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Implantation Bleeding – Signs, Symptoms & When to Worry
Getting pregnant is something that can be quite unpredictable. It can happen either by accident or you can try and try till you finally get to see those two pink lines on a pregnancy test! Often, many women end up becoming the victims of morning sickness and only then realise that they’ve been pregnant for a while! Is there a way you can figure out if you are pregnant shortly after conception? Yes, through a phenomenon called implantation bleeding! With this, you can figure out in a week if you’re pregnant or not!
What Is Implantation Bleeding?
This is a type of light bleeding (spotting) which is an indicator of the egg attaching itself to the uterus. It is estimated that 33% of pregnant women experience this. It is not a medical emergency and is a completely natural phenomenon.
It makes its presence known in the form of a brown or pink hue. Unlike your period, it doesn’t last for long and doesn’t have any agonizing pain attached to it. In fact, it’s so subtle that you may not even realize its significance.
Every woman is familiar with what her menstrual cycle is like. Being observant helps a lot, as a slight difference in the colour of the blood and reduced flow could make you aware of possible implantation.
When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
On an average, implantation bleeding occurs around nine days after conception. However, the range is variable with the same taking place either within a week or even two weeks after conception. In many cases, the bleeding will take place just prior to your menstrual cycle. As ovulation takes place after 11-14 days, there are chances that you could confuse the blood you see with that of what you see during your menstrual cycle. This is what makes it difficult to detect implantation bleeding; women don’t realize that what they think is their period is, actually, a sign of being pregnant!
Stages of Implantation Bleeding
After the egg is fertilized by a sperm, cell division occurs until the fertilized egg becomes a blastocyst, after roughly five days. The blastocyst then travels for about a day towards the uterus where the following stages of implantation take place:
1. Adplantation
When the embryo is about a week old, it attaches itself to the walls of the uterus.
2. Adhesion
The embryo begins to penetrate the walls of the uterus so that it can securely fasten itself.
3. Invasion
In this final phase, the embryo begins to embed itself into the uterine wall.
Pregnancy Implantation - Signs and Symptoms
Below are some of the symptoms associated with pregnancy implantation. However, not all women experience these symptoms, and a pregnancy test is the only sure-shot way of finding out whether you are pregnant. Additionally, many of these symptoms must continue for at least a week after the ovulation cycle is over.
1. Bleeding/Spotting
Implantation spotting is the most reliable indicator that implantation has taken place. Light, short bleeding without regular period cramps is a sign of implantation. However, spotting may also be a result of sexual intercourse due to increased sensitivity of the cervix.
2. Cramping
The process that takes place within your body leads to implantation cramping. However, this pain can be differentiated from menstrual cramping as its intensity is lesser. One aspect to be noted is that cramping isn’t the result of the physical embedding as it is too tiny to make such an impact. The mild cramping is a result of the hormonal changes that take place within the body after implantation.
3. Soreness of the Breasts
After implantation, hormones begin to send chemical messages to the body to prepare itself for pregnancy. In response, the breasts start becoming tender and swollen. You may experience some soreness because of this.
4. Increased Basal Body Temperature
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is the temperature of your body during a state of inactivity. Many women who are actively trying to get pregnant have a BBT chart to track their ovulation. The best time to take this measurement is right after waking up. When you are ovulating, the BBT increases due to the increased progesterone levels. During implantation, there is a dip in the BBT to below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, after which there is a dramatic rise in temperature.
5. Frequent Urination
The implantation leads to a flurry of activities taking place within the body, one of which is an increase of blood flow to the pelvis. This puts stress on the bladder making you feel the need to urinate often. However, this is associated with menstrual cycles as well and is not a guarantee for implantation.
6. Food Craving or Aversion
The surge in hormones could make you crave a specific food item that you don’t usually eat. Alternatively, you might feel an intense aversion to food items that you eat on a regular basis.
7. Hot Flashes
This can happen due to the dynamic change in hormones that takes place during implantation.
8. Cervical Mucus
There will be a marked increase in your mucus flow due to an increase in hormones that will stimulate the cervix.
9. Mood Swings
You will experience rapidly changing emotions that can range from crying one minute to being elated the next minute. This is on account of the changes in your hormones. However, these are also pre-menstrual symptoms and do not guarantee implantation.
How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?
It is difficult to give an accurate number for this as each woman’s body is different. However, an estimate is that most of the bleeding due to implantation lasts for 24-48 hours. In some cases, the duration has reached more than a month, which is an exception and not the norm.
The Difference Between Implantation Bleeding and the Menstrual Cycle
While a lot of the symptoms mentioned above can be characteristic of both implantation bleeding and the menstrual cycle, here are some ways in which both of these are different.
