t you? How long does implantation cramping last is no longer a mystery, and what you need to do is noticing its appearance and distinguishing it with other complications inside the abdomen.

Hope that with the information in this article, it is not that hard for you to recognize an implantation cramping!

Please feel free to ask us if you have any question. We are always here to help!

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