In about 20 to 30 percent of pregnancies, implantation bleeding occurs, and the symptoms of implantation bleeding are very similar to those of a regular menstrual period.
This is why it is important to understand fully the differences between the two and to learn and recognize the symptoms of implantation bleeding in order to identify it and differentiate it from menstrual bleeding.
When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Implantation bleeding or spotting is that which occurs very early on in the pregnancy; shortly after conception.
When the male sperm fertilizes the female egg a blastocyst is formed, which then travels from the fallopian tubes to the uterus where it is ‘implanted’ or attached to the uterine lining.
Implantation occurs about 9 or so days after ovulation, and typically it would happen a few days before a woman’s period would have been due.
Had the egg not been fertilized and had the implantation not occurred successfully, a normal menstrual period would have resulted.
Implantation bleeding occurs when you are 2 weeks pregnant and the body itself is not fully aware that conception has taken place, so that if a woman takes a home pregnancy test at this time, it will likely show up negative.
Implantation Bleeding Symptoms
Implantation bleeding symptoms may be such that they are not even noticed by some women; the blood or spotting may not be enough to be noted and may be of light or pinkish color so that it is not very obtrusive looking. The blood that is symptomatic of implantation bleeding is usually not fresh colored blood and may be light or even be darker in color, more brown than red.
The symptoms of implantation bleeding manifest themselves when the embryo attaches itself to the uterus’ endometrial lining and sort of burrows in to connect with the circulatory system of the mother.
At the time of implantation, a woman may experience period like symptoms; not only bleeding but also light cramps of the uterus. These are the main implantation bleeding symptoms.
Some women experience both symptoms and others experience one of the other of the symptoms. For the most part, implantation bleeding is no cause for worry and the pregnancy will carry on to be a safe and healthy one.
Some women who claim to have experienced and felt the implantation process have said that they can feel it as though an angel touched them inside the womb with the tip of one of the feathers of their wings.
