Cramping After Ovulation: Does it Mean Pregnancy?

Medically reviewed by

on March 27, 2023

If you're trying to conceive, any twinge or pain in your abdomen during the two-week-wait can trigger a flurry of both excitement and anxiety. Cramping after ovulation is a symptom that many women experience, and while it can be a sign of pregnancy, it could also be an indication of ovulation or a notice that your period is on its way.

Let’s take a closer look at how to know what your cramps are telling you.

Cramping after ovulation, what it means for fertility

What are the reasons for ovulation cramps?

Ovulation cramps are a common occurrence for many women during their menstrual cycle. These cramps are often described as a sharp or dull pain in the lower abdomen that occurs around the time of ovulation, typically about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual cycle.

There are several reasons why a woman may experience cramping during ovulation including:

Follicle growth: In the ovaries, the growth and expansion of the maturing follicles may cause mild to moderate, dull cramping.

Hormonal changes: An increase in estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels could cause mild cramps in the absence of progesterone’s muscle-relaxant effects.
Rupture of the follicle (Ovulation): When the ovarian follicle ruptures to release a mature egg, it could cause a sharp, sudden pain on one side of the lower abdomen.

Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis may experience more severe ovulation pain due to the presence of tissue outside the uterus that responds to hormonal changes.

Overall, ovulation cramps are a normal part of the menstrual cycle for many women, and they are not usually a cause for concern. However, if the cramps are severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as heavy bleeding or fever, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider.

What does cramping after ovulation mean?

Just when you think the cramping has run its course during ovulation, it’s back for more! Cramping after ovulation can be caused by a variety of factors including:

Hormonal changes: Hormones seem to be responsible for just about everything, right? Estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate again after ovulation. These changes can cause cramping, bloating, and other symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Implantation: When a fertilized egg implants – typically between 6-10 days after ovulation – into the lining of the uterus, it can cause mild cramping and light spotting.

Gastrointestinal issues: Cramping can also be caused by constipation or gas. These issues can then be exacerbated by hormonal changes during ovulation and pregnancy.

Is cramping after ovulation normal?

Cramping after ovulation is a common experience for many women. In fact, it's estimated that nearly 50% of women experience cramping after ovulation. So, you’re not alone!

It's important to keep track of your symptoms and any patterns you may notice. This can be helpful when trying to conceive, as it can give you a better idea of when you are most fertile. If you experience severe or prolonged pain, or if you have other symptoms such as fever or heavy bleeding, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Cramps after ovulation, is it implantation?

The two-week-wait is full of so many unknowns, and can leave you guessing while you count down the days until you can take a beloved pregnancy test. Some women experience abdominal cramping after ovulation as a result of the implantation process. However, many women also experience cramping before their period, which can be easily mistaken for implantation cramping. Hang in there!

Cramping for a week after ovulation. Is that okay?

It's not uncommon to experience cramping for a few days after ovulation, but if you're still experiencing cramping after ovulation for a week or more, it might be worth reaching out to your healthcare provider to be safe.

Persistent cramping after ovulation could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In some cases, mild cramping after ovulation could also be an early sign of pregnancy, as the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterus.

Ways to relieve ovulation cramps

Cramping around ovulation can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to alleviate the discomfort such as:

Applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation
Massaging your lower abdomen
Staying hydrated
Eating a healthy diet
Low-impact exercise
Acupuncture
Chiropractic care

The big picture

Not only does the Premom app help you track ovulation to time intercourse for conception, it also allows you to log any symptoms you’re experiencing. By taking note of when you experience cramping, for how long, and the intensity, you can easily identify if this is something you typically experience before your period or if it’s something new that may indicate pregnancy.

If you’ve had intercourse in your fertile window, the cramps you’re feeling could mean implantation is happening within your body! Though it may feel like an eternity, try to wait until 12-14 DPO (days past ovulation) to take a pregnancy test for a more accurate result. Don’t forget to document your ovulation day within the app so you know when it’s time to get out that pregnancy test.

About Author

Heather Frame is a compassionate Women's Health nurse. She specializes in obstetrics, postpartum, newborn care, and lactation counseling. She is committed to providing women the support they need to achieve pregnancy and thereafter. As a personal user of Premom, she can attest to how important charting your cycles is in conjunction with achieving pregnancy. She would love to help you navigate your fertility journey. Schedule a consultation with Nurse Heather right through your Premom app!

References

Hill, M. J., McWilliams, G. D., & Garcia, J. A. (2015). Cramping after ovulation: An early sign of pregnancy?. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 37(6), 534-541. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1701-2163(15)30374-6

Leeners, B., Rath, W., Kuse, S., & Neumaier-Wagner, P. (2009). Symptom-guided early pregnancy detection: a validation study. BMC women's health, 9(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-9-

Gupta, N., & Sharma, A. (2018). Implantation: When and What to Expect. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 11(4), 345–348. https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_43_18

Luthra, A. (2021). Cramping After Ovulation: Causes and Treatment. International Journal of Women's Health and Wellness, 7(2), 1-5.

Harel, Z., Dysken, M., & Rabinowitz, R. (1985). Pain symptoms accompanying ovulation. Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 30(7), 489-492.