Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is light bleeding that occurs approximately seven to 10 days after ovulation, when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterus. Not all women experience this kind of bleeding. Some who do mistake it for a period and do not discover a pregnancy until they are further along in gestation. Implantation bleeding is usually not a sign of any problems. However, you should make yourself aware of what is normal and what is not so you know when to call the doctor.

What is Implantation Bleeding?

Women who experience implantation bleeding usually do not need to worry about their unborn child. Because some light cramping and PMS-like symptoms may occur along with the bleeding, women who are not trying to conceive can mistake this kind of bleeding for a short period. It is estimated that between one-quarter and one-third of pregnant women experience this type of bleeding.

If you are trying to get pregnant and experience some bleeding, it is helpful to recognize the signs of implantation bleeding. Signs include:

• Discharge is light pink or brown
• Light cramping
• Bloating
• No “flow”

Even if you are not trying to get pregnant, it is possible your birth control may have failed. If you experience this type of bleeding, take a pregnancy test when you should have your regular period. Taking a pregnancy test only a week after ovulation or at implantation may produce false results. For the most accurate results, wait until you are due to have your period.

In instances where the implantation is mistaken for a period, the baby is usually born three to four weeks earlier than originally estimated. If you find out that you are pregnant and remember experiencing bleeding like this, mention it to your doctor. Then he/she can take proper steps to correctly estimate your baby’s gestational age.

Abnormal Bleeding

Those who are trying to have a baby will be more aware of unusual bleeding. Bleeding that is not menstruation, but a cause for concern will be very different from implantation bleeding. Contact a doctor immediately if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant and experience any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy red flow that is not your period
• Clotting
• Pelvic pain
• Severe cramping, especially that concentrated on one side
• Bleeding that does not stop after five to seven days

These types of bleeding can be signs of more serious complications, like ectopic pregnancy. They may also indicate other health problems not related to pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding will not cause any of the above symptoms.

Doctor’s Perspective

Because many women experience spotting outside of a period and are not pregnant, and many pregnant women have random spotting during their first trimester, some doctors are hesitant to accept implantation bleeding as a widespread phenomenon.

If you are experiencing what you think may be implantation bleeding and think you may be pregnant, ask your doctor to run a pregnancy test to rule out the possibility.

Regardless of your conception status, any bleeding outside of a period that is unusual should be reported to your healthcare provider. Even if you feel it is implantation bleeding, and later test positive for pregnancy, be sure to mention the bleeding to your physician.

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