All You Need To Know About Implantation Bleeding

What is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is a type of bleeding which occurs when the fertilised ovum gets implanted on the uterine wall. Rupturing of the blood vessels at the site of implantation leads to implantation bleeding. It manifests in the form of light bleeding or spotting as well as mild cramping.

The process of the egg moving can lead to light bleeding or spotting, which is entirely normal and typically doesn't necessitate medical attention. However, it is always wise to be careful and seek medical attention if you feel the need to. Your health insurance plan can support you with the expense of the medical support you may need.

In general, about one-third of women who are pregnant will experience implantation bleeding. This type of bleeding typically occurs approximately 10-14 days after conception, and is typically a pink or brown colour. More often than not, it will appear as a spot on your underwear or on toilet paper when you wipe. Some women may experience implantation bleeding for several days, while others might notice it just once.

Symptoms

The main sign of implantation bleeding is light spotting or bleeding. You may need a thin pad to catch the blood. If cramping happens, it should be very mild and less painful than typical menstrual cramps. Sometimes, implantation bleeding might come with other early pregnancy signs such as:

• Headaches

• Sore breasts

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Fatigue

How to Know It’s Implantation Bleeding

To know if it's implantation bleeding, you have to observe the symptoms and the pattern of bleeding. If the bleeding is light, similar to spotting and pinkish or brownish in colour, it could be implantation bleeding. However, to be certain, you should consult a gynaecologist.

Implantation Bleeding vs. Period

To understand implantation bleeding vs. period, you must first grasp the differences between the two:

• Implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting, while a period is heavy bleeding.

• Implantation bleeding may require to use thin panty liner, while period will need a pad or tampon to manage the heavy bleeding. During periods, you need to change your pad frequently, whereas during implantation bleeding, a single panty liner is sufficient to absorb the blood.

• Implantation bleeding results in mild, negligible cramps, while periods result in heavy cramps in your lower abdomen.

• Implantation bleeding appears in the form of pinkish or brownish blood stains, while periods bring heavy red blood along with clots.

• Implantation bleeding indicates that fertilisation of the ovum has occurred, while periods suggest no fertilisation or pregnancy.

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Implantation bleeding typically lasts shorter than menstrual bleeding or periods. Implantation bleeding may last for a couple of hours to a maximum of two days.

Treatment

Implantation bleeding is normal and usually does not require any treatment. Implantation bleeding marks the start of pregnancy, and it is not at all a medical emergency for which you need to see a doctor. However, if you notice heavy bleeding all of a sudden or if the bleeding continues for more than two days along with pain, there might be some other issues, which you need to discuss with your doctor. In such cases, prompt medical attention is needed.

Other Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Apart from implantation bleeding, there might be several causes of bleeding during pregnancy. Some other causes of bleeding during pregnancy are:

• Changes in the cervix: During pregnancy, the cervix may become highly sensitive, causing light bleeding.

• Changes in hormonal levels: Pregnancy causes your body to require additional hormones, which may lead to mild bleeding.

• Ectopic pregnancy: If pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, such as in a woman’s fallopian tube, it can cause bleeding.

• Cervical polyps: Cervical polyps are noncancerous nodules growing on the cervix. These nodules are responsible for bleeding during pregnancy.

• Infection: If a woman is suffering from sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia or urinary tract infections, she may bleed during pregnancy.

• Placenta previa: In case the placenta covers your cervix entirely, bleeding is common in pregnancy.

• Placental abruption: This rare situation arises when the placenta gets detached from the uterine wall, causing a woman to bleed in pregnancy.

• Miscarriage: When a woman experiences a miscarriage or loss of pregnancy, she suffers from bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I rest during implantation bleeding?

Yes, you must rest during implantation bleeding, and don’t indulge in strenuous activities.

2. What should I specifically avoid during implantation bleeding?

Try to avoid excessive hot showers and hot compresses on your lower abdomen. Doing these activities may impact implantation adversely.

3. How common is implantation bleeding?

About 1 in 4 pregnant women, or nearly 25% women experience implantation bleeding.