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Implantation bleeding:
all you need to know
Implantation bleeding: all you need to know
The first thing you need to know about implantation bleeding is that it is a sign that everything evolves as expected. We understand your concern, but do not be afraid. It is some light bleeding that occurs during the first weeks of pregnancy. Generally, it is painless and it happens to a high percentage of women (between 25 and 30%). Being so, a woman may bleed in the beginning of her fist pregnancy and not bleed again in her second. Moreover, it is considered one of the first easy-to-detect symptoms of pregnancy.
We know it is a matter that can cause you confusion and stress, and that is why, from the Vida Fertility Institute team we want to explain to you in a close and easy way everything you need to know so you can identify it yourself.
The IMPLANTATION PHASE
In order to understand how and when the miracle of life occurs, the first thing is to be clear about the trajectory the embryo makes. In other words, it is fertilized until it reaches the maternal uterus to achieve implantation.
Ovulation is where it all starts. That first step is taken by the egg as it leaves the ovary. The microscopic cell will wait for and meet a sperm cell in the fallopian tubes. This is where the union of the two takes place, or fertilisation, and the moment at which cell division of the zygote begins (cell that results from the union of female and male cells).
The embryo, in its first day, will go from being made up of only two cells to reaching 200 cells in blastocyst stage(day 5 to 6).
During this time the embryo has already began its journey, from the fallopian tubes to the uterus, to anchor tightly to the endometrium. After that, it will begin to grow to the complete formation of a baby.
When does the implantation bleeding occur?
It is at this time, between the seventh and tenth day after fertilisation, that implantation will take place. The rupture of some of the blood vessels and capillaries that make up the endometrium will occur together with it, as the endometrium is highly irrigated and thickened to accommodate the embryo. Implantation bleeding habitually occurs between the seventh and 14 days after fertilisation.
This phase of the process is very important as it marks the beginning of pregnancy. Thanks to that proper adherence of the embryo to the inner walls of the uterus, the baby will nourish from what will come to be the placenta, which is not yet formed.
When fertilisation takes place in the laboratory via in vitro fertilization or ICSI, the embryos are cultivated in incubators that maintain cultivation conditions similar to those in the human body. And it is in the blastocyst stage when the embryologist selects the best embryo to transfer to the maternal uterus and have implantation occur.
They are two parallel roads that lead to the same destination: the start of a new life.
How to distinguish implantation bleeding from menstruation?
The problem and possible confusion for the future mom to come to dismiss the onset of pregnancy is that both haemorrhages coincide in time. In regular cycles, the period when bleeding tends to occur is between days 7 and 10. This coincides with the dates when the next menstrual period is due to start.
Nevertheless, the difference between the two is pretty subtle. To differentiate the bleeding after menstruation from the spotting we can observe at the beginning of menstruation, we will give you the keys that will help you identify it below:
- Colour. This trait is important, since it is the first that lets us differentiate one bleeding from another. Bleeding resulting from implantation of the embryo is darker than the one at the start of your period. It is a dark red almost turning brown. Although it may occur to be a bright red or even pink.
- Duration. It is also a key indicator to differentiate them. When bleeding upon embryo implantation, the bleeding period is shorter. It usually lasts for one to three days.
- Amount. The quantity is less when it comes to implantation bleeding and may be intermittent.
- Density. Implantation bleeding is lighter and more diluted than that of menstruation.
Can I notice other symptoms?
Apart from this light bleeding that may be giving us clues about the onset of pregnancy, some women notice other symptoms that, although at first they did not identify as pregnancy-related, over time came to realize its important significance.
These symptoms that, along with the bleeding, may be giving us clues, vary from one woman to another. Some of them are: sensitive breasts, increase in basal temperature, very frequent urination, nausea, headaches, fatigue or malaise, among others.
How should I act if I have a bleeding?
What should I do if I have a bleeding?
As mentioned in the beginning of this article: implantation bleeding is usually painless. We must not forget this detail, since some problems linked to gestation, as are miscarriages, can manifest with a more intense bleeding and pain. Although it is also true that in abortions or ectopic pregnancies this bleeding may not appear.
In our fertility clinic Vida we recommend that you see a specialist in case of any symptoms that may cause you stress or concern. The most important thing in life is your health and peace of mind. Do not forget that.
If you have any more questions or want to speak directly to a fertility specialist, contact us and we will be pleased to accompany you.