What is nest spotting?

In the days following fertilization of an egg by a sperm, one in three newly pregnant women may experience a few drops of blood . This is called implantation spotting, also known as implantation bleeding. It occurs when the egg settles into the uterus and adheres to the uterine lining—some of the lining may break down, causing pain and light bleeding. How can you be sure it's implantation spotting? Is it possible to bleed while pregnant? Is it serious to bleed when you think you might be pregnant? We'll talk about it in this article!

Let's start at the beginning, what is implantation?

Nidation is the process by which a fertilized egg attaches and implants itself in the wall of the uterus. It occurs between 6 and 12 days after the sexual intercourse that resulted in fertilization. It is a crucial stage in the very beginning of pregnancy in humans, and it determines the continuation of the pregnancy.

After being fertilized by a sperm and beginning cell division, the fertilized egg migrates through the fallopian tube to the uterus. There, it implants itself in the uterine lining, a process known as implantation. Once implanted, it begins releasing chemical signals that allow the formation of the placenta. After implantation, the embryonic development process continues, with the formation of embryonic tissue and the growth of the embryo.

What is implantation bleeding and what causes it?

Implantation spotting, also called “implantation bleeding” or “implantation spotting,” is light vaginal bleeding that occurs 6 to 12 days after intercourse that resulted in fertilization.

If you're trying to get pregnant, this bleeding isn't bad news at all: it's actually a sure sign that pregnancy has begun . As its name suggests, it's linked to the implantation of the egg into the uterine lining. Because the uterine lining is particularly well-perfused with blood vessels and is sensitive, implantation can cause light bleeding.

Nesting spotting is distinguished from periods by:

• Its flow: it is very light, we are talking about a few drops of blood;
• Its duration: it lasts from a few hours to three days at most;
• Its occurrence: it occurs 6 to 12 days after ovulation, while menstruation occurs 14 days after the latter;
• Its color: it is not bright red and can be dark brown or even black (if the blood has had time to oxidize before reaching your underwear) or on the contrary very clear (if the blood has mixed with your other vaginal discharge).

⚡Not observing implantation spotting is not a sign that you are not pregnant. It is estimated that one in three women experience implantation bleeding, so it is entirely possible that you could be pregnant without having observed this bleeding.

Is it painful?

While some women report a slight pinching sensation in the lower abdomen, similar to what they feel during ovulation, implantation bleeding is generally painless. If you typically experience pain during your period, this may be a good way to identify that you are experiencing implantation bleeding rather than your period.

Am I necessarily pregnant?

Implantation bleeding is a pretty clear symptom that pregnancy is occurring: a fertilized egg is attaching to your uterus and developing.

However, there are other reasons why you may experience vaginal bleeding outside of your period—we've covered this in another article. Before you think you might be pregnant, consider these other reasons and wait until you notice other symptoms of a potential pregnancy (late period, breast tenderness, etc.). You can also take a pregnancy test, which will confirm your pregnancy with certainty.

To avoid waiting too long, there are early pregnancy tests that can be done up to 6 days before your expected period, or at the time of implantation bleeding. Their results are less reliable (there are more false negatives, and you could still be pregnant), but they can give you an initial answer.

When does implantation bleeding occur?

Implantation bleeding occurs between 6 and 12 days after fertilization. Okay. But how do you know when fertilization occurred?

Fertilization is induced by two phenomena:

• Ovulation: Fertilization cannot occur without ovulation. If you track your cycles accurately, you usually know when you ovulate. There are several symptoms that can tell you when it is. If you don't track your cycles, you should know that ovulation occurs 14 days before your period: if you know the expected date of your next period, you should know roughly when your last ovulation occurred; (Be aware that there are period tracking apps )
• Presence of a sperm: Fertilization cannot occur without the involvement of a sperm. It is estimated that a sperm can live up to 5 days in the uterus and fallopian tubes... with that in mind, we'll let you do the math.

Differentiate implantation bleeding from other spotting

Whether you're expecting or dreading pregnancy, the onset of bleeding a few days after intercourse and a few days before your expected period can be surprising. To find out whether or not you're experiencing implantation bleeding, we offer some tips to help you better identify your vaginal bleeding.

How to recognize your bleeding

To differentiate your vaginal bleeding, you need to look at four characteristics of it:

• Their flow: How heavy is the bleeding? A few drops, a light flow, a heavy flow?
• Their duration: How long does your bleeding last? A few hours? A day? Several days?
• Their occurrence: when does your bleeding occur in relation to your menstrual cycle?
• Their color: Bright red bleeding is often associated with heavy bleeding, while darker or lighter bleeding is often lighter.

The rules

Periods occur at the end of the menstrual cycle , 14 days after ovulation. They generally last between 2 and 5 days and can be more or less heavy: every woman is different! Generally, you know your periods well and will therefore be able to identify bleeding related to your period or different from it. We will therefore quickly go over periods.