1. Colour
Implantation Bleeding: The blood seen is usually pink or brown in colour. The brown colour that is sometimes observed is only on account of older blood.
Menstrual Cycle: The colour of the blood that is seen during periods can vary and is considered a biological health monitor for a woman. While a bright red colour can indicate new blood, a greyish hue may indicate an infection or miscarriage.
2. Duration
Implantation Bleeding: It does not last for long and has a maximum duration of 1-2 days.
Menstrual Cycle: It can last anywhere between 2-7 days. It is highly variable and depends on factors such as lifestyle and body type.
3. Discharge
Implantation Bleeding: The discharge is always highly viscous.
Menstrual Cycle: The discharge changes according to the ovulation cycle and is often considered an accurate indicator of a woman’s fertility. The mucus is an egg white colour and relatively watery when a woman is most fertile. On the other hand, the discharge becomes sticky and has a creamy texture when a woman is in her non-fertile stage.
4. Cramping
Implantation Bleeding:The cramps experienced are mild compared to what you go through during a period. They are caused due to hormonal activity after the implantation.
Menstrual Cycle:The cramps can range from mild to severe with each period. A hormone called prostaglandin causes muscle contractions within the uterine wall which is responsible for the cramps.
5. Volume
Implantation Bleeding: The amount of bleeding is minimal and in many cases, does not even require the changing of a pad. The volume of bleeding is also independent of any other condition.
Menstrual Cycle: The amount of bleeding is, on average, about 10-30 ml per period, though sometimes it can even cross 500ml! The flow is variable and depends on conditions such as the size of the individual, exercise, and hormonal levels.
How to Verify If Your Implantation Is Successful
While the symptoms associated with implantation are a good indicator of pregnancy, there can always be other reasons for them such as low hormones. The best way to verify whether your implantation has been successful is by taking a pregnancy test. Ensure that you take your test at least 10 days after the seeing the blood you suspect to be of implantation bleeding, to avoid a false positive.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Implantation?
Below are a few tips you can try to get pregnant:
1. Go High on Fibre
Fibre-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, have been known to help the body maintain a healthy progesterone level.
2. Consume Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish such as salmon and mackerel, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, prevent the uterus from contracting too hard which can cause pain and lead to the faulty positioning of the uterus.
3. Avoid Stress
Stress can throw your ovulation cycle off balance as high levels have been known to affect the hypothalamus, the area that regulates your hormones. It can begin a vicious cycle, as not getting pregnant leads to stress, which in turn leads to not getting pregnant. You can see the signs of stress in your cervical discharge, which, instead of increasing in volume, becomes patchy and interspersed. So take a chill pill, and you’re sure to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
4. Stay Away From Xenoestrogen
These are chemicals that have oestrogen-like properties. They are very harmful to the body and reduce the elasticity of the uterine wall. Xenoestrogen is often found in non-organic foods and non-vegetarian products subjected to growth hormones.
5. Avoid Alcohol
For some, having a few glasses of wine may help set the mood. However, studies have shown that the consumption of alcohol can reduce the chances of implantation. Just a couple of glasses of wine a week could reduce the chances of a couple conceiving by a quarter!
6. Let Gravity Help!
This may seem a little strange, but the little swimmers stand a better chance of reaching the egg with gravity to gently nudge it along. Lie down with some pillows under your bottom and your legs rested on a wall to improve the mobility of the sperm.
7. Relaxed Environment
Overtaxing the body while you’re trying to get pregnant isn’t a good idea due to the stress that your body has to go through. It would lead to the body giving precedence to keeping up with your pace during pregnancy. Avoid vigorous exercises and switch to easier forms of keeping the body fit, like yoga or walking. Those with an active social life could also scale it down a little and focus on spending some me-time to rejuvenate themselves.
8. Herbal Remedies
Herbs have been known to help the overall health of the uterus by toning the muscles and reducing cramps. Some of the herbs that recommended by herbalists include cramp bark, black haw and partridgeberry.
FAQs
Most women aren’t aware of what implantation bleeding is, let alone know the symptoms associated with it. We’ve curated some of the most common questions that pregnant women around the world have with respect to the topic:
1. What is Implantation Discharge?
This is the thickening of the cervical discharge. It takes place once the egg is fertilized to protect the egg from harmful bacteria, and lower preference is given to sperm movement. There is also an increase in the discharge which would result in your underwear being wet often. You can examine this by following the below steps:
Wash your hands to avoid an infection.
Find a spot where you can comfortably access the cervix.
