Frequently asked questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about implantation cramps.

How does someone know if they have period pain or implantation pain?

Dull or sharp cramps may indicate menstrual pain. Not everybody experiences implantation cramping during pregnancy, but some people describe it as a pulling, pricking, or tingling feeling.

Can implantation feel like period cramps?

Implantation may feel like a tingling, pulling, or pricking sensation. Period cramps may feel like a dull or sudden, sharp ache that can start in the abdomen and spread to the back and thighs.

How to tell the difference between period cramps and pregnancy cramps?

Period cramps typically feel like a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen. Some people experience pain in the back and thighs during menstruation.

Cramps due to pregnancy implantation may be more like a tingling sensation and may occur alongside other symptoms, including a missed period, food aversions, and swollen breasts.

How long do implantation cramps last?

Implantation occurs about 6–10 days after ovulation, when a ball of cells called a blastocyst implants in the wall of the uterus. A person may experience implantation cramps during this time.