It may be alarming if you are pregnant and see blood. But it does not always mean that there is a red flag ahead. In fact more than 20% of the women experience this and get blessed with healthy pregnancies and babies. It is natural! Implantation bleeding is just the little drops of blood which means that fertilized egg implanting into the wall of the uterus. Color, thickness and durations are the three utmost important characteristics to look for while differentiating between implantation bleeding and periods. With such an overwhelming amount of content available online, it must be quite arduous to understand all about spotting. This following simple guide will answer all your W’s and H’s regarding implantation bleeding:
What is implantation bleeding?
Brown or pink spotting occurs shortly before the menstrual cycle. Although it could be confusing to some women that their menstrual cycle is about to start but it could also be the sign that you are pregnant. It is also noticed that the blood associated with implantation bleeding is usually not going to be fresh blood that is why it will appear brown or even black by the time spotting happen. Also remember that spotting does not occur every time. Some women become pregnant and exhibit no symptoms whatsoever.
How to differentiate between implantation bleeding and period?
Regardless of whether you are trying to become pregnant or hoping you are not pregnant, this question holds extreme importance. There are several things which you need to keep in mind in order to determine if it is implantation bleeding or your normal period.
· Flow
The first and foremost difference between implantation bleeding and period is the flow. Unlike period, you will experience light bleeding in case of implantation bleeding and will continue to be so. Bleeding form implantation will never cause blood clots. In other words, if the flow gets heavier, it is either mensuration or a miscarriage.
· Color
Red blood means you are likely getting your period. If the discharge is brown or pink in color may be an indication that you may be pregnant.
· Cramping
It is easy to mistake the implantation bleeding for an ‘early period’ as many of the symptoms such as bloating, cramps, bleeding and mood changes are common in both cases. The difference is of severity of cramping. Menstrual cramps are generally more intense than implantation cramps.
· Consistency
If the bleeding is on and off, it may be considered as implantation bleeding whereas during menstruation, the bleeding continues throughout the full duration of your period. Every woman has a different body so the symptoms may vary from one woman to the next.
When does spotting occur?
Implantation bleeding or spotting is considered as a typical pregnancy sign. It generally occurs on average about 9 days after ovulation. In simple terms, it occurs a week before your menstruation would normally start. If the spotting leads to heavier bleeding, then it is unlikely implantation bleeding. If the confusion still persists, either see approach or take a pregnancy test to determine pregnancy. Some women also report symptoms like implantation bleeding and implantation cramps.
Keep in mind; implantation bleeding is brown/pink in color, short in duration and just a couple of drops while menstrual period has altogether different characteristics. Beyond answering the question implantation bleeding or period, you always have an option to go for a pregnancy test to ease your mind.
- December 18, 2017
- 1 Comments
