Are you trying to conceive? If so, then you may feel depressed and will be saddened on seeing a light pink or brownish spotting just before your period. While it may indicate the start of your period, it may also be a sign of pregnancy called implantation bleeding. If it is the first time that you are trying to get pregnant then it can be hard to tell the difference between the two.
Therefore, it is significant to know what is implantation bleeding, what causes implantation bleeding, how to differentiate it from a normal period, and much more. Continue reading this article to understand more about implantation bleeding.
In This Article
- What Is Implantation Bleeding?
- Why Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
- When Does The Implantation Bleeding Occur?
- What Are The Signs Of Implantation Bleeding?
- Does Every Woman Notice Implantation Bleeding?
- How To Differentiate Implantation Bleeding From A Normal Period?
- Does Implantation Bleeding Guarantee A Full Term Pregnancy?
- When To See A Doctor?
What Is Implantation Bleeding?
After a fertilized egg, called a blastocyst, gets itself attached to the lining of the uterus, it can cause some irritation and movement to the lining and may cause some bleeding from the uterus lining. This bleeding is known as implantation bleeding. This is a telltale sign of pregnancy and occurs in about 25 -35 % of women during the early stages of pregnancy. Many women mistake implantation bleeding for the start of their normal menstrual period.
Why Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
When ovulation takes place, the hormone progesterone aids in preparing the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg. Even if you do not conceive, this procedure will happen every month. If no egg is fertilized and implantation does not take place, then the thickened uterine wall will shed away and will result in your menstrual period which usually lasts from four to seven days.
When the mature egg is released from the ovary, progesterone production increases tremendously. It will stay elevated all through your pregnancy leading to physical changes preparing your body to adapt to the growing fetus. For the first three weeks of the month before ovulation, the uterine wall is very thin and blood flow is less. But when the progesterone starts to increase, the flow of blood in the uterus also increase and the uterine wall becomes thicker.
When the fertilized egg known as blastocyst embeds itself into the uterine lining, implantation bleeding occurs. It so happens that the trophoblast, a tissue in which the fertilized egg is encased scrapes a few of the pregnant woman’s blood vessels after entering the uterus, then the bleeding occurs. When this happens, a very small amount of bleeding occurs as the cervix is still open and this blood travels from the uterus and out of the vagina.
When Does The Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Implantation bleeding occurs between the 6th and 12th day after the egg is fertilized, or anywhere between the second and seventh day before your menstrual period. It takes some time for the fertilized egg to travel all the way to the uterus and embed itself into the uterine lining. It is because of this that implantation bleeding does not occur instantly after the fertilization of egg.
What Are The Signs Of Implantation Bleeding?
- A pink or brownish discharge
- Lasts only about 2 days
- Bleeding is very light or just spotting
- Cramping that is light and faint
- Mood Swings
- Headaches
Does Every Woman Notice Implantation Bleeding?
No, not all pregnant women notice implantation bleeding. Bur as mentioned earlier about 25-35 % of women have implantation bleeding. So if you haven’t noticed any spotting, there is nothing to worry because this doesn’t mean you’re not pregnant. There are various other pregnancy signs to look out for.
How To Differentiate Implantation Bleeding From A Normal Period?
There are several things to look for while trying to differentiate implantation bleeding from a normal menstrual period:
- The blood flow: In case of implantation bleeding, you will experience just spotting or very light bleeding. Bleeding from implantation will not have blood clots. So if you notice that the blood flow gets heavier as the time passes and you see blood clots, then be assured that it is your normal monthly period and not implantation bleeding
- Consistency: During implantation bleeding, spots will appear and disappear fast. Since every woman and pregnancy is different, the length of bleeding will vary from one woman to another. For some women implantation, bleeding can continue for one to two days whereas for others bleeding will just last a few hours before it stops. During a normal period, the bleeding will continue throughout the duration of your period say for about 4-7 days
- The color of blood: Light bleeding that is brown in color can be an indication of implantation bleeding. Usually, the implantation blood will take quite some time to come out. As time passes, the blood turns brownish in color. That is why generally the implantation blood will be brownish or light pink in color. The bright red blood indicates monthly periods
- Cramping: Both your periods and implantation cause pain and cramping. Light or faint cramping that never increases in intensity along with light pink or brown discharge are signs of implantation bleeding. On the other hand, the menstrual cramps are stronger and their intensity increases along with heavy bleeding
Does Implantation Bleeding Guarantee A Full Term Pregnancy?
No. There is no relation between implantation bleeding and full-term pregnancy. Both the women who had a full-term pregnancy and who have experienced miscarriage are reported to experience implantation bleeding.
When To See A Doctor?
If you are sure that you are having implantation bleeding instead of your normal period but you notice that the bleeding is lasting for a longer time or getting heavier and you feel the pain that doesn’t go away, you need to call your doctor immediately. It can be a sign that you are undergoing a miscarriage or it could also mean an ectopic pregnancy. Both these problems are risky so it is highly recommended that you seek medical intervention immediately.
