You are actively trying to get pregnant. You saw some light spotting, but not sure whether it was periods or implantation bleeding. How will you recognize implantation bleeding? Is it something to worry about? Or is it an indication that you might have conceived?
Many women fail to identify the bleeding as implantation bleeding. It later confuses the due date of the baby. Implantation bleeding is not harmful and does not need any treatment. This is very common and may occur in up to 25% of pregnant people. However, if the bleeding continues and is heavier than your usual periods, call your doctor immediately.
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In this article, we talk about when and why it happens. We also share with you the signs and symptoms by which you can identify implantation bleeding and differentiate it from period blood. Let us start by understanding what implantation bleeding is.
What is implantation bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is light bleeding from the vagina when the fertilized egg attaches to your inner uterine lining. It generally occurs after 10 to 14 days of conceiving a baby. It can be an early sign that one of your eggs got fertilized during your last ovulation. Let us know in detail how and why implantation bleeding occurs.
Why does implantation bleeding happen?
When the egg gets fertilized with the sperm, it forms an embryo. This embryo travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Once it enters the uterus, it’s called a blastocyst. In the uterus, it implants itself into the inner lining. This can sometimes cause little blood vessels to burst, resulting in light bleeding.
It can be easily confused with periods as it happens around the same time as you would have periods. There is no need to worry. It is very normal. It will not cause any problems for you or your baby. But how would you exactly recognize implantation bleeding?
What are the signs of implantation bleeding?
It can be tricky to differentiate between periods and implantation bleeding. However, it is one of the earliest identifiable signs of pregnancy.
Keep an eye out for these symptoms, it can be a start to your amazing journey of becoming a parent. Some signs of implantation bleeding are -
- Early bleeding- If your menstrual cycle is regular with regular intervals, you can identify implantation bleeding. This often occurs a few days before the expected menstrual cycle.
- Duration- The duration of implantation bleeding is 1 to 3 days.
- Colour- The colour of the implantation bleeding is more of a pinkish or brownish shade.
- Strength of flow- You will see very light spotting of blood as compared to period blood.
- Clotting- Implantation blood does not produce a mix of blood and tissue, which are generally the clots we notice during periods.
- Cramping- You will experience light or faint cramping as compared to period cramps.
- Consistency- it is more of an on-and-off flow.
What are the other symptoms?
Implantation is usually an early sign of pregnancy. So, you may have experienced other pregnancy-related symptoms. Some of the signs include -
- Mood swings
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Increased sense of smell
- Constipation
- Food cravings and aversions
However, everyone does not experience these symptoms. Still confused about whether the spotting is a period or implantation bleeding. We have given you a table below that will make it easier for you to identify.
What is the timing of implantation bleeding?
Talking about the general timeline. Your menstrual cycle calendar may look like this: -
|
Day 1 |
First day of your menstrual cycle |
|
Day 14 to 16 |
Releasing an egg from the ovaries |
|
Day 22 to 26 |
If the egg is fertilized with sperm, it will get implanted in the uterine wall |
|
Day 28 |
If the egg is not fertilized, then the uterine wall breaks, and you get your period. |
Implantation bleeding happens a little bit earlier than your menstrual bleeding. Thus, if the flow is lighter than normal and earlier than your expected period date, then there is a high chance that it is implantation bleeding.
When to take a pregnancy test?
You can take a pregnancy test to be completely sure that you are pregnant. However, implantation is the very early stage of pregnancy. There is a good chance that the pregnancy result may come negative while taken during the implantation stage. So, wait for at least 7 days before taking a pregnancy test if you still feel the symptoms.
Even if you get a negative result after trying hard, do not get disheartened. You can still conceive through Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART). It includes in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and even surrogacy.
When should you visit a doctor?
Implantation bleeding is light and stops on its own. If the bleeding does not stop after a few days or the flow is abnormal. Further, the blood flow does not stop even after a positive pregnancy test. If you develop other symptoms, such as pelvic pain or dizziness, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Continuing blood flow can also indicate an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo grows outside the uterus in the fallopian tube. This can happen even if the pregnancy results are positive. Bleeding with cramps can be a sign of possible miscarriage. However, it is not always the case. Many do experience spotting in the first trimester without any complications in the pregnancy.
Conclusion
Implantation bleeding is normal, and almost one-third of pregnant women experience it. There is no treatment needed for it. It is generally an early sign of pregnancy. However, if the flow increases or other symptoms like pelvic pain or dizziness occur, then call the doctor immediately.
If you have any such queries relating to implantation bleeding or issues related to infertility and its treatment, feel free to contact us at +917862800700 or visit our website for more information - Medicover Fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if it’s implantation bleeding?
The colour of the blood in implantation bleeding would be pinkish or brown. It will be a very light flow which will last hardly for 3 days.
How many days do you bleed with implantation?
Implantation bleeding usually happens after 10-14 days of conceiving. It lasts for around 1 or 2 days, unlike most periods. Also, implantation bleeding occurs earlier than your menstrual bleeding.
What does implantation bleeding first look like?
The colour of the blood will be either pink, brown or rusty red. The flow will also be very light and will be on and off, unlike periods flow.
Am I pregnant, or is it implantation bleeding?
To know whether you are pregnant or not, take a pregnancy test after the bleeding stops. Implantation is an early sign of pregnancy. So, there are chances that it can show false negative results.
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