Implantation bleeding is a pregnancy symptom that occurs around 6 to 12 days after ovulation and fertilization. At the time of the bleeding, the blastocyst is not visible to the naked eye. It appears as a small dot. The minute implantation happens, the blastocyst evolves into an embryo. Blood pregnancy tests become positive 4 days after implantation. Urine pregnancy test becomes accurate 5 days after implantation. This is another common symptom alongside morning sickness.
A week before the woman’s menstrual cycle is scheduled to being, implantation bleeding takes place. This is mistaken for spotting. Some women don’t notice this at all. The closer the bleeding occurs to the set menstrual cycle beginning, the less possibility of this turning out to be implantation bleeding. Blood associated with this is not fresh. It appears dark brown, sometimes even black. Implantation bleeding is followed by lighter flow of the usual menstrual cycle.
When the egg is released, it travels through the fallopian tube and goes to the uterus. If the egg meets with a sperm, the egg is fertilized and is implanted in the uterus lining. Implantation occurs around 9 days after fertilization. Ovulation symptoms occur afterwards. If it is not successful, the egg is flushed out during the menstrual cycle.
The uterus lining is rich in nutrients. When the fertilized egg is in the uterus, it sticks to the lining. This is the endometrial lining and is the very lining that sheds during the woman’s period. Because the lining is also rich in blood, a few drops move through the cervix and head to the vagina. This blood is implantation bleeding and is a sign of pregnancy. Only a third of women experience this.
Implantation Signs and Symptoms
- Implantation cramps. There are small cramps in the uterus.
- Implantation spotting. These are short brief spotting. Usually, it’s a couple of drops that are light or dark. It is not the regular color of a usual cycle.
- Change of body temperature. It is not normal during the first seven to ten days after ovulation has occurred.
FAQs on Implantation Bleeding
Why do I feel as if my period is due?
Some women mistake implantation bleeding from spotting. You have to pay close attention to the changes in your body. Pregnancy tests are rarely accurate during this time. If you are indeed pregnant, you will experience the symptoms around the time that your period is due – sometimes even sooner than the date. You can always confirm your speculation with a pregnancy test.
Is implantation bleeding common?
Maybe around thirty percent of expecting women experience it during the early pregnancy stages. If you have light spotting before your menstrual cycle, you should not panic. This is just a sign that you are pregnant. Unless the bleeding is accompanies by backache, cramps or it is more blood flow than usual, then there is nothing to worry about.
When can I test to check if I am really pregnant?
Home pregnancy tests rely on the detection of hCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in the woman’s urine. This is secreted by the placenta that develops after the egg has been fertilized and implanted in the uterine lining.
Bleeding During First Trimester Pregnancy
The first three months are called the first trimester. Implantation bleeding can occur at this time. Inform your OBGYN if you are experiencing this. Follow his recommendation. Do not panic because implantation bleeding during first trimester pregnancy is pose no threat on the baby and the mother. However, you will be restricted from doing heavy activity and must be celibate. To make sure that the pregnancy is going well, take a sonogram or ultrasound.
Bleeding During Second Trimester Pregnancy
Bleeding during this time is a serious matter. This is not common. It can be due to harmless causes like intercourse or a vaginal exam had some capillaries ruptured which resulted for the blood to flow. If normal, it should be light bleeding that becomes the usual flow after a day. When you don’t consult with your OBGYN, this might lead to a miscarriage or pre-term labor.
Bleeding During Third Trimester Pregnancy
This is a grave concern because it is a delicate pregnancy. Any kind of bleeding during this period is an emergency because it might already be a hemorrhage. Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal deaths. Placenta problems like the
detachment of the placenta from the uterine lining is the reason why there is bleeding. Consult with your OBGYN as soon as you can.
Patients blame themselves for vagina bleeding during pregnancy. Some expecting mothers go on with their lives as if they are not pregnant. They exercise as much as they used to when they didn’t have someone inside them. They engage in intercourse forgetting that there is a baby inside. It is safe to do these during the early stages of pregnancy but as the embryo slowly becomes into a human being, the mother must also change her lifestyle so as to keep her and the baby safe.
Of course there are reasons in the early phases of pregnancy that are not threatening. Irritation of the vagina and cervix may produce bleeding. Just have your OBGYN examine you whenever you speculate that there is something wrong. Hormonal changes make the cervix and vagina more sensitive and delicate. This can easily be treated by vaginal creams. Implantation bleeding is usual but to be safe just inform your doctor. Sometimes you think it is just bleeding but it is more than that. It is better to be safe especially when there is life inside you.
