How long does implantation bleeding last
What is Implantation Bleeding?: Causes and Symptoms
At the origin of pregnancy, there is implantation. This phenomenon, which occurs between six and ten days after fertilization, sees the embryo implant itself in the uterine lining. On this occasion, the arteries and blood vessels connected to the endometrium can be impacted and cause small vaginal bleeding . This is called implantation bleeding with pregnancy.
This manifestation can be observed both during a spontaneous pregnancy or during a pregnancy obtained after PMA (medically assisted procreation) treatment. Although perfectly natural, this bodily reaction can cause concern among future parents . To shed light on this process and calm your fears, we explain everything you need to know about implantation bleeding.
Common Causes of Implantation Bleeding
At the time of implantation , under the effect of enzymes produced by the trophoblast (cells of the embryo which will form the placenta), the uterine membrane is hollowed out so that the embryo connects to the vessels of the mucosa.
In this process, the embryo breaks the superficial capillaries of the endometrium in order to form new vessels that will unite it and serve to nourish the new life through the future placenta . Thus, the causes of this bleeding can be attributed to a totally natural and physiological process of the woman's body.
Around the tenth day, the cavity created by the embryo begins to heal. In practice, it is during these few days that implantation bleeding occurs.
When implantation is complete, the placenta begins to secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This is the hormone that is being looked for in a pregnancy test.
How to identify implantation bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy . It affects about 30 to 40% of pregnant women. This light bleeding usually occurs between the sixth and tenth day after fertilization. That is, around the same time as your period is expected.
This coincidence explains why implantation bleeding can sometimes be confused with the start of menstruation. To make the distinction, it is important to know that implantation bleeding is different in several ways.
As we will see later, it is a minimal loss of blood, light in texture, reddish or pink in color, but not very intense, and of very short duration .
Can implantation bleeding cause clots?
Implantation bleeding is usually limited to spotting or light discharge. If the bleeding is heavy or clots, the best course of action is to seek professional advice . In fact, bleeding at levels higher than that of a period (especially when accompanied by symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain) can signal an abnormality. It could even herald the onset of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (EP). In fact, bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy is characterized by a blackish tint and is accompanied by severe pain in the abdomen.
How does implantation occur?
To understand implantation bleeding, let's take a look at the implantation process . During IVF (in vitro fertilization) , the mature embryo is placed in the uterine cavity. This is called embryo transfer. This is followed by a period of 4 to 5 days during which the embryo will continue its development and implant, if the endometrium is suitable . From this point on, the embryo buries itself in the uterine lining.
If this process goes normally, then gestation begins. This usually occurs on the 7th day after fertilization. With the implantation of the embryo, the woman's body begins to synthesize the hormone beta-hCG, which is analyzed a week later to confirm the successful pregnancy.
This is why before taking a pregnancy test, you should keep in mind that the HCG level is only detectable after a period of 9 to 14 days after ovulation or embryo transfer . This period is commonly referred to as the beta waiting period (for beta HCG) .
How is implantation bleeding different from periods?
As we have seen, implantation bleeding coincides with the dates of menstruation, but the differences are particularly notable .
Amount of blood
It is a light flow, even small discrete spots.
The color
Implantation bleeding is pink or brown , unlike periods which are bright red.
The duration
Normally, it lasts from a few hours to about 3 days , compared to 5 to 7 days for a normal period.
Not to be confused with implantation bleeding
Other complications that can cause bleeding and should not be confused with implantation bleeding include:
- Decidual hematoma, which occurs early in pregnancy and is caused by the detachment of a portion of the edge of the placenta . A hematoma then forms between the placenta and the uterus. Most of the time, the situation returns to normal with rest and increased medical monitoring.
- Placenta previa or low placental insertion marked by a uterine abnormality where the placenta is too low and partially or completely covers the cervix. Strict rest and careful medical monitoring are essential to avoid the risk of hemorrhage generally synonymous with premature delivery.
- Molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole (less than three pregnancies out of 1000 in Western countries) characterized by abnormal development of the placenta . This anomaly requires rapid scheduling of surgical intervention to avoid the risk of complications increasing with the age of the pregnancy.
Symptoms of implantation bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is accompanied by symptoms similar to those of premenstrual pain . Although every woman experiences it differently, here are some of the most common ones:
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea or vomiting
On the other hand, 60 to 70% of pregnancies do not have implantation bleeding. In these cases, many other symptoms can indicate successful implantation. These signs may include:
- The absence of rules
- The onset of morning sickness;
- The feeling of disgust or sensitivity to smells and tastes;
- The manifestation of food cravings;
- Frequent urge to urinate;
- Breast sensitivity;
- Episodes of acne and pimples;
- Stomach cramps;
- Back or lower back pain;
- Disturbed intestinal transit or constipation;
- A state of general fatigue.
Are there any risks to pregnancy?
No, as we have explained, implantation bleeding is a normal part of the implantation process. It does not pose any risk to the development of the pregnancy, as it simply indicates an increase in irrigation in the area where the embryo is implanting.
Although many gestational problems manifest with bleeding , as we have already seen, these are more intense and are usually accompanied by pain and other symptoms.
What should I do if I have implantation bleeding?
Although bleeding does not indicate a gestational problem, if you have any doubts, you should always consult your gynecologist. The specialist will confirm whether it is implantation bleeding, especially if you are undergoing medically assisted procreation.
In most cases, once identified, this bleeding does not require any special treatment or monitoring.
After implantation bleeding, can I take a pregnancy test?
To perform a home pregnancy test, it is always advisable to do it as close as possible to the expected date of your period. If you are undergoing fertility treatment, it is best for the medical team to assess your case and schedule an appointment for the blood pregnancy test.
Any home test before this appointment may give a false negative or positive result.
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