What is implantation bleeding and how can I recognize it?
When a fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus, something that normally happens around days 8 to 12 after conception, it can sometimes cause some type of uterine tissue erosion which can then be expelled through the vagina in the form of light bloody spotting. This light bleeding is known as implantation bleeding and is not menstruation.
Therefore, if embryo implantation has occurred, it happens a few days after fertilization or embryo transfer (in cases of assisted reproduction). This interaction between the embryo and the woman's endometrium, which is rich in blood vessels, It can cause the implantation process of the fertilized egg itself to produce a wound that releases blood inside the uterusThis blood is expelled through implantation bleeding at a point in the cycle when we wouldn't expect any spotting. All of this happens days before we can take a pregnancy test. In fact, if you were to take a test at this time, it would most likely be negative because you would be at a very early stage of embryo implantation.
It doesn't always happen, nor to all women; it occurs in approximately 3 out of 10 pregnancies. However, when it does happen, it can cause some anxiety for those hoping for a positive result. Unfortunately, it's not easy. to differentiate implantation bleeding of bleeding between cycles, also called spotting, from the start of menstrual bleeding or some other type of bleeding.
Without a doubt, the best way to confirm it is through a pregnancy test, but sometimes it's still too early or we want to wait for the beta test result… In those cases, there are some signs that can give us clues to know what's really going on.
Let's see what clues can help us to How to differentiate implantation bleeding from menstrual bleeding:
Color implantation bleeding:
Implantation bleeding is usually more pinkish or brownish, while menstrual bleeding is usually light pink or directly brown, which also quickly changes to bright red.
Flow intensity when implantation bleeding occurs:
Implantation bleeding is usually very light spotting. In contrast, menstrual bleeding typically starts light but quickly becomes heavier.
Inconvenience during embryonic implantation:
The lower abdominal discomfort that accompanies implantation bleeding is usually milder and shorter than menstrual bleeding, which tends to be heavier and last longer. However, it's true that every woman has her own pain threshold during her cycles and should be able to assess the intensity based on what is or isn't typical for her.
Clots during embryo implantation:
Clots are almost exclusively associated with menstrual bleeding. In fact, if implantation had occurred, the presence of clots would not be good news. It's possible that pinkish "threads" may appear during implantation bleeding, but these are not clots. If this is what you've observed, it would be ideal to have a... ultra-early pregnancy test in a few days.
Duration implantation bleeding:
Implantation bleeding usually lasts less time, between one and three days, while the start of menstrual bleeding can last up to four or seven days, depending on the case. Once the brief bleeding stops, in the case of pregnancy, other symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, or digestive discomfort may begin or persist, whereas in the case of menstrual bleeding, when menstruation begins, all these symptoms—which can also be common—tend to disappear.
Again, every woman tends to menstruate in a certain way and can assess whether it is unusual bleeding or, on the contrary, something normal for her.
Consistency implantation bleeding:
Implantation bleeding can come and go for a couple of days. If the bleeding is more constant and consistent and tends to increase, it is It is more likely that it is menstrual bleeding and not from a pregnancy.
There are other conditions that can cause some type of bleeding related to pregnancy, so if you think you might be pregnant, any type of bleeding should be taken into account and reported to your doctor.
These cases are rare, but it could be related to an ectopic pregnancy, meaning a pregnancy outside its natural location, which is the uterus. This is a condition that would require urgent medical intervention.
When there is pregnancy and there is bleeding
On the contrary, if more than 10-14 days have passed since conception or even with a positive pregnancy test, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience some bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy: from internal clots to tissue fragments that are being altered by the pregnancy and may detach.
When a woman has regular cycles and these develop as physiologically normal, the listed symptoms They are easier to identify. If, on the other hand, the woman usually has irregular cycles or cycles that start very slowly or there is a habitual tendency to spotting, these symptoms may not be so clear and implantation bleeding may be much more difficult to identify.
From here, we would like to emphasize that, ideally, women's bleeding should be with little or no pain, should flow quickly to a bright color, without clots, and, if possible, during the day and not at night. A regulated cycle promotes fertility And it's relatively easy to correct. Furthermore, it will allow us to more clearly differentiate between any symptoms of pregnancy and implantation bleeding.
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References:
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- Human Reproduction, Volume 18, Issue 9, September 2003, Pages 1944–1947
- Martonffy Aie et al. First trimester complications. Prim Care Clin Office Practice. 2012; 39:71-82
- Vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy – gynecology and obstetrics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2018 from https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/symptoms-during-pregnancy/vaginal-bleeding-during-early-pregnancy
- Ankum WM et al .W. Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy: a meta-analysis. Fertile terile. 1996; 65:1093-1099
- Coppola PT et al. Vaginal bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2003; 21:667-677
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