All About Implantation Bleeding Every Woman Should Know

WHAT IS IMPLANTATION BLEEDING?

Implantation bleeding is a light bleeding, that occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the interior lining of the uterus.This light bleeding is completely normal and does not require any kind of medical attention. It might look similar to menstrual bleeding, but one should not be confused as it isn’t the same.

Implantation bleeding is usually considered as a normal occurrence during early pregnancy. However, this often occurs before you test positive on a pregnancy test.

It can be hard to determine whether this mild bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy or just normal spotting leading up to normal menstruation.

COMMON SIGNS OF IMPLANTATION BLEEDING

Common signs of Implantation bleeding are –

• The discharge maybe black or brown.
• Discharge can also be occasionally pink.
• Mostly the discharge isn’t fresh blood.

Tightness in the lower abdomen region.

• There can be mild cramping.
• Bleeding doesn’t get heavy.
• There is only mild spotting.
• Bleeding doesn’t last for many days.
• Mood swings.
• Nausea.
• Tenderness of breast.
• Headache.

WHEN DOES IMPLANTATION BLEEDING OCCUR?

This usually starts 6-12 days after ovulation.It occurs before the time you would expect to have a period, maybe a week or 10 days before.

The chances of the bleeding being an implantation bleeding reduce if it happens very close to the period when the menstruation was meant to happen.

The closer the bleeding occurs to the scheduled time of menstruation, the lesser is its chances of being an implantation bleeding.

WHAT DOES IMPLANTATION BLEEDING LOOK LIKE?

It usually has a different color to that of the regular menstrual bleeding. It may be brown or black in color as it isn’t fresh blood.

However, occasionally this blood may also appear pink in some women.

HOW LONG DOES IMPLANTATION BLEEDING LAST?

Implantation bleeding lasts for a very short duration of time and only a few drops of blood is shed looks like a spotting. It could happen only for a few hours or sometimes 2-3 days.

While menstruation starts with a light bleeding that gets heavier gradually, implantation bleeding occurs as a light bleeding, that doesn’t get heavier with time and stops on its own just like menstruation.

IS IMPLANTATION BLEEDING PAINFUL?

Implantation pain is very mild. Implantation cramping happens when the zygote attaches to the endometrium lining. This happens after the fertilization takes place.

Implantation cramps may also be caused by ovarian cysts, expanding ligaments or hormonal changes. The pain doesn’t last too long and can be accompanied with additional symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue, mood swings etc. You may also feel tightness in the lower stomach.

However, There are many women who do not feel the effect of Implantation cramping. Sometimes, there is mild or no pain at all along with very little or no bleeding.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IMPLANTATION BLEEDING AND MENSTRUATION

1) Difference in color

Implantation bleeding is pink, brown or black as the blood isn’t fresh.

In menstruation, the blood is fresh and usually red.

2) Amount of bleeding

Implantation bleeding is very mild and it often leaves only a little spot behind. This is known as Implantation spotting. It doesn’t turn into heavier bleeding.

Menstruation starts with light bleeding that becomes heavier gradually.

3) Pain

Implantation cramping is mild. Sometimes there is no pain at all.

Menstrual cramping is more painful compared to Implantation cramping.

4) Duration

Implantation bleeding may last only for a few hours or 2 days.

Menstruation typically lasts for 4-7 days.

5) Timing

Implantation bleeding occurs before the scheduled time of menstruation. It occurs mostly a week or ten days before and stops in a short duration.

Menstruation usually occurs at its scheduled time. Even In the case of early menstruation the bleeding doesn’t stop in a short duration of time and gets heavier.

HOW TO DEAL WITH IMPLANTATION CRAMPING?

If you are experiencing pain due to Implantation, hydrate yourself. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and indulge in light exercises such as walking.

You may also take a warm bath or try meditation and yoga.

WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR?

Following symptoms are considered abnormal-

• Abnormally heavy blood discharge.
• Bleeding more than 4 days.
• Intolerable pain.
• The presence of pinkish or grayish tissues in the discharge.
• Lightheadedness.
• Excruciating pain in lower abdomen.

These symptoms must not be taken lightly. Seek medical attention and care if you are experiencing these symptoms.