Ovulatory bleeding

In some women and during some cycles, ovulation is accompanied by a small amount of bleeding. This is most often caused by a small blood vessel bursting when the egg is released from its ovarian follicle. The bleeding is very light and can last from a few hours to two days. It is accompanied by a slight pinching in the lower abdomen as well as several symptoms, the symptoms of ovulation . It is very similar to implantation bleeding except that it does not occur at the same time: ovulatory bleeding occurs at the time of ovulation, 14 days before menstruation.

Bleeding outside of the cycle

Beyond these two bleeding patterns, other vaginal bleeding may occur during the cycle. This is called metrorrhagia and generally requires consulting a doctor:

• Bleeding linked to illnesses: PCOS, uterine fibroids or even endometriosis;
• Bleeding from a wound: A scratch can cause small amounts of vaginal bleeding.

These can occur at any time during your cycle and are more or less abundant, depending on the cause.

Also read: Symptoms of PCOS >

Miscarriage

If implantation does not occur properly and the fertilized egg fails to attach to the uterine wall, it can lead to an early miscarriage . This usually results in abdominal pain from uterine contractions and bleeding that can be mistaken for a period: many miscarriages occur before women even realize they are pregnant. Bleeding from an early miscarriage is heavier than implantation spotting and mixes with the period because the uterine lining is usually expelled along with the non-viable fertilized egg.

What symptoms may be associated?

Because implantation spotting is linked to both implantation and pregnancy, you may experience symptoms related to both. Here they are.

Symptoms related to implantation

Implantation is often not accompanied by obvious symptoms and may go unnoticed by many women. However, some women may experience mild symptoms or physiological changes during the implantation period.

Pinching sensation in the lower abdomen

Some women may experience mild abdominal pain or cramping during implantation. This may be due to the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall.

Breast tenderness

Some studies suggest that some women may experience mild breast tenderness during implantation.

Vaginal discharge

Changes in the texture and quantity of cervical mucus may occur. Some women may notice pinkish or brownish cervical mucus.

Fatigue

Some women may feel more tired than usual during this time, although fatigue can be a common symptom of pregnancy in general.

High basal temperature

Some women occasionally notice a triphasic increase in basal body temperature as part of implantation, but this is not a universal indication of pregnancy. A triphasic increase refers to a distinct third phase of basal body temperature that occurs approximately one week after ovulation.

⚡Did you know? Tracking your basal temperature is a good way to track your ovulation when trying to conceive. 🌈 On our e-shop, we offer a connected basal thermometer that will allow you to track changes in your body's basal temperature and thus increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Symptoms related to pregnancy

In early pregnancy, symptoms are often imperceptible or mild, and some women do not experience them.

Late period

One of the first signs of pregnancy is often a late period. However, a late period usually occurs after implantation bleeding.

Breast tenderness

Breasts can become tender, swollen, or painful in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes. If you experience breast tenderness during your menstrual cycle, chances are your breasts will also be sore during your pregnancy. 🌈 In our shop, we particularly like the soothing Tits Party treatment from Nidéco : it relieves the tension you may feel in your breasts during your menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Fatigue

Increased fatigue is common during early pregnancy. Hormonal changes can lead to a feeling of increased fatigue.

Nausea and vomiting

Often referred to as "morning sickness," morning nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of the first trimester of pregnancy. Some women may not experience them at all, while others may experience them throughout their pregnancy.

Food cravings and aversions

Hormonal changes can influence food preferences. Some women may experience sudden food cravings or, conversely, food aversions. This may be linked to olfactory hypersensitivity, which can sometimes trigger nausea.

Frequent need to urinate

Increased pressure on the bladder due to the growing uterus can lead to a frequent need to urinate.

Mood swings

Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood, sometimes leading to mood swings, similar to what you might experience during PMS.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test, and the blood test that follows a positive pregnancy test, is the only way to determine if you're pregnant. Implantation spotting is a clue, but it's by no means proof! You must wait three weeks after your expected ovulation (i.e., one week after your period is late) to take a pregnancy test.

The difficult wait

However, if you suspect pregnancy and notice what appears to be implantation spotting, it occurs BEFORE your next period is due. Worse, it is generally recommended that you take a pregnancy test one week AFTER your missed date to be sure of your verdict – especially if your periods are irregular!

In other words, if your implantation spotting occurs 6 days after ovulation, you must wait 8 days until your expected period date + 7 days for the delay. However, waiting 15 days under these conditions can be a bit complicated. Not to mention that the body sometimes tends to create the symptoms we want to see – hello stress and false hope!

To save you some of this waiting, know that there are early pregnancy tests, which can be done as early as 6 days after the expected date of fertilization, at the same time as the implantation bleeding. They are less accurate (there are more false negatives) and such an early pregnancy can encounter many difficulties, but they can help you satisfy your impatience.

When should you see a doctor?

Implantation spotting is a symptom of early pregnancy that poses no danger to you or the rest of the pregnancy, if applicable. Arm yourself with patience and wait for the possible pregnancy: in a few days, through your missed period and a pregnancy test, you will know more.

However, it may be worth consulting a doctor:

• If the vaginal bleeding you are experiencing is heavy and/or continues over time, and you are sure it is not your period;
• If you take a pregnancy test and it comes back positive, you must now find a healthcare professional who will assist you. You can contact your primary care physician or your gynecologist.