What is Implantation Bleeding?
Implantation bleeding, commonly known as spotting, happens when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. It is typically pink or brown and most of the time, it will appear as a stain on your underpants or on toilet paper when you wipe. Some people experience light implantation bleeding for several days, however others may only notice it once. Heavy bleeding is not typical of implantation bleeding and may indicate an underlying issue.
Approximately one-fourth of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding. It is a normal aspect of pregnancy and should not cause concern. Let's learn more about implantation bleeding in this blog.
When Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?
Implantation bleeding is one of the first processes to occur in pregnancy, usually within 10 to 14 days of ovulation. The spotting or bleeding is usually faint and insufficient to fill a pad or tampon. It can last several hours or even three days when the embryo's adhesion and motility in the uterine wall damages small blood vessels. This is not anything to worry about as it causes no permanent harm to either the mother or the baby.
Implantation Symptoms
Bleeding and cramps may be signs of implantation. Implantation bleeding is spotting or light bleeding that occurs approximately 1-2 weeks after conception. It is usually brief and lighter than a typical menstruation. The blood is usually paler than menstruation blood and can be reddish brown.
There has been little research on implantation cramping, however it can affect the lower abdomen or back and feel like experiencing the sensations of gentle pulling, tingling, and pricking.
Also Read: Is Spotting During Ovulation a Good Sign?
Other Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Early pregnancy might induce extra symptoms that may appear shortly after implantation and last throughout the first trimester and perhaps beyond. They can include:
- Exhaustion
- Angry outbursts
- Nausea
- Vomiting in the moings
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Tender or swollen breasts,
- Protruding nipples
- Increased frequency of urination
- Constipation
- A weird taste in the mouth,
- Food cravings, or aversions.
- Weight fluctuations
While some pregnant women experience many of these symptoms, others have none.
Also Read: What Is Ovulation? Signs And Symptoms Of Ovulation
Implantation Causes
Implantation occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. The uterine lining is thick and full of blood vessels. When a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining, it can damage these blood vessels, resulting in bleeding. This is the blood seen upon implantation bleeding.
Implantation Care and Treatment
There are no medications to prevent or minimize implantation bleeding because it resolves on its own in a healthy pregnancy. If your bleeding is soaking through a pad or involves clots, it is most likely not from implantation.
When To Call the Doctor
There are no complications that arise from implantation bleeding. It is a common occurrence throughout pregnancy. If the bleeding is light, lasts a day or two, and is not accompanied by cramps or pain, there are usually no issues with the pregnancy.
Other Reasons of Vaginal Bleeding May include:
- Ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants someplace other than the uterus.
- Placenta previa, or placental abruption: These are conditions that affect the placenta that may result in complications.
- Infection: Certain infections may cause you to bleed.
- Miscarriage: This refers to losing a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
If you are unsure about the type of bleeding you are experiencing, that's when you are required to contact your doctor.
Conclusion
Implantation is a difficult procedure that is required to establish a pregnancy. It is occasionally accompanied by spotting or light bleeding, and the blood can be pale pink or rusty brown. Some people have cramps. However, bleeding and cramping can suggest a variety of conditions, including pregnancy loss, and are not a reliable predictor of implantation. For more certainty, use a pregnancy test at home after 10 days following a missed period.
