Implantation bleeding: what it looks like, when it happens (and how long it lasts)

Implantation bleeding is a small pink or brown bleed that can occur around 10 to 14 days after fertilization, lasting a few hours or up to three days. However, not all women experience this symptom.

Nidation, also called embryonic implantation, is the fixation of the egg fertilized by sperm in the wall of the uterus, starting the pregnancy, in which there are hormonal variations and the formation of structures essential for the baby’s development. Learn more about nesting.

Implantation bleeding is considered normal and is generally one of the first signs of pregnancy, however, if the bleeding is excessive, lasts more than 3 days or is accompanied by cramps or vomiting, it is important to go to the hospital as it could be a sign of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, for example.

What does implantation bleeding look like?

Implantation bleeding can be identified through symptoms such as:

• Small bleeding with color ranging from brown, similar to coffee grounds, to pinkish;
• Stains or dots of blood;
• Weak colic;
• Stitching sensation in the belly.

Furthermore, implantation bleeding may be accompanied by other pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, breast tenderness or headache, for example, and is considered one of the first signs of pregnancy. Know the first symptoms of pregnancy.

When happens

Implantation bleeding is bleeding that appears after the ovulatory period, as long as there has been sexual intercourse.

This bleeding is not abundant and appears 10 to 14 days after fertilization. See how to know if fertilization has occurred.

If you have symptoms suggestive of implantation, take the following test to check your chances of being pregnant:

What is the difference between implantation bleeding and menstruation?

Menstruation can be characterized by abundant bright red bleeding, especially in the first days of the cycle, which lasts an average of 5 days and may, in some cases, be accompanied by some clots.

Implantation bleeding is not abundant, lasts a few hours or 1 to 2 days and is pink or brown in color, similar to coffee grounds.

How long does it last

Implantation bleeding, when it happens, normally lasts from a few hours to 3 days and the bleeding flow is not large and does not increase.

If the symptoms disappear within 3 days, there is a high possibility that the woman is pregnant and, therefore, it is important that she goes to the obstetrician so that a pregnancy test can be carried out, the beta-HCG, so that the concentration of the beta-HCG can be checked. pregnancy hormone in the blood.

Make an appointment with an obstetrician in the region closest to you:

When to go to the doctor

It is important to consult an obstetrician or go to the hospital in the following situations:

• Heavy or bright red bleeding;
• Bleeding that lasts more than 3 days;
• Severe abdominal pain, similar to intense menstrual cramps, which can radiate to the back;
• Severe cramping on just one side of the belly;
• Bad-smelling vaginal discharge;
• Fever or chills.

These symptoms must be evaluated by the obstetrician, in addition to tests being carried out to identify the cause and, thus, initiate appropriate treatment, if necessary.

Read too: Baby development – ​​1-3 weeks of gestation

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