Pregnancy symptom: implantation bleeding, implantation pain
Implantation bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy. Even before you notice that you have missed your period implantation bleeding can be an indication of pregnancy.
What is Implantation Bleeding?
The fertilized egg implants itself into your uterus, by attaching to the uterine lining. When this happens a small amount of blood is discharged. This is called implantation bleeding or spotting. To know more about this pregnancy symptom read on.
Pregnancy happens when the egg released by the ovary is fertilized by a sperm, to form a zygote (fertilized egg). This process happens inside the fallopian tube. The zygote then travels to the uterus from the fallopian tube. As it travels, it divides into a number of cells to form the blastocyst, a ball of cells with an outer covering. Once the blastocyst reaches the uterus, it gets out of the protective outer covering and attaches itself to the inner lining of the uterus which is called the endometrium. Through this attachment, the blastocyst forms links with the mother’s blood vessels, in order to receive oxygen and nutrients which are necessary for its growth into your baby.
As the blastocyst penetrates the endometrium and gets attached to the uterus it may cause a slight amount of bleeding. This blood comes out of the uterus, through the vagina and is called implantation bleeding, which is considered one of the earliest pregnancy signs.
All pregnant women may not experience this bleeding, as it is not necessary for the blastocyst to cause bleeding while implanting itself in the uterine wall. Only one-third of women notice implantation bleeding. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding and its time of occurrence may help in deciding if your pregnant.
When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Implantation bleeding normally happens just before the expected date of menstruation. Implantation bleeding usually occurs in the third or fourth week from the date of yur last menstrual period. You ovulate any time between 10th to 15th day after your last menstruation, implantation bleeding occurs between six to twelve days after ovulation.
The fertilized egg or zygote take around five to six days to travel from the fallopian tube to the uterus. After reaching the uterus, it gets attached to the endometrium. So, it is said that implantation bleeding occurs within six to twelve days of ovulation.
Signs of Implantation Bleeding
Details about the signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding
The first and foremost sign of implantation bleeding is bleeding itself. The amount of bleeding may vary from one woman to another. The vaginal discharge may be too scanty or spotty in some women, whereas in some others it may be little more heavy. But it won’t be heavy bleeding like your menstruation.
However, in this type of bleeding, the blood will be pinkish or brownish, as it is old blood. As it takes some time for the blood to come out of the uterus. Some women may have black-colored discharge too. And it won’t be bright red.
Implantation bleeding may last for a few hours to one to two days. Generally, implantation bleeding is not associated with any symptoms, but some women may experience minor cramps in the uterus called as implantation pain.
Implantation pain
As the fertilised embryo burrows itself into the wall of the uterus, some women experience mild implantation pain or cramping. Implantation of the embryo into the uterus wall can cause discomfort and pain.
Difference Between Implantation Bleeding and Menstruation
The main difference between implantation bleeding and regular menstruation lies in the nature of vaginal discharge. In regular menstruation, there is heavy bleeding which can last for three days and the menstrual discharge is red in color, but in implantation bleeding, there is no actual bleeding. Implantation bleeding is like spotting, which is pinkish or brownish in color. It does not last for three days, but in some women, intermittent spotting may occur for one or two days. Usually, it is not associated with the symptoms of menstruation like pain, backache, cramps, etc. Implantation bleeding happens before the date of menstruation, 2 to 7 days prior to your menstruation date. It can be mistaken for menstruation, if the dates coincide. You have to wait for one or two days. If the spotting does not transform into heavy bleeding, then it means that it is implantation bleeding.
In some women, signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding will be more pronounced while some may not even notice it. You shouldn’t worry if you don’t notice any of the above mentioned symptoms. And those who experience it should confirm pregnancy with other tests.
So am I pregnant?
Apart from implantation bleeding, the other symptoms of pregnancy include nausea or vomiting, tender and swollen breasts, frequent urination, fatigue, abdominal bloating and increased sensitivity to odors. If such symptoms develop after implantation bleeding, along with a missed period, they may indicate pregnancy. However, confirmation of pregnancy is done with blood and urine tests as well as obstetric ultrasonography.
When to consult a doctor
If implantation bleeding is accompanied with pain, you should consult a gynecologist, as it may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a complicated condition, where the fertilized ovum gets implanted in any tissue other than the uterine wall. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes.