What Is Implantation Bleeding?

4 minutes

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Nelton Ramos.

Written by Andria Navarro Taño (Agetna)

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Implantation bleeding is basically blood loss that occurs for some women when the embryo implants in the uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. It is not very common and when it occurs it can often be confused with menstruation.

To help you learn how to identify it and to extend your knowledge of it, we at You Are Mom decided to write this post. You’ll find more information about it in a question and answer format below.

Questions About Implantation Bleeding

When does implantation bleeding happen?

Implantation bleeding usually occurs during the first 10 days of pregnancy. It generally does not last very long: between 1 and 3 days, although for some women it lasts a little longer. Then, it stops for good.

What makes it different from menstruation?

The main difference, compared to normal bleeding, is that it ends very quickly and at most is a matter of a few stains. Very little blood is lost during this time and what is lost is a dark brown color.

What if the bleeding changes color from dark brown to red?

If the blood is a dark brown color at first and then turns red, it is not implantation bleeding. You can take this as a sure sign that you have gotten your period and you are not pregnant.

Does implantation bleeding mean that the pregnancy is at risk?

No, the bleeding happens because in the act of implanting in the uterus, the egg has broken some of the blood vessels that are in there. The blood vessels are what release the blood, but these do not have anything to do with the pregnancy itself.

Are there signs that let women know that it is implantation bleeding and not regular bleeding?

Yes, some women experience many other symptoms during the days that they bleed. The most common ones include:

Nausea
Extreme tiredness, much different from the discomfort felt during menstruation
The urge to vomit when smelling strong smells, or vomiting at certain times
Slight pain in the lower abdomen
The frequent, intense urge to urinate
Dizziness
Mood swings: irritability or extreme sensitivity

These symptoms are more likely to be associated with pregnancy and intensify in the weeks after conception.

Are there any special measures that I should take when implantation bleeding happens?

No, this loss of blood should be seen as normal. The woman doesn’t have to worry, stay in bed or take any other precaution. Those that do not have implantation bleeding don’t need to worry either, as this is normal.

You only have to avoid excessive lifting, drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking or taking any medications because of the chance that there is a pregnancy.

Is implantation bleeding a sign that the embryo implanted well, or that there isn’t a chance of a miscarriage?

Unfortunately, no. Implantation bleeding cannot be taken as an assurance that the pregnancy will be carried to term. There are women who have had bleeding and later have suffered from a sudden miscarriage.

Do women who have this blood loss have it again in their future pregnancies?

Not necessarily. It is possible not to have it in the first pregnancy and then have it in the second or third.

What else do I need to know about implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding may be the first sign that tells you you’re pregnant and are going to be a mother; however, on its own, it cannot be taken as an indication that you are definitely expecting a baby. Only an OB/GYN can tell you this, an ultrasound or a pregnancy test.

But if you do have a feeling that the bleeding you are experiencing is implantation bleeding, starting right now, start to take care of yourself as if you were actually pregnant, because you need to take care of such a treasure. Then time and science will tell you if you are mistaken and you’ll be able to go back to your prior lifestyle.

If it is the start of a pregnancy: Congratulations! If not, don’t be disappointed.

Bleeding just means that you are a woman and that, every month, you can count on the presence of a wonderful egg waiting for the arrival of a certain sperm so that it can be fertilized.