Although it may initially cause some concern, implantation bleeding may actually be one of the first signs of pregnancy. This slight bleeding often alerts women who are trying to get pregnant because it can often be mistaken for a period.
Here at our fertility clinic we have prepared this post to explain what implantation bleeding consists of, what it is due to and how we can recognize it. Being informed and knowing how to “listen” to our body is the best way to avoid worrying ourselves.
What is Implantation Bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is light bleeding that occurs 10-14 days after conception. This slight bleeding is actually common: 3 out of 10 women experience it and it does not imply that there is any risk during pregnancy.
However, let’s clarify that not all women will experience implantation bleeding or spotting. In fact, it’s possible that the same woman does not experience it in all her pregnancies.
Why Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?
Implantation bleeding occurs when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. We will briefly explain this process:
- Fertilization occurs when the sperm enters the ovum giving rise to the zygote. In approximately 72 hours, the zygote becomes a morula and about 4-5 days later it becomes a blastocyst.
- The blastocyst travels from the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where it adheres to the endometrium, the mucous membrane that covers the inside of the uterus, and remains there for the rest of the pregnancy. This is what we know as embryonic implantation.
- Embryo implantation is essential for the development of the embryo because it allows it to receive oxygen and the necessary nutrients during the first stage of pregnancy.
- During this adhesion process, a slight tearing of the endometrium and the rupture of some blood vessels usually occurs. This can cause a slight loss of blood and, after a couple of days, light bleeding known as implantation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding sometimes does not occur or goes unnoticed, but in some women it is more evident. Many women are alarmed when they see it, thinking that they are spotting because something is wrong or mistaking it for a period. However, implantation bleeding is not a bad sign. It may be one of the first signs of pregnancy and it is harmless to our health.
Therefore, here at Clínica Fertia we want to give you some tips that can help you identify implantation bleeding and differentiate it from menstruation.
How to Recognize Implantation Bleeding
It is very common for implantation bleeding to be confused with a period. The differences are often subtle, so it is important to pay special attention to these four aspects:
- The colour: implantation bleeding usually has darker, brown tones instead of intense reds, and this difference can be seen with the naked eye.
- The amount: the flow should be considerably less than that produced during menstruation. Sometimes it consists of only a few drops or a small blood stain.
- The density: implantation bleeding is usually lighter and more diluted than menstruation.
- The duration: it usually lasts between 1 and 3 days. It is normally shorter than a regular period and never lasts more than 5 days.
During implantation bleeding, if a pregnancy test is taken, the result may not be reliable, as it is usually too early to detect the pregnancy hormone or chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
During these days it is always advisable to pay special attention to your body. Many women also observe other signs that can help identify whether or not they are pregnant, such as breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue, tiredness, headaches or increased basal temperature. These may be some of the first symptoms of pregnancy.
If the bleeding lasts more than 4-5 days, is heavy or accompanied by severe abdominal pain, it is advisable to go to the clinic.
If you are waiting for the results of an IVF, ICSI, egg donation, ROPA method or any other fertility treatment, we want to send you a reassuring message. It is important not to obsess over symptoms because, although some may coincide with the first signs of pregnancy, many of them are caused by the medication itself.
Try to relax and enjoy the process until the day of your beta test. And remember that if you need to, you can always call the clinic to clarify any concerns or ask questions regarding the medication and your symptoms.
If you are trying to get pregnant, we recommend that you come to Clínica Fertia for a preconception consultation, especially if you suffer from any illness such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases or if you have experienced complications in previous pregnancies.
During this first preconception consultation, our team will check your general health status and provide you with guidelines to improve your chances of getting pregnant while helping you avoid risks and possible complications.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are always here to help you.
