Implantation bleeding is a form of vaginal discharge containing pink, brown or reddish blood cells. It is often mistaken by women to be a regular period. Spotting in a woman’s undergarment is one of the foremost signs of pregnancy. However, this implantation bleed is not universal in all cases of pregnancy. Studies shows that nearly one-third of all conceived women experience this type of bleeding.
Six to twelve days after fertilization, when the fertilized egg is attached into the uterus wall, bleeding at implantation may start to occur. Sometimes, the time period of its occurrence matches the actual time of a woman’s regular period. As a result, many women get confused and tend to mistake implant bleeding for their regular period. Implant bleeding may last for 3-4 days, while at other times; it lasts for less than a day.
During the first trimester, the ovum attaches itself in the uterine wall causing a small amount of bleeding. The ovum or fertilized egg links itself to the blood circulatory system of the mother’s body through the uterus by getting implanting itself in its wall and causes the aforementioned implantation bleed.
Women sometimes find it difficult to differentiate between a normal period and this type of spotting. It should be reminded that implant bleeding does not cause heavy bleeding like a regular period. Moreover, implant bleeding does not last as long as a regular period, and the color of the blood cells also differs. The color of the discharge during implant bleeding ranges from light pink to brown, unlike the color of the blood in a regular period, which is deep red.
If implant bleeding is suspected, the first measure that can be taken is to go for a pregnancy test. Many women prefer taking home pregnancy tests before they go to see a doctor. Home pregnancy tests work fine as long the hormone, hCG, is present in the right amount in the urine. However, with negative pregnancy results, women can see a doctor to clear any doubts. Many women believe that these tests do not work during implant bleeding. However, this is not true. Home pregnancy tests can give accurate results even during the time in which such bleeding occurs.
There is no need to be concerned when this type of spotting occurs, but it has to be checked whether it is associated with other signs including cramping, backaches and/or heavy bleeding. These symptoms obviously deserve concern. Besides, other factors like miscarriage, vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases may also be responsible for causing bleeding. Bleeding accompanied by a severe ache in the abdominal region could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic infections and abrasions resulting from sexual intercourse can also cause bleeding. In all such cases, a doctor should be seen immediately in order to diagnose the factors responsible for bleeding and to prevent worsening of the situation.
Since most women do not have to go through this type of vaginal bleeding, women need not stress themselves out over this matter. However, women should look for signs of where the implantation bleed, as it are one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy, and then they should immediately see a doctor if they suspect having implant bleeding to confirm pregnancy.