You become pregnant when the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine wall. You may experience some pain along with bleeding when the implantation takes place. Throughout your menstrual cycle, you may experience vaginal discharge with bleeding. Sometimes, the bleeding starts at the wrong time, and this might indicate an underlying health condition.
If you think you have just experienced implantation bleeding, you may want to take a pregnancy test to confirm it. Many women have several questions regarding implantation and implantation bleeding.
Can Implantation Bleeding Have Small Clots?
No, that is never the case. In fact, you are only going to experience light vaginal bleeding. The bleeding will not be heavy or have blood clots. You should see your doctor immediately if you notice small blood clots.
Under normal circumstances, implantation bleeding is pink or brown in color. It is going to be light because of the small size of the ovum. In some cases, the bleeding is so light that it does not even flow out of your vagina. Some women only have a few drops of blood when implantation occurs.
It is also possible to have implantation bleeding during your first pregnancy and miss it completely while carrying your second child. Even if it is present, it is very light and thin in consistency.
When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Implantation can take place 6-12 days after ovulation. It implies that you may have implantation bleeding a week before your period. Sometimes, it occurs around the same time your period is due, and that is the reason why some women take implantation bleeding as a light period, especially when they also have a cramping sensation.
Take a Pregnancy Test to Know It for Sure
To determine if you have experienced implantation bleeding, it is better to take a pregnancy test, especially when you have other pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, etc. However, you need to keep in mind that sometimes a pregnancy test might not yield positive results because you take it too early.
These tests measure the levels of hCG hormone in your body that goes up after the egg implants itself into the womb. The process can take some time, which is why taking a pregnancy test a little too early may not yield correct results. You have to consider other symptoms as well and take another test if you miss your period after experiencing light bleeding.
How Long Does It Last?
Implantation bleeding may not last longer than a few minutes. In some cases, it may last for a few hours to a couple of days. If it persists for more than three days, you should seek immediate medical attention because it could be a sign of vaginal infections. It might also be a sign of a miscarriage.
Can You Experience Cramping with Implantation Bleeding?
Can implantation bleeding have small clots? You already know the answer, but you may be wondering if it can cause cramping sensation or not.
Yes, it is possible to have some cramps when the implantation takes place. It is common and can occur a week before your missed period. It may also vary in severity, as some women do not feel much but others say it feels as uncomfortable as menstrual cramps.
What If You Have Heavy Implantation Bleeding?
As mentioned already, it is very rare to have heavy implantation bleeding, and in most cases, it indicates underlying medical problems. Heavy discharge with strong cramps during implantation may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. It can also happen when the fertilized ovum attaches itself to the ovaries, abdomen, cervix, fallopian tubes, or other uterus tissues.
In such cases, you are going to experience some other symptoms, such as shoulder aches, dizziness, bloody discharge, pelvic pains, and blood with clots. If you continue to experience these symptoms along with heavy bleeding for more than three days, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Can implantation bleeding have small clots? No, clots are signs that you should inform your doctor. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor if you experience at least one of the symptoms mentioned below:
- You have heavy bleeding that continues for several days, especially when you have confirmed that you are pregnant.
- You have heavy bleeding after you have reached menopause.
- You experience prolonged, heavy bleeding in your normal menstrual period.
- You have vaginal discharge along with symptoms, such as acute pain and dizziness.
While implantation bleeding is a natural occurrence, you should not overlook any additional symptoms you may be experiencing. Never ignore what your body is trying to tell you by behaving differently. Talk to your doctor if you find something abnormal or strange. It is better to seek medical attention as soon as possible because most conditions that cause heavy bleeding can be treated easily when diagnosed in early stages of pregnancy.