Implantation cramps refer to sensations of pain felt in some women during implantation. Whilst this is not typical in the majority of women, implantation cramps can be bothering enough to be easily confused with premenstrual cramps.
An Overview Of Conception
When sperms are released during ejaculation, they travel from the vagina through the cervix, womb and finally get to the fallopian tube to fertilize a released egg. Nature ensures that the healthiest sperm fertilizes the egg in order to produce a healthy baby. If an egg is available, it fuses with one of the sperms, in what is called fertilization, and the resulting zygote moves and attaches itself to the Uterus lining (walls of the womb). This process of attachment is called implantation.
How Is Implantation Important?
When the zygote gets into the womb, at which time it is called the embryo, its firm appropriate attachment to the wall provides support through the weeks of growth which lie ahead of it. This is crucial for the baby’s survival as it will be depending on this to derive nutrients and oxygen from the mother. In this regard, implantation is a more realistic milestone to mark the beginning of the growth of the new baby. Notwithstanding, for ease of monitoring, pregnancy is taken to start at the last menstruation before pregnancy is confirmed.
What Time Does Implantation Occur?
Whilst this varies with every woman, counting from the time of fertilization, an average of 7-11 days is the usual expectation. Estrogen levels gets lowered and uterine wall prepares to accept implantation facilitated by hormone progesterone. After successful implantation, body will start making parts of placenta and within 2 weeks enough hCG hormone gets released by placenta and trigger positive pregnancy test result.
Read more on Difference Between Implantation Bleeding and Menstrual Bleeding
How Do Implantation Cramps Feel Like?
Typically, implantation cramps are very similar to the usual cramps women may feel immediately before menstruation. However, they may be milder, dull and intermittent, and not last for more than three days if the embryo attaches to the right place in the womb. However, when the baby attaches at the wrong place, outside the womb, in what is called ectopic pregnancy, the pain can be very sharp and spread to other parts of the abdomen. If pain is severe, it is advisable to report to a doctor. Ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening.