On what day after conception does implantation bleeding appear and how to treat it from menstruation

Causes that do not pose a health hazard

The cause of implantation bleeding is damage to the walls of blood vessels during the implantation process. By the time the embryo moves through the fallopian tube into the uterus, it is a multicellular structure (blastocyst).

It consists of 2 types of cells:

If the place for implantation is chosen “unsuccessfully” and a vessel gets in the way of the chorion, its walls melt, and the contents are poured into the uterine cavity and then removed through the vagina. Outwardly, it looks like bleeding, which is the first sign of pregnancy and its normal development.

Implantation bleeding (a photo of it can be seen on the pad) is noticed by only 20% of pregnant women. More often it goes unnoticed. Its absence does not indicate pathology, but means that implantation was not accompanied by vascular damage.

The probable period of such bleeding during natural conception is the 6-7th day from the moment of fertilization. This is how long it takes for the blastocyst to enter the uterus, and for the woman’s body to create a thick layer of mucous membrane.

There are also late (on the 10th day of ovulation) and early (up to 7 days from the moment of fertilization) implantation. With early implantation, the uterine mucosa is not fully prepared and is of insufficient thickness, so the attachment will be fragile, which increases the likelihood of miscarriage. Late implantation is not dangerous.

If a woman becomes pregnant through the IVF procedure, then the likelihood of implantation bleeding is higher, and it occurs later - 8-10 days after ovulation.

This same bleeding can easily be confused with other bloody vaginal discharge that does not pose a health hazard.

Menses

Implantation bleeding (it is better to take photos of it several times, so that in case of complications it can be observed in dynamics) resembles the beginning of ordinary menstruation. In time it is also close to the date of the next menstruation.

However, there are certain differences:

Also, menstruation is indicated by the absence of other signs of pregnancy and negative test results, which can be performed 2-3 days after the cessation of discharge.

Bleeding after failed implantation

If within 2 weeks from the moment of fertilization the embryo fails to attach to the walls of the uterus, it dies and is removed from the body. The discharge that occurs during this process is menstruation, but has its own characteristics.

They:

• more abundant, sometimes painful;
• may go with a slight delay;
• include embryonic discharge in the form of large clots that can be seen with the naked eye.

Wherein:

• there are no characteristic signs of implantation;
• the pregnancy test gives a negative result;
• The woman's genitals do not undergo changes.

Failed implantation does not indicate any pathology: according to medical statistics, in 30% of cases, biochemical pregnancy ends with successful implantation and develops further.

If multiple attempts to get pregnant end in failure at the implantation stage, then the reason may be:

• insufficient concentration of female sex hormones, under the influence of which the uterus prepares for the implantation of the embryo;
• disruption of the immune system, as a result of which it perceives the embryo as a foreign body and seeks to destroy it;
• incorrectly performed procedure or incorrectly chosen time for embryo transfer during artificial insemination;
• non-viability of the embryo;
• small thickness of the endometrium (less than 7 mm), at which the embryo cannot gain a foothold in it;
• benign tumors and inflammatory processes that deform the inner surface of the uterus.

Bloody discharge during ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary provokes a sharp hormonal surge, which leads to a temporary increase in the permeability of the walls of blood vessels. Due to this phenomenon, a small amount of blood seeps through the walls and enters the vaginal discharge, turning it pinkish.

Differences between implantation bleeding and spotting during ovulation

The nature of the discharge during ovulation is similar to implantation bleeding, it is just as scanty and lasts 1-2 days.

However, bleeding during ovulation differs from implantation in terms of timing:

• the first - at the time of ovulation and in the next 2 days;
• the second - a week after ovulation.

Also, with bleeding caused by ovulation, there is no pain.

Microtrauma of the vaginal mucosa

Minor damage to the mucous membrane is possible:

• during sexual intercourse;
• with careless douching;
• when examined by a gynecologist.

In all these cases, a woman may find a few drops of blood on her underwear. Their appearance is not associated with pregnancy or menstruation.

This phenomenon does not pose a threat to health, provided that the bloody discharge:

• minor;
• short;
• are not accompanied by pain.

Sometimes the cause of slight bleeding after intimacy in the early stages of pregnancy is the increased sensitivity of the cervix characteristic of this period. In this case, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse until a medical examination and strictly follow the recommendations of the gynecologist.

Why does bleeding occur during implantation?

Upon arrival at the uterine mucosa, the fertilized egg loses its protective layer, which leads to exposure of the trophoblast, through which the fetus is attached to the endometrium. At the same time, the trophoblast retains its important function and in the future it will take an active part in the formation of the placental membrane of the embryo.

Now as for the bleeding itself. As mentioned earlier, after fertilization of the egg, the expectant mother’s body begins to actively prepare for implantation of the embryo and its gestation. As a result, the endometrium becomes looser, cell proliferation is observed and, as a result, blood flow in the mucous tissues of the uterus increases.

During the process of attachment of the future embryo to the endometrium, some of its cells at the site of implantation are damaged. And this phenomenon is called embryonic bleeding.

This, in fact, explains the discharge after implantation. But in fact, everything looks a little different. Imagine how tiny a fertilized egg is in size and how much area it will occupy in the uterine mucosa - these are just a few millimeters.

When wondering how many days IR can last, it is worth understanding that the number of cells damaged during the attachment of the gestational egg to the wall of the uterus is so small that in the end no more than 2 drops of blood are released. And even then, not all women observe that this notorious bleeding occurs at all.

Possible diseases

Implantation bleeding (their photo is best seen on the pad) usually:

• not abundant;
• do not cause discomfort;
• painless;
• are not accompanied by deterioration in health;
• disappear quickly without treatment.

However, not all spotting is harmless: sometimes they indicate diseases or conditions that require immediate medical attention.

These are:

Discharge that occurs due to the following pathologies of the female genital organs can be confused with implantation bleeding:

• background diseases of the cervix: pseudo-erosion (proliferation of the epithelium of the cervix), cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix);
• various inflammatory diseases caused by pathogens: candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis;
• the presence of benign tumors (cysts);
• hormonal dysfunction of the ovaries - disruption of their activity, leading to insufficient production of hormones, in particular estrogen, progestin and androgen;
• oncological diseases.

In all these cases, there are additional symptoms indicating trouble:

• large volume of discharge;
• accompanying pain;
• unpleasant sensations (itching, burning) in the external genital area;
• elevated body temperature.

Early warning signs of pregnancy

Due to the active formation of a new organism, characteristic physiological changes appear. Among them:

1. Constant drowsiness, sleep lasts 9–12 hours.
2. Unstable nervous state, irritability and tearfulness appear.
3. There are taste preferences: you want sweet, sour, salty, unusual combinations of foods.
4. Weakness, general malaise, severe fatigue.
5. Nausea in the morning.
6. Frequent urge to go to the toilet.
7. Feeling of a foreign body inside, constant attempts to go to the toilet.

All these signs are not always the same; they differ from girl to girl. The characteristics do not 100% indicate the presence of new life, they only provide an additional hint if there is a delay.

Diagnostics

Implantation bleeding can be diagnosed independently if you know its main signs and carefully study it, for example, in a photo.

These include:

• scanty and short-term bleeding;
• weak nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• mild spasms that are caused by the process of destruction of the uterine mucosa and the introduction of the embryo into it.

Also, if the basal temperature was recorded daily, then by changing its values ​​it is possible to determine whether implantation has occurred: immediately before it it decreases to 36.8 ° C, and when the embryo is implanted, it rises again to 37 ° C.
2-3 days after the end The discharge test will show the presence of pregnancy, and the woman will be able to notice its first signs:

• fast fatiguability;
• drowsiness;
• sudden changes in mood;
• frequent urination;
• sore nipples;
• feeling of heaviness and fullness in the chest;
• sensitivity to odors;
• change in taste preferences.

These signs can also be symptoms of diseases, therefore, even with full confidence in successful implantation, it is necessary to visit a doctor a few days after the discharge stops, who will confirm or refute the self-made diagnosis.

At such early stages, no hardware method will be able to determine pregnancy, but during a visual examination, the gynecologist will notice changes in the cervix caused by an increase in the level of progesterone, a hormone that supports pregnancy.

It will be:

• color : pink before pregnancy, now it will turn bluish - this is due to the formation of new vessels and increased blood flow;
• elasticity : in its normal state the cervix is ​​dense, after implantation it becomes soft and flexible;
• position: the neck drops slightly;
• consistency of the mucus plug , which protects the uterus from the penetration of harmful microorganisms: in its normal state the mucus is thick, during ovulation it becomes more liquid and remains so until implantation, after which it regains its thickness.

