Signs and symptoms of implantation can be very subtle. Not every woman will notice them when they are happening. Women who are actively trying to get pregnant are likely very highly tuned in to any bodily changes. They are already taking their basal body temperature daily and watching for differences in cervical mucus. It?s not uncommon for a woman to realize that she was experiencing implantation symptoms after she discovers her pregnancy though.
Implantation Bleeding
Light bleeding or spotting is usually the first sign that implantation has occurred. Since the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining, a small amount of blood may be released. The blood may be light red or even brown. This is totally healthy and normal for implantation, and it?s not the same as getting one?s period. Some women will notice a little spotting in their underwear. Others may notice a little bit of blood when they wipe in the bathroom. Around 30 percent of women report this symptom with implantation.
Uterine Cramping
Uterine cramping is also a common symptom of implantation. Some women may confuse implantation cramps with traditional menstrual cramps. Implantation cramps tend to be lighter and less severe than normal menstrual cramps. If women aren?t trying to get pregnant, they may dismiss these cramps as mild premenstrual cramps. These light uterine cramps typically occur when the fertilized egg is implanting into the wall of the uterus.
Basal Body Temperature Changes
Women who are actively trying to get pregnant are probably already keeping track of their basal body temperature changes. With implantation, the first temperature change will be a rise. After the initial rise, there is usually a dip that follows. The initial change in temperature will usually be a rise of about 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The next basal body temperature change that indicates implantation is a dip that lasts for about one day.
Additional Timing Considerations
It?s also important to keep note of when these changes are happening. There are a variety of ways to do this. Some women will write information down in a journal or day planner. Other women will use popular phone applications to track their signs and symptoms. The bleeding usually occurs about a week after ovulation. The temperature shifts can occur up to about 10 days after ovulation. A woman who is already tracking her ovulation will likely be more receptive to these signs and symptoms of implantation, but it?s not uncommon to miss the signs altogether.
