What could be signs of implantation bleeding?
There are several signs of implantation bleeding. Especially if the bleeding occurs between the 20th and 25th day after the start of the last menstrual period and lasts only for a very short time, the probability of an implantation bleed is increased. Even very light-colored blood is a good indication of an implantation bleed. Pain is less common during implantation bleeding, whereas accompanying symptoms such as the first appearance of morning sickness are more common.
Why does implantation bleeding occur?
During the cycle the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. Especially in the first half, the lining of the uterus continues to grow. During this build-up, many blood vessels are formed which pass through the mucous membrane.
As a result, the mucous membrane is very well supplied with blood and as soon as a fertilized ice cell implants, it can be supplied by the mother’s blood. During implantation, the fertilized egg cell penetrates the mucous membrane. To do this, the mucous membrane must be opened slightly so that the developing child can embed itself completely.
During this opening, some of the numerous blood vessels of the endometrium may tear. This is how the implantation bleeding occurs. In many women, however, the bleeding is so small that no blood loss can be seen with the naked eye. Of course, the cause of bleeding can also be an early menstrual bleeding or an intermediate bleeding. Therefore, in the case of a possible implantation bleeding, one should first wait for a pregnancy test to be able to speak with certainty of an implantation bleeding.
What is the color of the blood in the case of implantation bleeding?
The implantation of the fertilized egg occurs in the second half of the cycle.By then, the lining of the uterus has built up high and many new blood vessels have formed in it. Since these can tear minimally during implantation, the blood is fresh and therefore bright red, which drains away. However, it can happen that the blood still collects in the uterus for a few days and only then drains off.
If this is the case, it coagulates over time and the implantation bleeding tends to have a brownish color. The implantation bleeding is caused by the maturing embryo splitting the superficial part of the uterine lining and thus being able to implant itself in the lining. During this process, the fetal cells produce enzymes that dissolve the structure of the uterus on the surface. Normally, the dissolved parts are so small that no visible tissue parts are present during the implantation bleeding. In rare cases, or if there is an intermediate bleeding, some tissue may be detached, which is then excreted together with the blood.
