What is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and one of the signs women look for most when they are anxious to know if they have conceived. If you're looking for more information on this topic, you've come to the right place.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is an experience of spotting or light bleeding which occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy, and it is experienced by few women. The cause is natural, and it occurs when an egg has been fertilized and has dropped through the fallopian tubes and ventured into the uterus. The action of the attachment of the embryo to the walls of the uterus is called "implantation".

During this time, the small amounts of damaged tissue caused by the "burrowing" process will make its way down through the cervix where it is then discovered by the woman, and this action is referred to as "implantation bleeding".

How common is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding only occurs in 30% of pregnant women, so if you don't experience this sign during your pregnancy, it may be completely normal. Most women will not experience implantation bleeding at all during any of their pregnancies.

What does implantation bleeding look like?

If you are one of the 30% of women who experience implantation bleeding, you will most likely see brownish or light pink blood on the tissue you use to wipe yourself after going to the bathroom; most implantation bleeding is so light that it rarely comes all the way down through the vaginal orifice and onto the underwear. Instead, most women discover it after they have gone to the bathroom and wiped.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding usually last between 1-3 days, however, some women have reported experiencing implantation bleeding for up to 5 days. Implantation bleeding is often painless, with only a few women reporting slight cramping or discomfort.