Implantation Symptoms (Implantation Bleeding)
What Is Implantation Bleeding?
Although a missed period is often the telltale sign of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can be one as well. As contradictory as that may sound, it makes sense when you understand something called implantation bleeding. The concept is simple enough. In order for an egg to grow properly, it needs to dig itself into the uterus lining, and this digging can cause the uterus to bleed. For many women, implantation bleeding is the first sign of pregnancy. The digging in is also known as implantation, hence the strange-sounding name.
When Does It Take Place?
Implantation bleeding generally takes place one to two weeks after ovulation. The bleeding occurs just before a period in a normal menstrual cycle, which can create a misunderstanding and lead a woman to believe that she’s simply having an early period. In order to differentiate between implantation bleeding and a period, a woman must pay close attention to the blood.
Difference Between Implantation Bleeding And Period
For women who normally experience a thick and heavy flow, the difference will be noticeable at once, as implantation bleeding is light and spotty. Those who produce a naturally light flow can tell the two apart by the color of the blood. Period blood is often times red. It can also be brown if the blood is old, and sometimes black. Implantation bleeding is pinkish or brown. The difference is subtle but noticeable to a woman familiar with her flow. The best method of detection is combining all three traits to form an educated guess – early bleeding, lighter than usual, and a different color. Also, a regular period will often get heavier, while implantation bleeding will stay spotty.
When To Test For Pregnancy After Implantation Bleeding
Once a woman has reached this stage of deduction, she’ll probably want to take a pregnancy test. Since it can take up to ten days past ovulation for the urine to collect enough Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (the hormone detected by pregnancy tests) and as little as six days past ovulation for implantation bleeding, it might be a good idea to hold off for a few days before taking the big test. It’s also important to note that, although women generally experience these occurrences at the same time, the time frame can vary, as it depends on how fast the egg travels down the fallopian tube.
Other Signs of Pregnancy
If a woman does not experience implantation bleeding, that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s not pregnant. Implantation bleeding only takes place in around thirty percent of pregnant women. Thankfully, as any mother will tell you, implantation bleeding is not the only sign of pregnancy. The most obvious warning is a missed period, but there are more subtle signs. No less than a week after conception, breasts can become swollen and overly sensitive, and fatigue may set in. Some women experience nausea (or morning sickness) as early as two weeks after conception. Unusual food cravings, back and head pain, an an increase in the need to urinate are also signs of pregnancy, and can last until delivery.
Conclusion
If a woman knows her body well and pays close attention, chances are good that she can determine whether or not she is pregnant as soon as possible. As long as a woman feels okay while it is happening, implantation bleeding is nothing to be concerned about. Once her pregnancy test comes up positive, she should make an appointment with her doctor at once to begin prenatal care and learn as much as she can about what is going to transpire over the next eight months.