What does implantation bleeding look like

What does implantation bleeding look like - Bleeding early in pregnancy was thought to be caused by implantation of the embryo into the wall of the uterus, hence the name implantation bleeding.

However, this theory is no longer accepted, as light bleeding usually occurs after implantation of the embryo.

What does implantation bleeding look like

When an egg is fertilized by a sperm in the fallopian tube, it becomes a rapidly dividing clump of cells called a blastocyst. It travels down the blastocyst tube into your uterus.

There, the blastocyst implants itself into the wall of the uterus, where it can begin to develop into an embryo and placenta. This journey from fertilization to implantation takes five to six days.

Light bleeding is probably due to the placenta developing after the blastocyst has implanted.

While the placenta is getting ready to provide nutrition and oxygen to your baby, your body, fueled by pregnancy hormones, is doing its job.

Bleeding in early pregnancy lasts for less than three days. Normal bleeding is light, so you may only feel it when you go to the toilet and wipe, or see blood stains on your underwear.

Although spotting bleeding is quite common, it is always better to see a doctor. Sometimes bleeding can be a sign of a more serious problem.

Your doctor will do a check-up to find out the cause of the bleeding. They can give you the following advice:

• urine or blood tests to check hormone levels
• Cervical examination. Small and harmless lumps or cervical or vaginal infection can also be the cause of bleeding.
• a transvaginal ultrasound scan to detect the baby's heartbeat