If you’re trying to get pregnant, then you’ll need to know that other things happen during the baby making process! Implantation is one of the important things to learn about when attempting to bear a child. It will help determine whether you are pregnant or not. This process has a few symptoms you experience, which may make you wonder: “What does implantation feel like?”
Implantation may be a bit confusing at first, but once you figure out the symptoms and how long it takes, you’ll be able to prepare yourself for what’s to come during this process. Read on as I talk about what you need to know regarding implantation and how it feels like.
What is Implantation?
You might be wondering: What is implantation in the first place?
Before you become pregnant and after conceiving, your body goes through a process called implantation. It’s the earliest stage of pregnancy, where the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes and into the uterine cavity.
During the “travels” to the cavity, the fertilized egg divides and goes through a formation until it turns into an embryo and begins to grow inside your womb until birth.
Implantation has similar symptoms as compared to menstruation, which is why many women tend to mistake this cramping as their period.
One of the most common symptoms of implantation would be cramping. It happens when the newly fertilized egg enters the walls of your uterus.
In a nutshell, implantation is a pregnancy symptom all women experience once the egg is fully fertilized and entering your uterus. With similar symptoms compared to menstruation, it’s best to know the differences wondering if you are indeed pregnant or not.
Here’s a video explaining how implantation works:
How Long Does Implantation Cramping Last?
The length of your implantation would depend on when you conceived and your ovulation date. You will know once implantation started if you know the dates of your last period, your ovulation period, and when the eggs and sperm were implanted (or after you had sex).
Implantation normally happens after the ninth day after your ovulation date. Sometimes, it may happen on their third to the fifth day after ovulation, or the latest would be twelve days.
The implantation period is divided into various steps:
- The fertilized egg enters the fallopian tubes into your uterine cavity, separating and forming into an embryo as it “travels.” This process takes about six to seven days.
- Once the embryo is inside the uterine cavity, it finishes its formation for another two to three days.
So in total, implantation would take eight to ten days.
Implantation Pain Left Side?
Like mentioned, the most common symptom of implantation would be cramping. These pains are similar to menstrual cramps, a stinging pain that would last for a few minutes at a time.
You feel the pain in your lower abdomen. If you feel pain on the left side, then there’s no need to worry, since implantation happens on the left side of your uterus. Other symptoms include light bleeding (which again, might be mistaken for menstruation), and other early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, food cravings, or frequently urinating.
While these are common symptoms of pregnancy, it’s still best to take a pregnancy test a few days after experiencing implantation cramps to know for sure if you’re pregnant or not.
Implantation Pain Right Side?
What does implantation feel like anyway? Implantation cramps are a sharp pain or stomach tightening feeling that may be felt on the left or right side. I explained that if you felt pains to your left, there is no need to worry. But what about if you experienced it on the right side?
There’s still nothing to be worried about. The cramped would differ from one woman to another, so as long as you do not experience significant symptoms such as severe pain or bleeding, there is nothing to worry about.
If ever the pain gets very intense, then you may need to see a doctor to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or any other issues that may harm you or your baby.
[ Read : Sharp Vaginal Pain during Early Pregnancy : How To Deal With It? ]
What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like On Pad?
Implantation bleeding is normal, though it may be difficult to differentiate this with your menstrual period. Here are ways to check what your implantation bleeding would look like on a pad:
Color
Implantation bleeding would usually be brown or light pink. Your menstruation comes in shades of red, like fresh blood.
Flow
The main difference of your period blood and implantation bleeding would be how the way they flow. Implantation bleeding is usually very mild and light. It would only last for a few hours to a few days.
As for your period, you may be used to the fact it comes out in clots or the blood flow is massive, lasting for at least a few days.
Consistency
Implantation bleeding would last for about two days, on-and-off.
You can also refer to this video regarding the differences between implantation bleeding and mensruration:
How Long Does Implantation Take?
Now that you know what to expect during implantation, the next question is: How long will it last for?
It depends on the woman and when the future embryo attaches to your endometrium. Usually, the cramping would last for one to two days or three days at the most. You’ll be able to know once implantation is done through an ultrasound.
If you experience secure cramping or pain for over four days, then it’s time to get checked by a doctor.
Conclusion
Implantation cramping might be a bit uncomfortable, but it’s a clear sign that you’re pregnant! Through this article, you’ll be able to know the difference between menstruation or implantation, which is vital for those trying to get pregnant.
I hope this article answered your question: “What does implantation feel like?” Now you can differentiate it with your usual period cramping and pay attention to how your body works as your pregnancy progresses.
If you have any more questions or would like to share your implantation experiences, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
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