SIGNS OF IMPLANTATION

WHAT EXACTLY IS IMPLANTATION

In humans implantation of the embryo is actually the attachment of the fertilized egg also known as blastocyst on the lining of the uterus. This is where the blastocyst grows and develops. The early stages of pregnancy and it is a natural process which happens a week after ovulation. This is a Starting Signs of Implantation.

Almost 1/3^rd of all woman experience implantation bleeding and at times it is mistaken for period bleeding also especially if it happens at the time of the menstrual cycle.

WHEN DOES IMPLANTATION OCCUR

Usually and mostly implantation occurs around 9 to10 days after ovulation but at times it occurs as early as 6 to 7 days and also as late as 12 days.

Thus if the ovulation takes place on the 14^th day after a period then implantation can happen on the 23^rd day

When ovulation occurs the ovaries release eggs. As a sperm enters the fallopian tube where it will fertilize the egg within 12 to 24 hours of ovulation. The zygote as the fertilized egg is known as then travels down the fallopian tube.

It is during this time that the zygote multiplies many times and forms a blastocyst. This blastocyst then enters the uterine cavity in 5 to 6 days post fertilization. Then this blastocyst implants in the uterus in 1 or 2 days.

The entire process starting from fertilization to implantation takes 6 to 10 days. Thus the implantation will usually occur between the 20^th and 24^th day of the female’s regular menstrual cycle.

IMPLANTATION SYMPTOMS

Each pregnancy is unique and thus the implantation symptoms vary from female to female. Also, there might be a difference between the first and subsequent pregnancies. At times pregnant women don’t experience any implantation symptoms. At times they experience all of them or some of them.

THESE ARE THE FIRST SIGNS OF IMPLANTATION

• CHANGES IN THE BREAST REGION OF THE FEMALE BODY

The body begins to change soon after implantation takes place. Breasts become more tender and there is soreness in the breasts. Also at times, there is swelling of the breasts. This happens because of the hormones levels which increase after conception. Also sometimes these changes in the breasts are evident at the time of ovulation and also a week after ovulation.

• IMPLANTATION BLEEDING AND SPOTTING

This is one of the most evident and primary signs of implantation. This takes place when the embryo embeds into the uterine wall.

Implantation bleeding is not as red as normal period blood and is more of pinkish and scanty in nature. Also, this bleeding is not consistent and also doesn’t form clots.

This implantation bleeding goes on and off and lasts from a few hours and at times for two days.

• IMPLANTATION CRAMPING

Implantation cramping is quite similar to periods cramping. cramps are milder and less painful than period cramps. The pregnant female will experience cramping in her lower abdomen and back and this will last for a couple of days.

Also at times, the cramps are accompanied with continuous contractions in the uterine wall. If you are experiencing intense pain and the pain is unbearable and lasts a long time then it is time to see a Medical professional or a Doctor.

• QUITE FREQUENT URINATION

As a week passes after implantation the female will feel a more frequent urination urge. As the body is producing more blood now for two bodies thus the blood supply increases and more blood lands up in the bladder. Because of the increase in blood supply in the pelvic region, there is pressure on the bladder. Because of this pressure, there is an increase in the urge to urinate.

• BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE INCREASE

During implantation the BBT or basal body temperature increases. And this can help in determining and confirming pregnancy. You do not have to keep track of your body temperature all the time and should do it only if you want to get pregnant.

While you try to get pregnant you should observe and chart your BBT. It is because of the increase in the progesterone hormone that the BBT increases during ovulation. This temperature remains high at the time of implantation.

• EXPERIENCING HOT FLASHES

Experiencing hot flashes is not a very common signs of implantation and may last for about 15 minutes at the time of implantation. Hot flashes are caused because of the increase in hormone levels in the body during implantation.

Hot flashes are not a sure shot sign of pregnancy but it may indicate to it as some women do experience them on implantation.

• FOOD AVERSIONS AND CRAVINGS

This is one prominent signs of implantation. Because of the hormones which are produced at implantation, these hormones alter a pregnant female’s likes in dislikes in food.

There might be food aversions and also craving for certain food. Thus you can count this as a good indicator of implantation and pregnancy.

• CERVICAL MUCUS DISCHARGE

After implantation, there is an increase in the hormone progesterone and due to this the cervix tends to swell and there is an increase in blood flow to it. Also, the glands enlarge and the glands are stimulated by the hormones to produce an increased amount of cervical mucus.

The cervical mucus after implantation looks pinkish or light brownish in color as this mucus contains some blood.

CONFORMATION WHETHER IMPLANTATION IS SUCCESSFUL

You can confirm your pregnancy only through a pregnancy test like a serum beta hCG test or a urine test. Also if you are experiencing implantation bleeding then you should wait for a couple of days and then take a home pregnancy test. In this case, there are more chances of correct determination as of the hCG levels increase.

Also, you can go for a sonogram to know if the embryo is attached to the uterine wall and implantation is taking place. After 3 to 4 weeks of implantation, the fetus can be seen through a sonogram.

Also at times, you might be experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy but get a negative in the pregnancy test.

This can happen because of less quantity of the hCG hormone. In cases, it takes up to 10 days after implantation to generate enough hCG in the body to give an affirmative result.

Thus you should not get discouraged and have patience while testing for implantation and pregnancy.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF IMPLANTATION BY DOING THESE THINGS

• BE CALM AND PATIENT

Pregnancy is, of course, a time of great excitement but you should be calm and patient and not get over anxious. It is a good idea to slow down and not exert yourself physically. Also, keep yourself busy and don’t obsess about getting pregnant. Things will happen on their own and they will take their own sweet time.

• RELAX AND SLOW DOWN

It is very important to relax and slow down and also not to exert yourself physically or mentally. Have natural fruits rich in fiber and stay away from caffeine. You can also practice meditation and yoga and this will act as a stress buster.

• DON’T SMOKE OR DRINK

Drinking and smoking are very harmful to your body and thus you should completely avoid alcohol and smoking as this will harm the newly forming body within you.

Also, avoid polluted places and take all the necessary precautions so that your baby is safe and you are also healthy. Pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on the body and thus you should prepare your body for the challenge.

• HAVE A BALANCED DIET

Your diet should have these ingredients:

1. You should go for superfoods like coconut oil, goji berries, maca, and cod liver oil in your diet. These foods support the increase in hormonal levels.
2. Also, take foods which heathen up your body like stews and soups with some herbs like cinnamon and ginger
3. Pregnancy safe herbs should also be taken such as nettle, hibiscus, red raspberry leaf, and yellow dock infusions or extracts.
4. You should take fiber rich food like beet green, collard, ground flax seeds, and whole grain. This fiber-rich food help in digestion, metabolism and also to maintain healthy estrogen levels.

CONCLUSION

Implantation is the beginning of pregnancy is a very delicate stage of pregnancy and thus you should take all necessary precautions so that no complications arise.

You should be happy but avoid being excited or over anxious as this might affect the health of the new baby growing in you.

Take a healthy diet rich in fiber and food which heats up the body and stay away from alcohol and smoking.

As they say ‘precaution is better than cure’ you should apply this mantra and also play safely while pregnant.

Also, enjoy the experience of motherhood and don’t take unnecessary stress. Cool down and relax. Also, interact socially and watch funny movies to keep yourself in a good mood and a pleasant state of mind.

Having healthy food and staying in a pleasant state of mind will greatly help you sail through pregnancy with enormous ease. So stay healthy and happy motherhood….!!

Read More