Using an in an upward movement, use your index finger to collect some discharge.
2. Can the Blood Seen Due to Implantation Bleeding Be Heavy or Red?
The amount of blood you will see due to implantation bleeding will always be light and would not even require you to change your pad. Anything heavy may be an indicator of something else. If you experience heavy bleeding along with nausea or vomiting, it may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.
3. If There Is No Implantation Bleeding, What Does It Indicate?
It isn’t necessary that every implant must have bleeding associated with it. While many women do experience bleeding, around 2/3rd of pregnant women do not experience it! In situations like these, you can check if you show other symptoms related to pregnancy. If you are pregnant, then the hormonal fluctuations would have already begun, and you may experience nausea, fatigue and swollen breasts.
4. What Should Be Done If Implantation Bleeding Takes Place After a Missed Period?
There are some instances where you may experience bleeding without having a period. In these instances, it becomes crucial that you understand the difference between a period and implantation bleeding. You can always take a pregnancy test to keep your mind at ease. Do wait for a few days before taking the pregnancy test to avoid a false negative result.
5. When Should I Consult a Gynaecologist?
There are two scenarios where you can seek the guidance of your gynaecologist. First, there is heavy bleeding followed by fever or vomiting. This can be a sign of the embryo being placed outside the uterus and requires medical assistance. The second scenario is after a being tested positive for a pregnancy test.
6. When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Now that you know about implantation bleeding, getting a pink/brown bleeding can have you excited. However, don’t be too quick to pull out the pregnancy test kit. The hormone hCG, which is secreted by the foetus, and is detected by most pregnancy devices, takes a while to reach the bloodstream and urine. This means if you do a pregnancy test too early, it may result in a false-negative. Testing for pregnancy via a blood test would be faster as the hCG reaches the bloodstream first. To be on the safe side, you can take the test after 10 days. Also, if you are checking your urine for hCG, follow the below steps to avoid a false positive:
Avoid drinking too much water as it could dilute the hCG.
Take the test early in the morning as it is likely to have a high hCG content.
Vaginal health is sacred, and an unannounced visit by Aunt Flo can be a scary experience. Spotting as a result of implantation is, by all means, normal and shouldn’t cause any worry. If anything, it is a time to rejoice because it means you’re about to be a mom soon!
Also Read:
Effective Tips to Survive 2WW (Two Week Wait) Phase
Bleeding during Ovulation
Implantation Cramping Read more
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Child Sexual Abuse – Common Myths
Child Sexual abuse gives everyone goose-bumps when it makes its appearance in daily newspapers, but no one thinks it could happen to his/her child too. There are deep-rooted beliefs about this criminal act that leads parents into believing that their children are safe and cannot be sexually abused. We need to break these myths first, before we can believe that our children are truly safe.
Keeping their children safe in every situation is an instinct that all parents have. But if they don’t believe that their child could be harmed because of certain beliefs, it will prevent them from taking precautions.
Myths and their Realities
1. Child sexual abuse cannot happen to boys
Boys are as vulnerable to sexual abuse as girls are. Most boys who are abused do not believe this happens to them because their parents do not make them aware that this could happen. According to research by the Women and Child Development Ministry of India, more than 53% of Indian kids suffer some form of sexual abuse. Of this, 53% of the victims are boys and 47% are girls.
2. My child is safe because he is with family and friends at all times
Anyone can be an abuser. Don’t be under the impression that only strangers can be abusers. The child will not suspect family and friends but if he stays away from a certain family member or friend please notice and ask the child why. 50% of abusers are people known to the child or people in a position of trust and responsibility.
3. Only men sexually abuse children
While in most cases, it’s usually men who are abusers, there have been instances of women sexually abusing children too. So do not keep an eye out only for the men, also pay close attention to women you do not know getting in touch with your child
4. Child sexual abuse happens only in poor families
This evil cuts across class, caste, religion and education. It occurs irrespective of the background of the child or the abuser.
5. Children can imagine that they have been abused
Children do not know what abuse is, because they do not know what a sexual act is. Also, because of the way they are brought up to respect adults, they do not disclose or talk about abuse. When a child does talk, please sit up and take note. He is not imagining it. Children need to be believed and supported if they talk about sexual abuse or about having reservations interacting with certain adults.
6. Only attractive looking or sexually precocious children are abused
Any child is an easy target. The abuser is always more powerful than a child. The abuser only looks for the inability of children to speak up or stop abuse than their physical appearance.
