Implantation Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Implantation bleeding is a normal part of Pregnancy which almost 25% of Pregnant women experience. It is a normal physiological phenomenon which occurs during the pregnancy. Let us read on to learn more about what causes Implantation bleeding, what are its symptoms and how to recognize it, how is it different from your period, whether are there any treatment options and what other causes cause bleeding in Pregnancy.

What is Implantation bleeding?

When the sperm of a man fertilizes with the ovum of a woman, it forms an embryo. The embryo travels to the uterus and gets attached to the inner uterine lining called the endometrium to develop into a full-grown baby. This process of an embryo getting attached to the endometrium is called Implantation. As the embryo is disrupting the endometrium to get attached, there is mild bleeding from the endometrium, which is called Implantation bleeding.

When does Implantation bleeding occur?

Implantation bleeding generally happens about 6 to 12 days after the fertilization of the sperm and ovum to form an embryo. It usually coincides with the time when your regular period is due. So, many women might mistake Implantation bleeding for a light Period. You might not know that you are pregnant if you don’t take a Pregnancy test.

What are the symptoms of Implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding can be seen even before you develop nausea or morning sickness due to Pregnancy. Below are its symptoms:

• The blood flow is very light, often spotting
• The bleeding can be Pink or brownish
• It can last for a few hours to a few days
• There is no abdominal pain or cramping
• Any clots are not seen in the bleeding.

Implantation bleeding can be accompanied by other symptoms of Pregnancy along with light spotting like:

• Passing urine more frequently than usual
• Nausea or sensation to vomit or morning sickness
• Pain and Heaviness in breasts
• Mood changes
• Craving for certain types of foods
• Headache
• Feeling fatigued

How to Differentiate Implantation Bleeding and Your Period?

We already discussed that Implantation bleeding might be mistaken for your normal Period if you are not cautious about the differences between the two of them. So, let’s learn how to differentiate both of them:

• Implantation bleeding lasts for a few hours to less than 3 days, while your Period might last from 3 to 5 days in most women.
• Implantation bleeding is usually lighter in flow like spotting when compared to your normal Period.
• Using a panty liner is sufficient for Implantation bleeding but you will need to use Pads for your Period.
• Implantation bleeding is not accompanied by any abdominal pain, while most women experience severe abdominal pain and cramps during their Periods.
• Any clots or tissue are not seen in Implantation bleeding, while they can be seen during your Period.

What is the Treatment of Implantation Bleeding?

Usually, any treatment is not required for Implantation bleeding. It is just a normal physiological process which happens during pregnancy. There is no need to worry about it. It just stops on its own within a few hours or in less than 3 days.

Are there any Complications of Implantation bleeding?

There are no known complications of Implantation bleeding. It is just a normal process occurring during Pregnancy.

Do you need to consult your doctor for Implantation bleeding?

Usually, there is no need to consult your doctor for Implantation bleeding. But, if the pattern of bleeding is abnormal unlike Implantation bleeding, that is if you have heavy bleeding or if you have any other abnormal symptoms like fever, etc, it might not be Implantation bleeding and you might need to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What other conditions cause Bleeding in pregnancy?

There are some other causes which can cause bleeding during Pregnancy. They are:

• Implantation of an embryo outside the uterus which is called Ectopic Pregnancy
• Abnormal positions of the placenta like Placenta previa or disruption of the Placenta like Abruptio Placenta
• Abortion or Miscarriage
• Vaginal or Cervical infections
• Having sexual relations during pregnancy

Apart from Bleeding during pregnancy, there are other causes which can lead to vaginal bleeding in a woman. They are:

• Having masses like Fibroids or polyps in the uterus
• Vaginal or cervical infections
• Growth of endometrium in areas other than the uterus which is called Endometriosis
• Due to Oral contraceptive medicines

I hope you have learnt about the causes, and symptoms of Implantation bleeding and to differentiate it from your Period. Will see you with another informative article.