Implantation bleeding is one of the many pregnancy symptoms that usually occur within a week or two after ovulation when the egg has been successfully fertilized. At this time the fertilized egg travels down to the uterus and attaches itself to the uterus lining. For some, this implantation process can cause slight spotting or bleeding which is perfectly normal.
How heavy is implantation bleeding?
This depends from woman to woman. When an egg is released from the ovary and successfully meets up with a sperm and got fertilized, the fertilized egg will attempt to burrow itself into the uterus lining. At this time, the egg will try to form a link with the blood vessels so it can receive a share of the mother’s oxygen and nutrients. This implantation process will usually take an average of nine days. When the implantation process becomes unsuccessful, the fertilized egg will normally be flushed out of a woman’s body through a menstrual flow.
A woman’s uterus lining is rich with blood and nutrients. When an egg tries to stick into this lining, it is normal that a few drops of blood might have flowed into the cervix and out of the vagina. However, implantation bleeding may not necessarily happen to all pregnant women but it doesn’t mean that there is no pregnancy.
What does implantation bleeding look like?
Implantation bleeding is characterized by a scanty vaginal discharge that looks brownish or pinkish. It usually occurs a week or even just a few days earlier than your expected date of menstrual flow. The spotting are just small amounts of discharges that most women do not notice at all and only takes at least two days. If the spotting is prolonged, it may be an indication of another underlying condition other than implantation.
There are also times that the bleeding may coincide with the actual date of menstruation which makes it confusing for some women to differentiate between implantation bleeding and the start of a menstrual cycle.
Implantation Bleeding or Period: How can we tell; what is the difference?
Because the menstrual period usually starts light and gets heavier, the first stages can be a bit confusing especially for females who experience spotting before proceeding with the normal menstruation flow. Remember that in implantation bleeding there is no actual bleeding happening but only vaginal discharges which are also different from the actual menstrual discharge. During a period, the discharge is red in color while implantation discharge is more pink or brown. If you are still not sure about the discharge you can wait for at least two days until the spotting transforms into heavy bleeding, and if not you can confirm the pregnancy through a pregnancy test kit.
How common is implantation bleeding?
Around 30% of pregnant moms will experience implantation bleeding and it’s perfectly normal. Light spotting is nothing to worry about unless it turns heavier and accompanied by other symptoms like cramping and backache.
When to call a doctor?
As said earlier, implantation bleeding is perfectly normal but if the bleeding comes with backache, cramping and heavy flow, it is best to consult your doctor right away. These occurrences might be indications of another pregnancy-related problem which may lead to a miscarriage if taken lightly.
