What is embryo implantation: Symptoms and phases

To achieve pregnancy, the egg that is released monthly from the ovary is fertilized by the male sperm, generating an already fertilized egg or what is also known as a zygote. It is in the fallopian tubes where this process occurs.

Consequently, the zygote is displaced from the tubes to the uterus and there it divides to form what is known as a blastocyst (made up of two cell groups, an external one that will become the membrane that will nourish and protect it throughout the pregnancy, and an internal cell group that will become the embryo), this process occurs between the fourth and fifth day after fertilization.

Once this blastocyst reaches the uterus between day 6 or 7 after fertilization, it begins to adhere to the endometrium to continue its normal development. This is what is known as embryo implantation, in this way, a pregnancy is achieved that evolves according to time with all the nutrients from the mother to the fetus.

When the blastocyst manages to adhere to the endometrium, slight bleeding may be experienced , defining what is known as implantation bleeding. This is considered the fundamental part of pregnancy, approximately 14 days after fertilization and the embryo is implanted in what will be its new home for the next 40 weeks.

Implantation bleeding has some characteristics that allow it to be differentiated from menstrual bleeding:

1. Implantation bleeding is not an abnormal pregnancy symptom.
2. Normally, it begins a few days before the date of menstruation. In a normal 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs approximately on day 14 with a risk range between day 13 and 15, approximately 7 days pass until the fertilized egg reaches the uterus for implantation.
3. Implantation bleeding differs from menstrual bleeding, since the latter is usually bright red or dark red, in fact, women are often familiar with their menstrual period color. Implantation bleeding is usually light pink or rust-red in color.
4. The presence of implantation bleeding does not present clots before their expulsion as usually occurs during menstruation.
5. The amount of implantation bleeding is less than menstrual bleeding. Implantation bleeding is usually like a light discharge or spotting.
6. Not all women have implantation bleeding.

There are some common symptoms that can accompany implantation bleeding such as:

• Sickness.
• Headache.
• Humor changes.
• Tender breasts.
• Lumbar pain
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Fatigue.
• Increased basal body temperature.

These last signs are easily confused with PMS . The NIH (National Institutes of Health) states that up to 25% of pregnant women have implantation bleeding, lighter in color than normal menstrual bleeding.

For implantation to occur properly, it goes through some phases:

1. Hatching phase: at this time the outer layer that covers the ovule breaks and the embryo exits.
2. Opposition phase: in this phase the blastocyst is properly positioned so that the cells point in the direction of the endometrium.
3. Adhesion phase: it is in this phase where the embryo already comes into contact with the cells of the uterine endometrium, these have particular characteristics that favor cell adhesion.
4. Intrusion phase: at this time the blastocyst ruptures the cells of the uterine endometrium and prepares it to nest in it for a specific period of time.
5. Invasion phase: finally, the cells of the outer layer of the blastocyst are firmly attached to the uterine wall until the embryo is completely absorbed into the endometrium.

In addition to all the characteristics described above, it must be taken into account that implantation bleeding only lasts between approximately 1 and 3 days .

The time can vary from one woman to another and also depends on some influencing factors, such as the use of the contraceptive pill. For example, in the case of women who do not use any type of contraceptive, the duration of implantation bleeding may be longer, otherwise it happens with women who use some type of contraceptive, in which implantation bleeding can last a short period of time or just won’t happen.

Fortunately, the shorter the duration of the implantation bleeding and the smaller the amount, it will be much easier to differentiate it from menstrual bleeding.

The implantation process and the characteristic of the pain that may occur will vary from woman to woman, although it is true that when this process occurs it may go unnoticed in some women due to the probable absence of bleeding, many other women may manifest mild pain during implantation.

Mild cramps are much lighter than those caused by menstruation and are usually related to the accommodation of the uterus for the correct adhesion of the embryo. This slight discomfort does not usually last long, only 1 or 2 days. If the embryo adhesion is not correct, other conditions may be associated that must be evaluated by the specialist.

Likewise, other painful discomforts in the lower abdominal area and breasts may appear on the day of implantation or just a few days later, approaching the time when normal menstruation should occur. This implantation process is quite complex, if it fails there is no pregnancy.

It is worth knowing all the characteristics of implantation bleeding, do not be alarmed if you have mild pain for a short time, this is also usually a normal characteristic, however, as soon as there are the first signs of pregnancy, go to your doctor or gynecologist.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Does implantation bleeding hurt? , we recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and baby health category .