0
0

Ovulation cramps vs implantation cramps: What’s the difference?

women touching her shoulder
Published January 27, 2025
Picture of <span>Reviewed by</span> <span class="show-reviewed-name"></span>

Reviewed by

Fact checking standards
Every piece of content at Hormona adheres to the highest editorial standards for language, style, and medical accuracy. To learn what we do to, check out our content review principles.

Throughout your menstrual cycle, it’s normal to experience cramping, especially during your period. These cramps occur when the uterus contracts as it sheds its lining. However, there are other times when cramping can occur, particularly during ovulation and implantation. While it’s easier to distinguish period cramps from others, how can you tell the difference between ovulation cramps vs implantation cramps? In this article, we’ll examine how ovulation and implantation cramping differ, along with providing tips on how to help relieve discomfort and advice for when to speak to your healthcare provider.

Key takeaways
  • Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release a mature egg and can be accompanied by numerous symptoms like cramping, light bleeding, one-sided abdominal pain, and breast tenderness.
  • Implantation bleeding generally resembles light spotting and can include cramping.
  • Telling the difference between ovulation cramps and implantation cramps can be tricky, but it usually comes down to timing and how far along you are in your cycle.
  • If you experience severe cramps that interfere with your daily routine or if they include any additional symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.

What is ovulation cramping?

If you’ve ever noticed a dull ache on one side of your lower abdomen about 14 before your period, you probably experienced ovulation cramping. This discomfort occurs as the follicles rupture, releasing a mature egg. It may also be due to the natural stretching of the ovary’s surface from the follicular growth. Many women, especially those trying to conceive, can be confused by this pain, not knowing if they’re ovulating or pregnant. One way to help you better understand why you’re experiencing cramping is by tracking your cycle. Ovulation pain would occur about 14 days before your period, while pregnancy cramps or implantation cramping happens closer to menstruation. Menstrual cycle tracking is an excellent way to help you answer the question, “Am I ovulating or pregnant?”

What is implantation cramping?

To better understand what type of cramps you’re experiencing, it’s important to go over the difference between ovulation vs implantation. Ovulation is when the follicles in your ovary release a mature egg. Implantation, on the other hand, is when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and starts growing. With ovulation, you will get a period if the egg remains unfertilized, but with implantation, your next period will not come. Implantation cramping is muscle cramps in your lower abdomen or pelvis that are usually mild and happen as the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of your uterus. This marks the official start of pregnancy.

Implantation cramps vs ovulation cramps

Even though they may feel similar, ovulation vs implantation pain are very different. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways you can decipher between ovulation or implantation cramps.

The timing

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between ovulation pain vs implantation pain is to track the timing. Ovulation happens around the middle part of your menstrual cycle, about 12 to 14 days before your period. While it may be a bit difficult to know if you’re experiencing ovulation or pregnancy cramping, especially if you’re trying to conceive, when the cramps occur, it is a tell-tale sign. Implantation pain is typically felt about one week before your period, as the egg settles into its position inside the uterus. Using a period or hormone tracker will help you determine which type of pain you’re feeling.

The location

Another way to distinguish the difference between ovulation vs implantation cramps is by where you feel the pain. Typically, with ovulation pain, you’ll feel mild cramping on the side of the abdomen where the egg is released. Implantation cramps are generally located in the lower back or abdomen or around the center of your pelvis.

The timespan

When determining the difference between implantation vs ovulation cramps, it can be a little tricky since they have similar but not identical durations. Where ovulation pain can last anywhere from a few hours to a day, you may feel implantation cramps for up to a few days.

The symptoms

While we know implantation vs ovulation cramping can be hard to decipher, one way to know the difference is by the appearance of additional symptoms. Ovulation symptoms can include:

  • Egg-white cervical mucus
  • Light spotting or bleeding
  • Cramping on one side of your abdomen

Implantation symptoms may include:

  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Mild cramping
  • Light spotting or bleeding
  • Slightly raised basal body temperature

After implantation, you may also experience signs of early pregnancy, which include:

  • A missed period
  • Food aversions or nausea
  • Bloating
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination

While knowing the difference between ovulation pain or implantation can be challenging, it can also be confusing to determine between ovulation vs pregnancy symptoms. To help clarify, you can compare these early signs of pregnancy to those of ovulation listed above.

Alternative causes of cramping and abdominal pain

While knowing the difference between ovulation and implantation can help you know why you’re experiencing abdominal discomfort, it’s important to note that there may be other reasons. Here are a few possible causes of cramping and abdominal pain.

Gastrointestinal issues

Certain gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, constipation, and peptic ulcers could cause abdominal pain.

Reproductive issues

You may experience cramping or abdominal pain due to reproductive issues like ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis.

Infection

Infections like gastroenteritis or urinary tract infections may cause cramping but are sometimes accompanied by a fever or diarrhea.

While there’s no doubt that abdominal pain and cramping can have numerous causes, if it’s generally mild, only lasts a short time, and tracks with your menstrual cycle, it could either be ovulation or implantation pain.

Tips on alleviating cramps in the comfort of your own home

Whether you’re experiencing implantation pain vs ovulation pain, it’s important to know how to alleviate cramps and start feeling better. Here are a few tips you can use in the comfort of your own home to help ease cramping pain and discomfort.

