What is implantation bleeding?

By Reproclinic Editorial Committee

Whether you are trying to get pregnant naturally, or if you have undergone In Vitro Fertilization or Intrauterine Insemination, it is normal to be anxious to know if you have achieved the desired positive. One of the things that can happen is that you have a little bleeding, which is called implantation bleeding.
This bleeding usually appears between the first and second week of pregnancy. It does not happen in all women. You should not worry if you did not have this symptom. It is estimated that it occurs in 3 out of 10 women.

 

How to differentiate between implantation bleeding and the period?

 

Bleeding after having undergone a fertility treatment is, without a doubt, a nightmare for many women, since they confuse this bleeding with menstruation. Therefore, they think that the treatment has not been successful.

Although the difference between the period and implantation bleeding is very subtle, it can be recognized because the color is somewhat darker and less intense than that of menstruation.

Implantation bleeding usually appears 6 to 14 days after implantation. The duration of the implantation bleeding is also shorter than that of the menstrual period. It usually lasts from a few hours to a couple of days, but with a much lower intensity than the period. It looks more like a stain than menstrual blood.

Implantation bleeding is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, headache, breast sensitivity, fatigue, among others. But each body is unique!

 

What does it mean to bleed after having a treatment?

 

Although at first it may seem bad, bleeding is not a bad sign. The cause of implantation bleeding is that due to the implantation of the embryo, the uterus is irrigated and the ease to bleed is greater than normal. When the embryo has adhered to the inner wall of the uterus, it causes small vein ruptures in the endometrium (which is very irrigated). And that's when the bleeding starts!

 

Is there a risk for pregnancy? What should I do?

 

Implantation bleeding poses no risk to pregnancy. This symptom does not show any complication such as abortion or any possible danger to the baby.

This bleeding can occur, as we have already said, between 6 and 14 days after the implantation treatment, matching sometimes the menstrual cycle, so it is very easy to confuse them. When in doubt, get a home pregnancy test or go to your specialist.

 

I can't manage to get pregnant, when should I go to a specialist?

 

• If you have been having regular sexual relations for more than a year without using any contraceptive method and you are under 35 years old.
• If you have been trying for more than six months and you are over 35 years old, have had a previous abortion or have a history of diseases linked to the genes.

 

At Reproclinic you will find an expert team in assisted reproduction that will support you in the process from start to finish!

Contact us now and ask for your first free diagnostic consultation.

 

Medical Director at Reproclinic
Specialist in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine