Some women might have bleeding during their pregnancy. Learn what causes implantation bleeding and what to do when you experience it. Show Implantation bleeding Many women have not heard of implantation bleeding and instead interpret it as a sign of a light period or old blood loss. But in fact, implantation bleeding is relatively common – up to 30% of pregnant women will experience some degree of bleeding in their pregnancy. Most progress to having a healthy baby nine months later. What is implantation bleeding?
When does implantation bleeding happen? It normally occurs at around the same time as the period is due, around 6-12 days after conception. Implantation bleeding does not last very long, generally no more than 24-48 hours. Which is why implantation bleeding can be both confusing and disappointing. Confusing because it can be interpreted as a light period and a sign of not being pregnant and disappointing for the same reasons. Women who are keen to conceive can become very upset at the sight of any blood loss and interpret this as a negative sign. An implantation bleed occurs even before the pregnancy has been confirmed. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin hormone (hCG) is the hormone which is detected in the pregnant mother’s urine. This is not produced until after the embryo has embedded in the uterus and there has been some very early development of the placenta. Which is why an implantation bleed occurs too early for even the most perceptive of couples to know with any certainty that they have created a baby. One of the symptoms of pregnancy can be having vaginal bleeding which is considered lighter than normal. An implantation bleed can certainly be mistaken for a period and many times it’s only with the benefit of hindsight that a woman reflects on what she thought was an early period, but in fact, was really an implantation bleed. What can I do to prevent implantation bleeding from happening? Nothing really. Unless you have pain as well, or the bleeding is continuous and heavy, there is really nothing which you can do. If you have already had your pregnancy confirmed and it has been longer than two weeks since fertilisation, then an implantation bleed is unlikely. An implantation bleed is not necessarily a bad thing. It can be a sign that fertilisation has occurred and the pregnancy is progressing as it needs to. But of course, when it happens you won’t know you’re pregnant, it’s too early to say. Some women believe that breast tenderness, nausea and other early pregnancy symptoms are also present at around the time of implantation bleeding. But this is unlikely. It is too early for the hormones which cause these symptoms to have been released by the placenta. But the mind works in mysterious ways and some women actually “know” they are pregnant and feel very different from the moment of conception. Who is anyone else to know better? What can I do if I have an implantation bleed? Sit tight and don’t become anxious. Just monitor the amount that you bleed and seek the advice of your health care professional if you experience any pain, heavy bleeding, or other symptoms. For the majority of women, implantation bleeding settles and stops within a day or two, not to return. It is unlikely to be to such a degree that you need to wear a pad, but for comfort’s sake many women find they prefer to use a panty liner just to be on the safe side. If considered necessary by a health care professional, it is possible to have an ultrasound to determine if the pregnancy sac and foetus are developing as they need to. This can provide immediate reassurance that the bleeding was due to the embryo implanting, rather than indicating a miscarriage. Have more questions on pregnancy? Join a support group (if you have not done so!). Motherhood represents a completely new phase in your life and a community of new mothers who can journey with you will be helpful! Pregnancy tips, parenting tips, free diaper samples and exclusive diaper offers shared on the Huggies Club platform can ensure you are best prepared for your newborn child too. The information published herein is intended and strictly only for informational, educational, purposes and the same shall not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained in this article. Further, while due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information here, and to the extent permitted by law, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions. You might like these articles!
Pregnancy Spotting: Common Reasons for Spotting Explained Read More Can you get spotting 1 week pregnant?Bleeding or spotting can happen anytime, from the time you get pregnant to right before you give birth. Spotting is light bleeding. It happens when you have a few drops of blood on your underwear.
What does spotting in early pregnancy look like?Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that can happen when you're pregnant. It is a very common and tends to happen in early pregnancy, during the first trimester. Spotting is usually red or pink in colour. It can also look brown, like old blood or like the bleeding at the start and end of your period.
How can I tell if it's implantation bleeding?Signs of implantation bleeding. Color. Implantation bleeding is more likely to be a pinky-brown color. ... . Strength of flow. Implantation bleeding is usually super-light spotting. ... . Cramping. Cramping that signals implantation is usually light and short-lived. ... . Clotting. ... . Length of flow. ... . Consistency.. |