Implantation cramps: what they feel like and when to get help

Mild, period-like cramping is common in very early pregnancy, and people often link it to the time a fertilised egg implants in the womb. There’s no research showing implantation itself causes cramps you can feel, and early cramps are very hard to tell apart from the ones you might get before a period.

What do early pregnancy cramps feel like?

People describe a dull ache, a pulling or stretching feeling, or light twinges low in the tummy. They’re usually mild and don’t stop you getting on with your day. Some people have light spotting at the same time.

When do they happen?

Some people notice cramps around implantation, about 6 to 12 days after ovulation, a few days before their period is due. Mild, period-like cramps are common in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Other causes of cramps in the two week wait

Your period on its way. Pre-period cramps feel very similar.
Ovulation pain, if you ovulated later than you thought.
Wind, bloating and constipation, which are common in the second half of your cycle and in early pregnancy.
A urine infection, especially with stinging when you wee or needing to go more often. If you’re pregnant or might be, ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111.

Early pregnancy cramps or period pain?

There’s no reliable way to tell from the cramps alone. A pregnancy test from the day your period is due will tell you whether you’re pregnant, but not what’s causing the cramps. If it’s positive and you have pain or bleeding, get it checked.

What helps?

Rest, and change position. Sometimes lying on your side helps.
A warm (not hot) bath, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.
Drink plenty of water and eat fibre, in case wind or constipation is part of it.
If you might be pregnant, paracetamol is usually the first choice of painkiller. Check with a pharmacist before taking anything else, such as ibuprofen.

Cramps after IVF or IUI

Mild cramping is common after egg collection and embryo transfer, and progesterone can cause tummy discomfort too.

Contact your clinic straight away, or NHS 111 if you can’t reach them, if you have tummy pain or bloating, feel or are being sick, or feel faint. These can be signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which needs treating. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have difficulty breathing, chest or upper back pain, you’re very thirsty and weeing less than usual, swelling anywhere in your body, pain low down on one side of your tummy, or pain in the tip of your shoulder. Don’t drive yourself to A&E.

When cramps need checking

Cramps that are severe, on one side, or come with bleeding, shoulder tip pain or feeling faint may not be early pregnancy cramps. They can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, so get urgent advice straight away. The next section explains when to call 999.

Questions people ask

How long do early pregnancy cramps last?

Mild twinges usually come and go. Pain that’s getting worse, or hasn’t eased after resting for 30 to 60 minutes, needs checking.

Can you have cramps and no period and be pregnant?

Yes. Mild cramping in early pregnancy is common. Take a test, and get advice if the cramps are strong or come with bleeding.

Are cramps on one side a sign of implantation?

No. One-sided pain in early pregnancy should always be checked, as it can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

When to get help

Mild cramps that ease with rest are usually nothing to worry about. But if you’re pregnant, or think you could be, get urgent advice from your maternity unit, an early pregnancy unit or NHS 111 if you have:

any bleeding or spotting, even if it’s light
tummy pain that’s severe, on one side, or hasn’t eased after resting for 30 to 60 minutes
pain in the tip of your shoulder

Call 999 if you have bleeding along with severe tummy pain, pain in your shoulder, or feeling sick, faint or dizzy, or if the bleeding is heavy (soaking a pad soon after putting it on). Also call 999 if you have sudden, sharp and intense tummy pain and you feel very dizzy or faint, feel sick or look very pale. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage that need treating straight away.