Implantation bleeding is a light bleeding that may occur 10 to 14 days after conception. That is, it occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, making it one of the first signs of pregnancy.
While it is not a problematic sign, it can bring a lot of confusion in women, as it usually occurs on a similar date when you would expect your period. In order to differentiate between them, one of the main aspects to take into account is the quantity, since implantation bleeding is less abundant than menstruation.
Implantation bleeding, first sign of pregnancy
According to Dr. Claudia Rueda, specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Women’s Center, “during the second part of the menstrual cycle, the uterus is intensely vascularized, preparing for a possible pregnancy. If fertilization occurs, the embryo will travel from the fallopian tube to the uterus. Once there, it attaches to and invades the inner side of the uterus, breaking some blood vessels to connect its circulation with the maternal circulation and thus receive nutrients through the future placenta. This process can cause a small amount of bleeding, which we call implantation bleeding”. As an early sign of pregnancy, Dr. Rueda warns, it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as menstrual delay, pain in the lower abdomen, swelling of the breasts, nausea or tiredness. In other words, in some cases, implantation bleeding occurs together with other initial manifestations of pregnancy.
Differences between implantation bleeding and menstruation
In general, it is bleeding that is characterized by its lower intensity or quantity and its shorter duration compared to menstruation. In addition, according to the specialist, “it usually has a finer texture and a less intense color, usually darker or even bright red or pink”. In addition, in some patients it occurs intermittently.
Implantation bleeding: a frequent reason for consultation
Another of the confusions that often occur with regard to implantation bleeding is to think that it always occurs when a woman is pregnant. Dr. Rueda clarifies that “this phenomenon only happens to approximately 30% of pregnant women”. On the other hand, in many cases the opposite happens: “it is not always when implantation bleeding appears that the diagnosis will be that there is a pregnancy, since there are other physical or emotional states that can produce slight bleeding”. “The fear of miscarriage and the lack of knowledge of its frequency on the part of patients leads to frequent consultations with gynecology specialists,” says Dr. Rueda. However, the expert explains that “there is no scientific evidence that associates implantation bleeding with subsequent problems in gestation, such as miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies”.
Finally, the specialist recommends that, in case of any doubt, concern or alarm symptom accompanying the bleeding, such as intense pain or dizziness, the patient should see her physician to confirm whether it is indeed implantation bleeding.