Cramps vs Aches?

CaraBoonie

So I'm sure some of you will hate me for saying this, but I've never actually had period cramps in my life (braces self for tomatoes being thrown), so I was wondering how you differentiate uterine cramps vs. aches vs. pains when things are being annoying in the area? It seems that people on the boards are saying cramping is a normal sign of uterine growth, but since I've never had cramps before...I guess I'm a grown-ass woman asking how a cramp feels different than a pain. Sigh. There. I said it. I feel foolish now, haha.

reishia

If it's pain you it will be unbearable sometimes making you double over. The stretching of the uterus/period cramps will be more or an annoying feeling that is not constant.

peppercorn16

In my experience, if it's cramps you'll basically be bed-ridden and in PAIN. This uterine stretching stuff is more like pangs here and there with some random achey feelings throughout the day that I notice, but that don't stop me in my tracks. I hate to say it this way, but if it's cramps you won't have to ask if it's cramps! Ow!

Blueyedsky

Cramps (for me) feel like having really bad gas+sick tummy+EVERYTHING in that area is in pain at once. The pully stretchy cramps feel painful, but only in one spot at a time or it literally feels like my muscles are being stretched.

CaraBoonie

@reishia @peppercorn16 @blueyedsky thanks