Implantation Cramps-An Early Sign of Pregnancy

Pricking, Pulling or Tickling?

Women are no aliens to cramps as most of them experience it during menstruation every month until they don’t get pregnant. In menstrual cramps the uterus contracts due to the pressure of a substance called prostaglandin to expel the lining. Prostaglandin is generally associated with pain and hence, women suffer from cramping during periods. But another different cramp that many women are unaware of is the implantation cramping. This is very different from menstrual cramps and exists as an early sign of pregnancy.

Implantation Cramping

Pain occurs sometimes when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus lining and this is called as implantation. Cramping is common during implantation, but it is not accompanied by pain always. An important thing here is that anyone suffering from an implantation cramp should never rely on anti-inflammatory medicines as consuming such drugs increases the chances of a miscarriage according to study results.

Generally, not every woman suffers from implantation cramps and bleeding during pregnancy and studies show that only a quarter of the participants suffered from bleeding in the first trimester and only 8% of them had heavy bleeding (54% of them also experienced pain).

Implantation cramping makes itself visible via symptoms such as pricking, pulling and tingling feeling which helps us differentiate it from menstrual cramps. This kind of cramping occurs in a time during which we expect our period to start (that is 6-12 days after ovulation when pregnancy starts). It indicates that the uterus is preparing itself to receive and safeguard a fertilized egg. Some women notice light bleeding or spotting that is very light than the one seen during a regular period.

A Mistaken Sign?

It is good to know that implantation cramping is an early sign of pregnancy, but it is also possible to misunderstand a normal period cramping or light period as a sign of implantation cramping. Being aware of other symptoms of pregnancy helps the woman ensure that it’s an implantation cramp.  Other common signs of pregnancy include:

•  Missed periods
• Vomiting and nausea
• Extreme tiredness
• Mood swings
• An urge to cry
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Cravings or aversions for foods
• Swollen, tender or heavier breasts

Time for the Doc

Doubting pregnancy? Clear it right away with a pregnancy test! A home pregnancy test is a good way to clear your doubts after a week or two after early signs of pregnancy. Implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus wall triggers placenta formation by the body and the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) starts to rise in quantity in the body. Hence, a couple of weeks after pregnancy the hCG levels would be high enough for the pregnancy test to be positive. From here, the doctor should take it up and follow-up on the pregnancy. Eating healthy food and being active are crucial for a smooth pregnancy and if you are pregnant getting in touch with registered dietitian nutritionists at www.firsteatright.com can help you in your endeavor.

Too much cramping or bleeding during pregnancy or in between periods is a bad indication and this calls for a doctor’s consultation immediately.