Authored by Heaven Stubblefield in Pregnancy 
Published on 10-31-2009

Implantation bleeding is often the cause of panic, but it is actually a good sign for anyone wanting to become pregnant. This is because it is not a heavy bleeding and it only happens if a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterine lining. Due to the fact that the uterus consists mostly of blood, this implantation will cause some women to have blood discharged. This is at first disappointing because it is often mistaken for a miscarriage or spotting. However, since implantation bleeding only happens when a woman is pregnant, this is actually a good thing.

Generally speaking, implantation bleeding happens during the time when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. The time frame for this can vary greatly from one woman to the next, but it will happen on average anywhere from six to twelve days after ovulation occurs. In other words, implantation bleeding most likely will occur roughly a week before the regular period is expected to start. It is light and can even last a couple of days, which makes it often appear as spotting or the start of the menstrual cycle.

The time when implantation bleeding can happen has such a broad range, because it will all depend upon just how fast the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tubes and is able to attach to the uterus’ lining. On top of that, the bleeding is so light it will also take time to actually leave the body. The process can also be influenced by the presence of more than one fertilized egg. The implantation itself is often noticed in the form of a light cramping by the woman, long before any bleeding is observed. This cramping comes from the egg making room in the lining of the uterus. This movement to accommodate the egg is normal.

For many, implantation bleeding is not something that should be worried about. In fact, not even half of all women will experience actual discharge at all, and those that do will only notice a slight bloody discharge that is pink or brown in color. A few women will also notice tissue discharge along with the light bleeding. A doctor should be seen immediately if implantation bleeding has any other symptoms accompanying it, such as a backache, heavier bleeding or severe cramps.

The best thing to do if you know that you could be pregnant or if you are trying to have a baby is just keep good track of your menstrual cycle. If you notice that a few days before the regular bleeding is expected to begin that a discharge or discomfort is imminent, then you have to keep an eye on that. The brownish or pinkish color of implantation bleeding is important because it shows that it has been traveling for some time already and is already drying up. That means you will have to test for pregnancy, and that you most likely will not be getting your menstrual cycle.