Implantation Bleeding or Period

Many women who are awaiting pregnancy are sometimes worried by a certain occurrence of bleeding that seems different than their period, and are confused whether it is implantation bleeding or period. This sudden occasion of bleeding is likely to be characterized as implantation bleeding; which is the abrupt loss of blood from the vagina which normally appears slightly different from menstrual bleeding as it may contain a minute quantity of either brownish or pinkish blood. The easiest way to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and a period is the time when it occurs, because implantation bleeding occurring outside the usual time period.

 

The main cause of implantation bleeding is the attachment of the embryo to the uterus wall. It takes place near the concluding stages of the implantation process, where a special tissue with a specific job called trophoblast which develops from the embryo and encloses it. This tissue then attaches itself with the uterus wall called endometrium and starts to burrow itself into it. The trophoblast also enters many of the blood vessels and causes them to crack. This, in turn causes them to leak and collect into the cavities found in the trophoblast, which are connected to the other cavities forming channels of blood in the tissue. As these cavities slowly approach the voids and craters in the uterus, they are expelled from the embryo, causing the implantation bleeding.

 

Implantation bleeding normally occurs about four weeks after the previous menstrual bleeding, which is about a week after ovulation. Implantation bleeding differs from menstrual bleeding because of the fact that it does not come with any other form of pain, such as back ache or cramping. In addition, such bleeding is not as heavy as menstrual bleeding, usually appearing like a few spots of brown blood. This form of bleeding is considered to be normal for anyone who is expecting pregnancy and usually poses no threat to the individual or to the success of the pregnancy.

 

To clearly understand whether it is implantation bleeding or period, the following pointers have been assembled:

Implantation bleeding occurs about a few days or a week before the scheduled time of a woman’s period. Even if only spotting occurs, its occurrence after a week of ovulation may indicate it to be implantation bleeding. However, if spotting occurs just before the usual time when a period is supposed to occur, it will most likely be just a period.

The most normal pattern of menstrual bleeding is that it will start slowly and will gradually increase to heavier bleeding. Furthermore, spotting may not always indicate implantation bleeding, and may just mean the period is starting ahead of time. If it actually is menstrual bleeding, it will lead to a greater amount of bleeding, whereas implantation bleeding may only last as spotting and will end swiftly afterwards.

 

The most effective method to differentiate whether it is implantation bleeding or period is to wait and see the outcomes. This will allow one to accurately specify the type of bleeding after it has occurred. In addition, an individual who is not willing to wait may opt for a pregnancy test, although it may be negative.