Signs and Symptoms of Implantation Bleeding

Implantation denotes the attachment of the fertilized egg to the walls of the uterus. During the process of implantation, the fertilized egg penetrates the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) to form links with the mother's blood vessels, in order to receive oxygen and nutrients which are necessary for its growth. In some cases, the attachment process may cause some bleeding, which is called implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding is a sign of pregnancy, but its absence does not mean that that there is no pregnancy. In short, every pregnant woman may not experience this bleeding.

When Does it Occur?

Implantation bleeding or spotting normally happens just before the expected date of menstruation. The average date of menstruation is calculated as the fourteenth day from the date of ovulation (the cycle may vary between women) and implantation bleeding occurs between six to twelve days after ovulation. In other words, implantation bleeding usually occurs in the third or fourth week from the date of the last menstrual period. In some women, it may be like intermittent spotting, which may last for a few minutes or a couple of days.

Signs of Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is the scanty or spotty vaginal discharge, which is pinkish or brownish and not red like a normal period. Generally, implantation bleeding is not associated with any symptoms, but some women may experience minor cramps in the uterus and an increase in the basal body temperature (lowest temperature attained by the body during rest, usually during sleep).

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 are also present along with implantation bleeding, you can confirm pregnancy. If implantation bleeding is accompanied with pain, you should consult a gynecologist, as it may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, which 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, but can also occur in the cervix, ovaries or abdomen.

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. It is like spotting, which is pinkish or brownish in color. Usually, it is not associated with the symptoms of menstruation like pain, backache, cramps, etc. It does not last for three days, but in some women, intermittent spotting may occur for one or two days. Implantation bleeding happens before the date of menstruation (2 to 7 days prior to 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.

Even though some experts doubt the very presence of this phenomenon, studies show that about one-third of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding and there is no health problem associated with it. Its absence is not a cause of worry and those who experience it should confirm pregnancy with other tests.