IMPLANTATION BLEEDING
Implantation bleeding is a brownish or reddish
vaginal discharge that occurs at the time of implantation of the
fertilized ovum about 4-5 days before, or sometimes at around the same day as the next due periods.
The bleeding is usually not accompanied by any pain or discomfort. It lasts for only about 2-3 days and decreases spontaneously.
The problem with implantation bleeding is that many women confuse this with a normal period.
Only about 10% of all pregnant women experience implantation bleeding.
Cause of Implantation Bleeding:
At about 6 - 10 days after fertilization of the ovum, the fertilized egg (called the 'zygote') reaches the inner cavity of the uterus (see 'How Pregnancy Occurs'). Here it proceeds to attach itself to the inner lining of the uterus ('endometrium').
The zygote is surrounded by a highly specialized tissue called the trophoblast. This trophoblast has the capacity of being able to burrow into the endometrium. The process of burrowing into the endometrium is called 'implantation'.
During implantation, the trophoblast with the egg imbedded in it continues to burrow deep into the uterine endometrium until it is completely enclosed by it. During this process, some of the mother’s blood vessels are opened up, diverting some blood into cavities inside the trophoblast. If the cavities (called 'blood lakes') are near the surface of the endometrium, some of the blood may leak out into the uterine cavity.
This blood trickles out of the uterus to the vagina and mixes with normal vaginal discharge. This may be seen as pink or brown stained vaginal discharge - the colour of blood changes to brown if bleeding had occured a few days earlier.
The bleeding is normally so slight that it is not noticed or ignored by most women. On some occasions however it may be heavy enough to cause the woman to panic and consult the doctor.
The urine test for pregnancy may show a positive result 2-3 days after the implantation bleeding, when the level of the HCG hormone starts to rise in the blood. But it is better to do the test 7 days after the missed period for an accurate result.
Diagnosis of Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding has some definite characteristics:
- Time: Implantation bleeding occurs about 10 to 14 days after ovulation or just about the time of the next menstrual period.
- Amount of bleeding: The bleeding is usually very slight- sometimes the normal vaginal discharge may just be tinged pinkish or brownish. Occasionally however it may be more but in all cases it is far less than the normal menstrual blood flow.
- Pain: Implantation bleeding is not accompanied by pain or cramping at any time. If the slightest discomfort occurs with the bleeding, it is wise to consult a doctor immediately, as it may be a symptom of an impending abortion.
- Cycle of Flow: Implantation bleeding fades away spontaneously. Sometimes it may have the typical flow cycle of 'less flow-high flow-decreasing flow-no flow'. But the bleeding is always far less than a normal menstrual period.
Treatment of Implantation Bleeding: As implantation bleeding is a normal occurance and clears up by itself, there is no specific treatment.
Supplementary Vitamins to be taken in pregnancy:
- Iron tablets.
- Folic Acid tablets.
- High strength Multivitamin Capsules.
- Calcium tablets.
- Psyllium Husk, a natural fibre, if there is constipation.
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