Implantation Cramping

If you've been trying to conceive, feeling cramping can be very disappointing. The truth is, if you are feeling cramping about a week after ovulation, it could be implantation cramping. If an egg has been fertilized, between 6 to 12 days afterwards, the developing zygote must implant into the uterine lining. This may cause mild cramping in some women, and a small amount of bleeding in others. Still others may not experience either symptom. The point is, not every episode of cramping is a bad sign.

Usually, if you feel cramping during pregnancy, warning bells go off in your head. Is it early labor? Is there something wrong? And if you feel them before you know you're pregnant, you're usually preparing for your period to arrive. Implantation cramping can be a good sign. It takes a few days for implantation to complete its process. You may or may not continue cramping and possible have a little spotting during this time.

Once the zygote has implanted in the uterus, your body starts producing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, or the pregnancy hormone). This is the hormone that is measured on pregnancy tests. If you feel early cramping, you'll need to wait a few days before you take a pregnancy test so the hormone levels can build up in your system. Be sure you get a test that is very sensitive to low quantities of hCG if you plan on testing early. Remember, if that second line appears during the first ten minutes, even if it is very faint, it is positive!

If you are feeling cramping earlier than this, it is probably not implantation cramping. It could be associated with ovulation. Many women feel cramping on one side or the other during ovulation when the egg is released from the ovary. Cramping felt later than 12 days after ovulation may be associated with your impending period.

On the other hand, if you are experiencing what happens to really be implantation cramping, and the cramping keeps on happening, it could be a sign of a chemical pregnancy, where the results of fertilization is not viable. This usually resolves in an early miscarriage that may actually come on time or just after you were expecting your period. Prolonged cramping may also result in a perfectly healthy pregnancy. If your uterus is a bit on the sensitive side, you may be feeling cramps throughout pregnancy in response to the growth of the uterus.

The best thing to do is just relax and take a wait and see attitude. It is difficult to be patient, especially if you really want to know if you are pregnant or not. Even with all of the possibilities that could occur if you experience cramping, many more women end up with a healthy pregnancy and they never felt a single cramp. So, like most early pregnancy symptoms, your mileage may vary with this one. If you think you may be pregnant, it is always wise to act as if you had a positive test until you know for sure. Get rest, eat and drink an adequate amount of healthy food and beverages, and try to distract yourself until you get a more positive sign.