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. Implantation bleeding 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 a 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 phenomenon.
Implantation Signs and Symptoms
- Implantation cramps. There are small cramps in the uterus.
- Implantation spotting. These are short brief spottings. Usually, it’s a couple of drops that are light or dark. It is not the regular color of a usual cycle.
- Change in body temperature. It is not normal during the first seven to ten days after ovulation has occurred.
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 accompanied by backache, cramps or it is more blood flow than usual, then there is nothing to worry about.
Different stages of pregnancy may present bleeding problems and occurrences. A simple solution such as the enforcement and inclusion of a pregnancy pillow during rest or sleep is not enough to reduce or eliminate bleeding problems during pregnancy. It is important to consult a doctor if and when irregular bleeding and vaginal secretion is experienced in any of the three stages of pregnancy.
As mentioned, period during pregnancy may be all too common among a majority of women during the first few days of implantation. It is important to note that implantation bleeding is somewhat painless and only lasts for a short period of time. In cases where bleeding is continuous and pain is somewhat felt as well, it is best to consult a doctor to eliminate the possibility of more serious complications such as ectopic pregnancy and alike.
On the other hand, period after pregnancy is far too common as this means that a woman’s internal reproductive parts are going back to their normal state. Hormone levels are restored to their typical behavior as well as the amount and the environment inside a woman’s reproductive system is being prepared for the normal menstrual cycle as well.
Bleeding during Pregnancy
- Bleeding during the first trimester. The first three months are called first trimester pregnancy. 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 does not pose any threat to the baby and the mother. However, you will be restricted from doing rigorous activities and must observe celibacy. To make sure that the pregnancy is going well, it is highly recommended to undergo or request for a sonogram or ultrasound.
- Bleeding during the second trimester. Bleeding during second trimester pregnancy 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 the third trimester. This is a grave concern because the third trimester pregnancy is the most delicate of months before delivery. Any kind of bleeding during this period is an emergency because it might already be a sign of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal deaths. Placenta-related problems such as placental detachment from the uterine lining is the reason why there is bleeding. Consult with your OBGYN as soon as you can.
Despite the complication of hemorrhage, it is all but normal to experience minimal expulsion of vaginal discharge during third trimester pregnancy. Mucus plug pregnancy is normal as the mucus plug serves as the protective barrier between a fetus’ internal and external environment. Mucus plug pregnancy secretions should be clear and odorless during the first two stages of pregnancy.
Implantation Bleeding and the Mucus Plug
As the date of delivery matures, the mucus plug becomes cloudy, often with a tinge of pink or red. This may signal impending labor and child delivery. This bleeding should be verified with a doctor as well so as to ensure that no infection or problem is encountered by both the mother and the unborn baby.
Other Concerns
Patients blame themselves for vaginal 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 grows and develops 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. It is best to 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, it is still best to 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.
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