Implantation happens when the embryo attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, more specifically to the endometrium. Yes, that same endometrium that we eliminate every cycle during menstruation is prepared precisely to harbor the embryo in its earliest stages. That’s where it implants after fertilization and where it develops until the placenta is formed.
The implantation of the fertilized egg (zygote) in the uterine wall is a crucial moment of pregnancy. This process is called implantation and, sometimes, it can go unnoticed by the woman. Some women who are more sensitive to their bodies’ signs can easily recognize the symptoms of implantation1. And it’s easier to identify implantation if you know which symptoms to look for.
Right after implantation, the level of progesterone rises in the body and can produce symptoms similar to those of pregnancy. However, these are not yet pregnancy signs themselves, but just implantation symptoms. They indicate that something different is happening in the woman’s body.
Most Common Implantation Symptoms
- Small amounts of brown, pink or watery bleeding, lasting a maximum of 3 days, without a strong flow or bright color, and not intense
- Cramping similar to menstrual cramps
- Mild twinges in the lower abdomen
Implantation symptoms can appear between 7 and 15 days after the fertile period, if fertilization took place. Therefore, implantation only happens if the embryo attaches and pregnancy occurs. Pregnancy truly begins with implantation.
When Do Implantation Symptoms Occur?
The average time for implantation to occur is between 7 and 15 days. Outside the norm, some women may experience implantation symptoms much later, at the end of the cycle and close to the expected period date. In cases of late ovulation, implantation symptoms can show up as late as 15 days after the expected ovulation date, leading to several days of waiting for menstruation with negative beta HCG and pregnancy tests in hand.
IMPORTANT: With implantation, the symptoms can vary greatly from one woman to another. Some may feel them clearly, while for others, they can be almost unnoticeable.
HCG is a hormone produced in large quantities when the embryo implants itself2. Although, in rare cases, it can also be produced by some tumors, this hormone is characteristic of pregnancy as it is produced by the body after the zygote implants in the endometrium. This confuses many women.
Let’s remember again that implantation may or may not present symptoms, and most often, the symptoms are very subtle and hard to notice. However, it is possible to detect them. To be sure, we recommend the Famivita pregnancy test, which has the highest sensitivity on the market, 10 mIU. This means you can take the test up to 3 days before your expected next period. You can find the test here.
Another implantation symptom that should be mentioned is mid-cycle bleeding. Sexually active women can get pregnant during their fertile period, and bleeding that appears 15 to 20 days after menstruation may not be related to implantation. Actually, most of the time, mid-cycle bleeding is from ovulation3! Not all light, brown bleeding is implantation. Implantation bleeding is only that which happens after a positive pregnancy test.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implantation Symptoms
I had dark, scant bleeding. It looked more like a stain that came and went over several days. Is this an implantation symptom?
It could be. However, not every dark, spotty bleed can be considered implantation bleeding. These types of bleeding can happen for other reasons, such as low progesterone or using contraceptives. Bleeding is only an implantation symptom if, after 2 or 3 days, a pregnancy test is positive. Otherwise, it may be due to another cause.
Did I only get pregnant if I had bleeding as an implantation symptom?
No, the vast majority of pregnant women do not have bleeding. Only a small minority will have bleeding as a symptom. Most experience only cramps and lower abdominal pain as implantation symptoms.
When does the test become positive after implantation symptoms?
There are two types of tests that can be taken: the pharmacy test (using urine) and the laboratory test (using blood). In theory, about 24 hours later the pharmacy test could be positive. But not every body reacts the same way. You should wait until your HCG rises enough to give a positive result on the pharmacy or blood test. The ideal is to wait for your next expected period to confirm, or as close to that date as possible. There are some more sensitive pregnancy tests that can detect HCG levels even before a missed period, like the Famivita test we mentioned earlier.
Is there any risk if I had implantation bleeding?
No, implantation bleeding does not pose risks. It can happen due to a small scraping that the embryo causes as it implants in the thickened endometrium. It’s only worrying if the bleeding lasts more than 3 days or if it turns a bright red color, as in a period. It’s important to do a test if the bleeding is light, just a little discharge. If there is a flow, rule out implantation bleeding and consider it as menstruation.
Remember that each body reacts differently to pregnancy. Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy, your body may respond differently this time. I, as a mother of 3, only had implantation bleeding once, and it caught me by surprise. Bleeding lasting more than 3 days is unlikely to be implantation, even if scant. If unsure, take a beta test 5 days after the bleeding begins.
Readers’ Questions:
How can I increase my chances of implantation?
To increase your chances of implantation, nothing is better than really knowing your cycle and your fertile window. Having intercourse during your fertile period is the best way to get a positive result more quickly. It’s also important to maintain healthy habits, with all the vitamins and nutrients that favor a pregnancy.
What is implantation like with twins?
Implantation with twins has no different symptoms from implantation of a single fetus. The symptoms are exactly the same.
How does the cervix feel during implantation?
Usually, the cervix during implantation is closed, high, and soft, but there are many cases where this may vary.
What can hinder implantation?
Several factors can interfere with implantation, such as: thin endometrium, non-trilaminar endometrium, irregular endometrium, and bicornuate or septate uterus. Only after tests can a gynecologist diagnose the true cause of the problem.
See also: Female Fertile Period – How to Calculate the Right Day for Ovulation and
Endometrium and Pregnancy – A Perfect Match