Try gentle movements

Moving your body is a great way to keep your muscles loose and help alleviate cramping. It doesn’t matter if it’s implantation cramping vs ovulation cramping or even early pregnancy discomfort. Gentle exercise like walking, pilates, or yoga and light stretching relaxes abdominal and pelvic muscles.

Stay hydrated

Whether you’re wondering if you’re experiencing implantation or ovulation symptoms vs pregnancy symptoms, staying hydrated is essential. Drinking plenty of water and enjoying a warm beverage like herbal teas ward off dehydration and protect your muscles.

Over-the-counter pain medications

Pain relievers like acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen are inexpensive yet effective treatments for cramping. They help manage your pain and reduce inflammation so you can feel better quickly.

When to consult your healthcare provider

Even if you understand the difference between ovulation cramping vs implantation cramping, it’s important to know when to talk to your doctor about abdominal pain and cramping. Here are a few examples of pain you shouldn’t ignore.

Severe or persistent

Abdominal pain is severe or persistent, making it hard to move or get comfortable.

Ongoing vomiting and nausea

If your pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting and you can’t keep food down, you should talk to your doctor.

Bloody vomit or stool

If you see blood in your vomit or stool, you should get immediate medical attention.

Swollen or tender abdomen

Swelling or tenderness in your abdomen is abnormal and should be checked out.

Trouble urinating

If you have trouble urinating or have burning or unusual discharge.

Along with the symptoms above, you should see your doctor if you have a positive pregnancy test. Many women wonder, “Does cramping after ovulation mean pregnancy?” and it can if you’re experiencing implantation cramping. However, while mild cramping during implantation and in the first trimester is common, if you experience intense or shooting pains, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

While they may seem similar, ovulation cramps and implantation cramps aren’t the same. While ovulation cramps signal the release of an egg, implantation cramping occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. Using a period or hormone tracker to monitor your cycle can help you know which pain you’re feeling and take the mystery out of your symptoms. The Hormona app is the future of hormone tracking, revolutionizing women’s hormone health. It provides comprehensive insights and tools to help you better understand your body and feel your best.

FAQ

Where are implantation cramps located, and how long do they last?

Implantation cramps occur in your pelvis or lower abdomen, but you may also feel them in your lower back. They can last from a few minutes to up to three days, depending on the person.

How soon after implantation cramps can I take a pregnancy test?

It takes around a week after implantation for a pregnancy to appear positive on a pregnancy test. If you try too early, you risk getting a false negative and having to test again at a later date.

What is the difference between ovulation and pregnancy?

Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, whereas pregnancy is when the egg is fertilized and begins to grow in the uterus. Ovulation cramps vs pregnancy cramps may feel similar, but with ovulation, you’ll generally only feel mild discomfort on one side for about a day in the middle of your cycle, while pregnancy cramps happen around your expected period.

How many days after ovulation do you cramp if pregnant?

If you conceive after ovulation, you could experience implantation cramping around 6 – 14 days after ovulation ends or around when your period starts.

What can be mistaken for implantation cramps?

There are a few things that can be mistaken for implantation cramps, including menstrual cramps, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage.

Can early pregnancy cramps feel like period cramps?

Yes, since the location where you feel pregnancy cramps is the same as period cramping, you may mistake one for the other. However, pregnancy cramps are often milder and more intermittent than period ones.

Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Written by

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Author picture

Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.

References
  1. Ovulation pain. (2023). NHS. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovulation-pain/#:~:text
  2. Kim, S. M., & Kim, J. S. (2017). A Review of Mechanisms of Implantation. Development & reproduction, 21(4), 351–359. https://doi.org/10.12717/DR.2017.21.4.351
  3. u, R. W., & Fazleabas, A. T. (2015). Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Human and Nonhuman Primates. Advances in anatomy, embryology, and cell biology, 216, 189–213. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10
  4. Abdominal pain. Mayo Clinic. Available online: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050728#:~:text
References
  1. Ovulation pain. (2023). NHS. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovulation-pain/#:~:text
  2. Kim, S. M., & Kim, J. S. (2017). A Review of Mechanisms of Implantation. Development & reproduction, 21(4), 351–359. https://doi.org/10.12717/DR.2017.21.4.351
  3. u, R. W., & Fazleabas, A. T. (2015). Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Human and Nonhuman Primates. Advances in anatomy, embryology, and cell biology, 216, 189–213. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10
  4. Abdominal pain. Mayo Clinic. Available online: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050728#:~:text
History of updates
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

ON THIS PAGE

Related articles

ovulation tracker

Top 5 Signs of Ovulation After Giving Birth: Postpartum Health

When do you ovulate after giving birth? The postpartum whirlwind can make life extra hectic, and it’s easy to lose track of where you are in your menstrual cycle. Just like every woman is unique, so is the healing period

flowers

Health impacts of a short luteal phase: What to know

What is considered a short luteal phase? As we discussed earlier, there are two phases of the menstrual cycle, each playing a key role in your reproductive health. The luteal phase is especially important for anyone trying to conceive since

women reading book in a bath

The role of a hormone imbalance test: Assisting in decision-making

What is hormone imbalance? Before we discuss what a hormone imbalance is, it’s important to go over what hormones are and where they come from. As we discussed above, hormones are chemical messengers that tell your tissues and organs what

Välj valuta

[woocs]