Theodoros Manfredi Implantation is what happens when the sperm fertilizes the ova. This occurs in the fallopian tube near the ovaries, and after this the fertilized egg will move itself to the lining of the uterus around five days after fertilization is complete. Around six to twelve days after the implantation bleeding occurs. This occurs as the lining of the uterus has blood in it which then escapes when the ova attaches itself. This is what we know as implantation bleeding, and this is a great indicator that a couple has been successful in fertilization when trying for a baby.
Bear in mind however that not all women will experience implantation bleeding – this only occurs in around 24-40% of cases. Likewise just because you have experienced implantation in a previous pregnancy, does not mean that you will experience it in all future pregnancies.
Being able to identify the symptoms of implantation then is a highly useful skill for couples and anyone trying for a baby is likely to be on the lookout for signs of implantation. Here we will look at the implantation bleeding symptoms, what they are, and how to spot them.
Implantation Bleeding Symptoms
Implantation bleeding is very different from menstrual bleeding and is much lighter appearing in small light patches. For this reason implantation bleeding is sometimes referred to as ‘spotting’. At the same time, implantation bleeding is generally a different color to menstrual bleeding. Usually this will be a pinkish or brownish color, sometimes with ‘specks’ of the more normal rare (though this is rare). No clots are passed during spotting.
The length of implantation bleeding is normally around 1-3 days and is rarely longer. As implantation bleeding is so much less heavy than menstrual bleeding, women can make do with an underwear liner during this time.
However some aspects of implantation bleeding are more akin to menstrual pain – for instance it is not uncommon to experience cramping and breast tenderness during implantation bleeding which is easy to confuse for the symptoms of menstrual bleeding.
Other symptoms of pregnancy might point to implantation bleeding as the cause. These include nausea, food cravings or aversion, constipation, breast tenderness and fatigue.