I’ve heard many questions about this so-called implantation. Especially doubts about whether a bleeding is implantation or menstruation. So I decided to tell you all about implantation in more detail! Do you know what implantation is? Implantation is when the zygote attaches itself to the uterus. The zygote is the egg fertilized by the sperm. After fertilization, its cells multiply rapidly. Meanwhile, the zygote travels through the fallopian tubes until it reaches the uterus and attaches to the endometrium, which is the layer that lines the inside of the uterus. But it’s not possible to say that every light bleeding is implantation bleeding. Implantation occurs in every pregnancy without exception, but the bleeding it may cause is not always noticed by all women.
The implantation bleeding happens because the embryo needs to attach itself deeply to the endometrium1. It’s as if it “burrows” into the endometrium until it is securely attached, so there won’t be a risk of miscarriage from detachment. But sometimes this little “hole” in the endometrium does not cause bleeding that can be noticed.
So if you are past your fertile period and are waiting for a sign to know if you are pregnant, don’t get too excited about implantation bleeding. After all, it doesn’t always happen. I have experienced both situations, and my implantation bleeding was very apparent during my last pregnancy. I had a very visible implantation bleeding and even thought it was the start of my period.
Implantation bleeding
Implantation bleeding or period? There’s always a lot of doubt about what implantation bleeding is like, so let’s clear it up! Implantation bleeding can show up in a variety of different ways2. It can look like a brownish discharge, be a light pink blood, or even a thin line of bright red blood. Many times, as happened with me, it can be mistaken for the start of a period.
But how can you tell if it’s implantation bleeding or a period? It’s simple! Menstruation usually increases in volume over the days. Implantation, on the other hand, usually stops on the same day or at most lasts 2 days. It comes in a minimal amount, only enough to stain your underwear or not even that, sometimes just appearing on toilet paper when you wipe.
If the bleeding stops or remains very light, the best thing to do is take a pregnancy test3. Even if it comes back negative, it’s worth it because you can take the right action if it’s positive. In my case, I had to use vaginal Ultrogestan. It’s better to be safe than sorry, isn’t it? To help you out and clear up this doubt, Famivita has highly sensitive pregnancy tests. Their sensitivity is only 10mUI, so they can easily show if you’re pregnant even before your period is late.
Frequently asked questions from readers!
To help readers even more, I’ve included below the most common questions that keep coming up in the comments. If you still have questions, you can leave them below.
Is implantation bleeding supposed to always happen?
No, usually implantation bleeding does not appear for all women. In fact, most women do not have visible implantation bleeding. They may only realize that implantation happened and they are really pregnant once their period is late. In some cases it might show up only as a streak on your underwear, or a very light mark on toilet paper when you wipe after peeing. Even so, implantation bleeding can last from 3 to 5 days.
What are the symptoms of implantation?
The symptoms of implantation can be just a few twinges, some mild cramping like a light period pain. Sometimes there can also be cramps in the area where the baby attaches. Other times, implantation symptoms might include a rise in temperature. The woman may start to feel warmer because, with the embryo attaching, progesterone starts being secreted in larger amounts by the corpus luteum. This keeps your temperature higher. But sometimes a woman has no implantation symptoms. She might only notice she’s pregnant if her period doesn’t come or if there is a light blood stain like old blood.
How to tell the difference between a period and implantation?
This is the most frequently asked question: how do you know if it’s a period or implantation? It’s not always easy to tell, but it’s not an impossible mission. The brown-tinged period tends to get heavier, and implantation tends to stop. You may still be unsure whether it’s your period or implantation because some women can have very little bleeding due to contraceptive use or a cycle that’s out of the ordinary. So, to know the difference, only a blood or pharmacy test will do. I always recommend taking a test or exam 5 to 7 days after the brownish or faint pink bleeding stops. Ideally, take a pregnancy test as soon as your period is late.
What does implantation look like and how soon after sex can it appear?
The appearance of implantation can be very similar to the start of a period; it can be a pinkish fluid with brownish mucus or just dark brown like old blood. Usually implantation bleeding is not bright red and not in large quantity. It also doesn’t bleed much, even if there is just one day of bright blood. If you had bright red blood and brown blood on other days, it’s very likely your period. Implantation can happen from 7 to 15 days after intercourse and it’s not always noticeable.
How can I increase the chances of implantation?
The best way to increase your chances of implantation is to have sex frequently during the fertile period. In other words, increase your overall chances of getting pregnant. Knowing your menstrual cycle well helps to identify more accurately the exact fertile window. You can also use methods that help pregnancy happen more quickly. There are tools that can help, like ovulation tests to identify the right time to have intercourse, and water-based lubricating gels that do not harm sperm.
What is implantation like in twin pregnancies?
People really believe that implantation and conception in general is different for twins or more babies compared to a single baby. However, there is no evidence whatsoever that there are different symptoms in the implantation of twins, and the symptoms are considered the same.
See also: What Is Corpus Luteum and Its Importance at the Beginning of Pregnancy?
