Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding can be a confusing thing for women who are trying to conceive, especially if they’re waiting for it to occur as a sign of a successful conception. While it is true that spotting and possibly cramping may signify that you are pregnant, keep in mind that these are also PMS symptoms. In addition, it’s important to remember that to an extent, every woman is unique, and while implantation bleeding may occur to one woman, it may not occur for others.

What is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is a painless, harmless spilling over of some of the blood-filled lining of the uterus when a fertilized egg implants into it. When an egg is released from the ovary, it moves through the fallopian tubes, where it will be fertilized by a sperm if there is one present.

Once fertilized, the egg makes dramatic changes as cells multiply and grow over a period of days. Once just known as an ovum, the fertilized egg is called a Blastocyst by the time it reaches its destination in the uterus. If for some reason an egg was not fertilized after its release, it would be shed along with the uterine lining in the menstrual period – about two weeks after ovulation.

For some women implantation will cause slight bleeding or spotting. This is called implantation bleeding. This is sometimes confused for an early period.

What does implantation bleeding look like?

what does implantation bleeding look like, image: steadyhealth.com

Implantation bleeding, or spotting, does not look like a regular menstrual period. Implantation bleeding is scanty and usually pink or brownish discharge. Many women don’t even notice the few drops of old, brown blood or discharge that result with implantation.

Because most women can’t be sure that they are even pregnant yet, implantation bleeding or spotting is often dismissed as an early period. Implantation bleeding is not bright red – because the blood has taken several hours to move down and out of the uterus it has changed colors and may be dark brown or even black in some cases.

There is no reason to be concerned if you do notice implantation bleeding – as it is a normal occurrence for some women.

Implantation bleeding or menstrual period?

Implantation bleeding normally occurs a week to a few days before your period would normally start. Spotting that occurs around a week after ovulation is likely implantation bleeding; whereas, spotting that occurs very close to the time that your period would normally start may not be.

A normal menstrual cycle generally starts off light and then gets heavier. Spotting can sometimes be the sign of an early period. If this is the case, the spotting will pick up to heavier bleeding. If you have spotting right around the time your period would normally start, it can be more confusing. You will need to take the wait and see approach or take a pregnancy test to determine pregnancy.

How common is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is fairly common with pregnancy. 20 to 30 percent of women will have spotting during early pregnancy. If you have some light spotting before your period would normally start this is not something to worry about and may be a sign of pregnancy.