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Implantation Bleeding

Are you experiencing spotting? Are you concerned you may be pregnant? What are the symptoms of a miscarriage? Any time a woman experiences changes in her menstrual cycle or irregular bleeding, it may bring about worry and concern. If you are reading this blog, you are probably wondering if what you are experiencing is implantation bleeding, an irregular menstrual cycle, or a miscarriage. We are going to share with you some basic facts about implantation bleeding and spotting, as well as resources for next steps.

If you think you may be pregnant or are concerned that you are experiencing implantation bleeding or a missed period, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. We offer free medical grade pregnancy tests to confirm (or un-confirm!) your pregnancy. To schedule a test, please call, text, or email us today!

Important Notes about Bleeding:

There are differences between the types of bleeding that may be experienced at various stages of a woman’s cycle. If there is ever any question regarding bleeding experienced outside of a menstrual cycle, consult a medical professional. If a woman is experiencing pain, she should immediately call 911, her personal physician, or go to the nearest emergency room or clinic. If she has taken a positive pregnancy test, it is imperative to be seen by a doctor.

Because implantation occurs within a few days of the expected period, implantation bleeding can be confused with a normal menstrual cycle. However, implantation bleeding is typically lighter in color and much smaller in volume. Since a woman is most familiar with her own pattern of bleeding during menstruation, she may be able to differentiate the amount and color of the blood experienced during implantation spotting.

Any time there is unexpected bleeding, alternative explanations (other than implantation bleeding) must be checked out. Perhaps the bleeding is due to pregnancy, but it can also be caused by various other factors.

What is Implantation Bleeding?

When conception occurs, the resulting embryo begins a six- to twelve-day journey down the oviduct to the uterus. During that time, it undergoes a series of cell divisions producing an entity called a blastocyst. To begin the pregnancy, the blastocyst must imbed itself into the inner wall of the uterus. Although at this time the embryo remains only a fraction of a millimeter in diameter, it can still cause an occasional disruption in the highly vascularized uterine wall, leading to the loss of small amounts of blood. This is implantation bleeding. It occurs in perhaps one-third of all pregnancies and generally is not a cause for alarm. In fact, it can be read as an early sign of the pregnancy.

It’s important to not self-diagnose. This blog post is meant to provide basic information about implantation bleeding and not medical advice. As always, a woman should seek the input of a medical professional if she has questions or needs immediate medical attention.

What to do Next:

  • Have you taken a pregnancy test? If you are concerned that you may be pregnant, contact Avenue Women’s Center to schedule a free pregnancy test today.
  • Did you take a positive test, and are now considering your options in regards to the pregnancy? Here at Avenue Women’s Center we provide services that are the first step in making a pregnancy decision. Contact us for a free private consultation.
  • Did you take a positive test, and are now experiencing bleeding or pain? If you took a positive test and are experiencing bleeding and/or pain, this could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Please contact a medical professional right away.

Avenue Women’s Center is here to confirm your pregnancy and privately discuss your options. Perhaps it isn’t the right time for a pregnancy or you are concerned about the next steps. We can help. We have five DuPage county locations in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois. Call, text, or email us to schedule your consultation today.


References:

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2016, July) Bleeding During Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Bleeding-During-Pregnancy
  • American Pregnancy Association. (2017, November) What is Implantation Bleeding? http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/what-is-implantation-bleeding/

Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.

The information provided here is general in nature.  It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center.  If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention.  Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.