In addition, a blood test for hCG can confirm the fact of pregnancy, and after 10-12 days, when the embryo has slightly increased in size, it can be seen on the screen of an ultrasound scanner (during a transvaginal examination).

How many days does it last

The average duration of implantation bleeding is 2 hours, and the maximum is 2 days . If this period lengthens, then such bleeding can no longer be considered an indicator of normality. Prolonged bleeding may indicate the onset of a miscarriage or a hormonal imbalance.

Embryo implantation lasts from 2 hours to 2 days.

Often a woman does not notice the fact that an embryo has been implanted in her body. This happens when the discharge is scanty. Blood is simply smeared, or is present in the leucorrhoea in insignificant quantities.

When to see a doctor

Consultation with a specialist is required for any vaginal discharge, including bloody discharge. The only exception is menstrual bleeding, provided there is complete confidence that it is menstruation.

In other cases of bleeding, a visit to the antenatal clinic should take place:

• immediately, if there are symptoms indicating any disease or pathology;
• 3-4 days after the end of the discharge - with “classic” implantation bleeding (scanty, painless, short-term, starting about a week before the expected date of menstruation);
• a delay of 3-4 days is needed so that the woman’s genitals undergo the changes described above, and the level of hCG in the blood reaches the concentration at which it is already possible to diagnose pregnancy.

Also, a visit to the doctor is required in the absence of implantation bleeding and a delay in menstruation for several days, if signs of pregnancy appear, or if the test result is positive.

There is no point in postponing it, since visiting a doctor in advance gives a woman a number of advantages:

• during pregnancy - allows you to more accurately determine the date of birth, timely identify and eliminate all existing problems. Registration early is an opportunity to get a small increase in maternity leave;
• for any diseases - start their treatment at the initial stages, when it is simple, effective and least expensive;
• if an abortion is necessary, perform it using gentle methods (vacuum or medical abortion).

Treatment methods

Implantation bleeding, a photo of which helps in diagnosis, is one of the early signs of pregnancy and is considered a physiological norm. It does not require treatment provided there are no symptoms of trouble.

However, there are times when medical intervention is necessary. For example, if the implantation process is accompanied by the following symptoms:

A visit to a specialist is also necessary if any symptoms appear that indicate the following diseases:

• ectopic pregnancy. Treatment is performed surgically. Depending on the timing and condition of the patient, the operation removes the fertilized egg or partially/completely the reproductive organ;

• risk of miscarriage. For treatment aimed at maintaining pregnancy, hormonal, sedative and antispasmodic drugs, hemostatic agents, and vitamin complexes are used. The patient is prescribed bed rest and a strict diet. With early access to a doctor and timely treatment, the likelihood of saving the child is high;
• endometriosis (overgrowth of the endometrial walls) . The patient should be under the supervision of a doctor and drug treatment is indicated. The question of taking certain medications is decided by the doctor after a thorough examination of the patient.

Possible complications

Violations of the implantation process are possible for several reasons. Some of them are easily eliminated, others require serious treatment.

Possible factors that reduce the likelihood of further successful pregnancy include:

You can reduce the risk of complications if you plan your pregnancy in advance. Before its onset, undergo a thorough examination followed by treatment of identified diseases, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

There are many diseases and dangerous conditions that are similar in appearance in photographs and visually to implantation bleeding. If bleeding occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor to accurately determine its causes.

Does it always happen

Not every woman experiences implantation bleeding during pregnancy. In most cases, implantation of an egg into the uterine wall is not accompanied by any symptoms and occurs secretly. At the same time, a small loss of blood is not considered a pathological process, despite the fact that it is not within the normal range. Bleeding can occur during multiple pregnancy, when 2 female reproductive gametes ready for fertilization mature in the ovary.

Important information: Can there be ovulatory bleeding and why did the blood come out during ovulation?

There is no established etiology for the occurrence of IC. In most cases, the process develops due to the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. Blood loss does not have to be caused by underlying medical conditions. Bleeding may develop due to the immersion of the egg in the area of ​​​​congestion of blood vessels.