12 Possible Signs Of Implantation That You Need To Know

Couples who are trying to get pregnant eagerly look out for implantation signs every month. Implantation is first sign of pregnancy even before a missed period.

But have you been wondering what you are experiencing is exactly a sign of implantation or something else? Sometimes, the signs you are thinking as implantation can be due to onset of next period.

So, we recommend to understand clearly about the signs of success implantation before you come to a conclusion.

Before we get into implantation signs in detail, let’s first understand what happens during an implantation process and when it occurs…

Implantation is a process where the fertilized egg attaches itself into the uterine lining and then deep into the endometrium. (1) This process usually happens around 7 – 10 days after ovulation. As this time period is very near to the time of next menstrual cycle, people often get confused between implantation and period symptoms.

Possible Signs of Successful Implantation

1. Implantation Bleeding or Spotting

It is one of the most accurate signs of successful implantation but unfortunately only in 1 out of 3 women can experience it. In fact, most of the women misunderstand implantation bleeding with menstrual period.

Implantation bleeding usually happens around 7 – 10 days after ovulation. It states that fetus has successfully implanted into the endometrium. Implantation spotting will be either light pink or brown and the consistency will not be like period. It can be on and off for 4 days and doesn’t have any clots. However, some women may experience heavy implantation bleeding but it doesn’t last more than few hours. If you are experiencing anything different from this then it is not implantation bleeding.

2. Implantation Cramping

The pain caused due to implantation is similar to that of menstrual cramps but not so intense. In most of the cases, women cannot differentiate between the both. They usually occur in lower abdomen or back. Usually these cramps last for few minutes to an hour. They are caused by the uterine contractions taking place while implantation. If you are experiencing intense pain then seek for medical help as it can an indication of a serious health condition.

3. Breast Changes

A few days after implantation, you may notice changes in breast like tenderness, sore nipples, increased size, dark areola and sensitivity. As soon as implantation occurs, our body starts to prepare for the task of nourishing and feeding the baby. Rapid hormonal increase of progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin are responsible for these discomforts. Apart increased blood flow can also lead to swelling and veins of the breasts may also become visible.

4. Increases Basal Body Temperature

An increase in the basal body temperature can be one of the successful implantation signs. If you have been tracking down your BBT levels of your menstrual cycle then you may notice high in temperature levels in the luteal phase. The temperature rise is actually caused by the progesterone hormone that is produced while ovulation. If the fertilized egg implants itself then the temperature will stay elevated for a week after ovulation. If pregnancy doesn’t take place then temperatures will reduce after ovulation. The increase can be just a few 10^th’s of a degree so you have to use a basal body thermometer in order to check it.

5. Cervical Mucus Changes

Almost 80% of women experience changes in cervical mucus after getting pregnant.  With an increase in hormones production and blood flow to the vagina, changes in color, consistency and flow of the cervical mucus will take place. Few signs of successful conception include consistent white, heavier and slippery mucus.

Some pregnant women will have an increase in the mucus level that it can often wet the inner wear. Or else you can examine the cervical mucus levels using a clean finger by inserting it into the vagina. Mucus levels may decrease after 4 – 5 weeks of pregnancy.

6. Missed Period

The most accurate sign of successful implantation is a missed period. There are several other reasons as well for a missed period. However, if you have other early pregnancy symptoms as well then a missed period can be good sign of conception.

If you have missed your period then it’s time to take a pregnancy test so that you can take necessary steps for a safe pregnancy. Experts recommend to wait at least 1 day after a missed period to take the test. Because it is the right time to the appropriate results.

If the test comes negative then wait for a week and take the test again. If you get negative result even after 10 days of a missed period then pregnancy is unlikely and it is recommended to consult a physician.

7. Frequent Urination

Within few days of conception, some women experience increase tendency to use washroom. Though you rush to bathroom every hour, you may pass very little urine. This is caused by the secretion of hCG hormone which increases the blood supply to the bladder making it irritable.

8. Food Cravings and Aversion

Have you been experiencing food craving and aversions lately then this can be a good sign of pregnancy. In order to support pregnancy, our body increases the production of hormones which alter the taste buds. This results in changes in preference of certain foods and dislike for some.

9. Hot Flashes

Hot flashes can also be a common indication of successful implantation. On the implantation (between 7 – 10 days after ovulation) day, women may experience hot flashes that may last up to 50 minutes. It is actually triggered by the rapid fluctuations occurring at the time of egg embedment.

10. Mood Swings

The increased level of pregnancy hormones can also cause mood swings. If you have been become suddenly short tempered, emotional or depressed then it can be a sign of successful implantation.

11. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea, morning sickness and vomiting are the common pregnancy symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic   increase in hCG hormone is one of the main cause, it can also be caused due to increase in estrogen and progesterone levels which decrease the digestion and slow down emptying of the stomach.

12. Fatigue and Tiredness

After successful implantation of fetus into the endometrium, the body starts to work excessively in supporting the pregnancy. If your schedule has not changed but experiencing fatigue then it can be a sign of pregnancy.

How to Support Implantation Process:

• Reduce stress levels as it can disrupt hormone levels and prevent conception.
• Eat foods that support healthy growth of l necessary for implantation.
• Stay optimistic and generate good feelings. Keep yourself busy and keep your emotions under control.
• Avoid practices like castor oil packs, self-fertility massages and womb therapeutic oil massage.
• Take enough rest and nurture yourself.

Having Signs and Negative Pregnancy Test

If you are experiencing successful implantation symptoms but got a negative result then take a test again after a few days. Because sometimes hCG hormone may increase very slowly. If you have got negative pregnancy test even after 10 days of a missed period then pregnancy is unlikely. It is better to consult a gynecologist to know the problem.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does implantation symptoms last?

The implantation signs may last until the fetus implants itself into the endometrium. This usually completes within 3 days.

2. How Soon After implantation do you have symptoms?

You may experience it during the implantation or within few hours after the implantation completes. However the implantation symptoms will not stay for a long time.

3. How many days does implantation take place after ovulation?

Implantation takes place usually around 7 – 10 days after ovulation.

4. How long does it take to confirm your pregnancy?

If you take a test immediately after implantation day then you may not get the appropriate result. You have to wait at least until you miss your period to take the test. Or else you have to consult a gynecologist to confirm your pregnancy.

5. Will I really know when implantation occurs?

Actually, most of the women don’t even feel the implantation process. Only some women can experience implantation spotting or cramping.

Final Thoughts:

Though the above symptoms indicate successful implantation, you cannot confirm the same without getting a test done. So, we recommend you stay optimistic until you get confirmation from a gynecologist.

Which implantation signs are you experiencing? Share your experience with us in the comment section below.