Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is a vaginal discharge of blood during the early stages of pregnancy, when the fertilized egg implants to the uterus. Implantation is referred to as the attachment of the fertilized egg (a cluster of cells called as blastocyst) to the lining of uterus. In general, there is a little amount of slightly brown blood getting discharged during implantation and is known as implantation bleeding. It is also called as implantation spotting and usually occurs between 6 to 12 days after ovulation.

Implantation bleeding is not unusual and about 20-30% of women experience spotting. It normally occurs about 4 weeks from the last menstrual cycle and a few days before the next expected period. Many a times, women confuse it to be early periods. In case of an implantation bleeding, the amount of blood is scanty and the color may be pinkish or brownish whereas the blood flow of a normal menstrual cycle is usually red and heavy. In addition, the duration of implantation bleeding may last for a few minutes to a few days, which is comparatively shorter than normal menses.

The signs of implantation bleeding may differ from one pregnant woman to another. Another common symptom of pregnancy is cramps, which can be experienced with or without bleeding. It is due to the fact that the fertilized egg after passing the fallopian tube, attaches itself to the lining of the womb. This causes contraction of the muscles of the womb that may result in mild to moderate pain for about one to two days.

If the amount of blood flow is less and there is no severe cramp or backache, implantation bleeding is considered to be normal. More than 50% cases of women with implantation bleeding have normal conception. However, one should be aware of the normal symptoms and even signs of complication during pregnancy. Some of the symptoms of unusual bleeding include severe cramps at one side, pelvic pain, blood clotting, heavy red blood flow (not like menses) and a period extending to more than 5 days.

For confirmation of pregnancy, one can always go for easy home pregnancy test about 10 days following ovulation. In such pregnancy kits, the urine or blood sample of a woman is tested for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This glycoprotein hormone is secreted by the developing placenta post implantation. Pregnancy is confirmed, if the result of the test is positive.

In order to avoid pregnancy complications, it is better to check the blood type of both the partners before actually planning to conceive. If the Rh factor of the partners are not matching, suppose if one has Rh positive and the another has Rh negative, then it is necessary for the woman to have an Rh- immune globulin injection within 24 hours of implantation bleeding.

Consult a gynecologist or a qualified health specialist if there is heavy discharge of blood or if the duration is longer than normal. It is to be noted that any vaginal bleeding different from the signs of implantation bleeding can be a threatened miscarriage, which can lead to abortion if proper care is not taken.