What do cramps feel like? Mine feel like a sharp pain in my lower belly, like 5/10.

Okay so cramps feel different for literally everyone, but a sharp pain in your lower belly is super common and totally normal. It's like your uterus is doing a little workout, and sometimes it can pinch a bit.

What it feels like

My cramps sometimes feel like a dull ache, kinda like a bellyache that just hangs around. Other times it's more like a squeezing feeling, or a sharp jab, especially on the first couple of days. A 5/10 pain is pretty normal too, it can be anywhere from a tiny annoyance to something that makes you just want to curl up with a heating pad. It usually comes and goes instead of being constant.

What to do about it

There are things you can do! A warm bath or a heating pad on your lower belly can really help relax those muscles. Staying hydrated by drinking water is a good idea, and sometimes light exercise like walking can actually make you feel better. If it's really bothering you, you can ask a grown-up if you can take some pain medicine, like ibuprofen, that sometimes helps with period cramps.

When to tell a grown-up

Usually, cramps are just part of the period package. But if your pain is super bad, like way higher than a 5/10 and nothing helps, or you feel dizzy, it's a good idea to tell a trusted grown-up so they can help you figure out what's going on.