Re: It feels like I have menstrual cramps. Does this mean I didn’t get pregnant?
Nope. A bit of cramping about eight to ten days after ovulation might actually be a sign that you are pregnant. These pains -- known as implantation cramps -- can happen when the newly fertilized egg burrows itself into the wall of your uterus. If implantation is to blame, cramping should be minor and brief (lasting only a day or two), and may be accompanied by light spotting called implantation bleeding. Wait a few days, and if your period doesn’t show up when expected, break out the pregnancy test. (Good luck!)
If at any point in your pregnancy cramping is severe, lasts more than a couple of days or occurs after a positive pregnancy test, head straight to your doctor. It's probably just gas or the feeling of your growing uterus, but it's important to rule out miscarriage, pre-term labor, placental abruption, preeclampsia, and urinary tract infections.
Paula Kashtan | May 01 , 2009 12:12 PM