Keeping these perspectives in mind, it might be easier to keep an eye out for your child and prevent sexual abuse. It might sound paranoid, but it is better to be safe than sorry because sexual abuse can scar an individual for life, well into your child’s adulthood. Read more
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The Rattle and Bare Feet - The Story of My Second Labour
Labour pain is the end of pregnancy that signifies a new beginning. Ansh was born after 12 long hours of labour, but Aryan came out pretty faster (5 hours). The story of me being a superpower mother began after Aryan's birth. 4 hours post delivery, the nurse asked me if I needed help to take bath. Who wants to bathe when you have no energy left?! All I wanted to do was catch some sleep. In between the feeding schedules of Aryan, I could hardly get any sleep.
Then I saw my 3-year-old boy approaching my bed with starving eyes. He looked at me as if I was a stranger to him. I made some playful gestures and he jumped into my soiled bed. Who cares for all that when you meet your little being who has not eaten and not had a sip of water as he found you missing since morning?! 2 pm and he was eating his first meal of the day. All he wanted to do was look at me with strange eyes and hold my finger. He wanted me to walk out of the hospital with him. How to explain to this tiny tot that we have somebody who needs to be carried back with us. To show his rebelliousness, he threw his slippers and walked out.
The doctor came in and my little one was diagnosed with jaundice. Though it's physiological (normal) to have that immediately after birth, his bilirubin levels were found to be on the higher side. Doctor said, " We have to put the baby in the UV chamber for 24 hours, check his bilirubin levels and after that only discharge can be given". The baby was given a bath and put in the UV chamber. He cried right from the first bare touch of the glass. My mom had luckily brought my nephew's old rattle in her purse. She would make some noise, the baby would be quiet for a while and again start crying.
This went on for the longest 24 hours of my life. Ansh got pissed by his cries and decided not to enter the room. He roamed around the whole of the hospital with bare feet, maybe in search of a quiet corner. He would come to me only when he was hungry or for bum wash. Because of anxiety, the latter was happening more frequently and making me tired.
All's well that ends well. On the third day, we got discharged. I left Ansh's slippers and Aryan's rattle in the same room and left the hospital, exhausted.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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5 Money Traps Moms Should Avoid
There are several money traps that you should avoid to prevent useless expenditure. The off-season sale, the enticing buy-now-pay-later offer, and the free credit card deal may seem like good ideas at first. However, they lead you down a financial spiral that will make your head and wallet spin.
Don't get caught in the vicious cycle of wasteful spending and forget your larger financial goals as a mother. Remember you have children to take care of, a kitchen to run, and a future to save for. You can't expect your spouse to shoulder all responsibilities, can you? There are one too many signs which, if heeded, can save you from wasting a lot of money. These are some dangerous money traps you should steer clear of.
How Not To Get Caught in a Financial Catch
1. The ‘Free’ Trap
Do not ever buy into the "best things in life are free" statement. When sellers want to trap you, they entice you with free deals. Offers like "issue your credit card for free" and "buy x car and get the last three installments for free" sound familiar, don't they? While these freebies seem great at first, this is a smart money trap. The seller understands how consumers do not ever take the pain of reading between the lines of these sale pitches. This free service in time becomes a paid service, without you ever realising until you see surprising deductions in your bank account or start getting pesky calls asking you to clear your dues. You should smartly stay away from such free offers, except maybe free cookie hand-outs for your child.
2. The ‘Upselling’ Trap
Have you ever been to a store where the sales guy urges you to also try a red dress that matches with the red heels you're planning to buy? Did you succumb to his smooth talk and ended up buying both the red dress and the red heels? Well, you're not alone. Becoming a victim of upselling is common. This money trap can leave you in a daze with stuff you may not need, thus eating into the money you may have set aside for family or personal needs. Your savings for the month could come to nought because of this. To avoid this, ensure to make a list of essential things before shopping and give little importance to sales talk. This will help dissuade you from buying anything extra.
3. The Sale Trap
Who doesn't like a good sale? The thought of getting something for you or your family for half the price is awesome. While we salivate over discounted goods, shopping during sales also leads to unnecessary buying and at times even hoarding. Remember, just because you see the word "sale," doesn't mean you need another black dress and your child needs another set of building blocks. Of course, as a mom, denying your child something may sound cruel. However, in the long run, you'll be able to see the futility of such impulsive and emotional buying. If you do not have the willpower to stop shopping, leaving your wallet at home should work. Do not fall for sales tags and promotions. This is one of the most common money traps to avoid.
4. The Market Trap
You enter a supermarket with a list in hand. You take a cool stroll through the aisle with the cart. You strike the diapers and the granola off the list. You spot a box of chocolate cookies your little bundle may enjoy and a shampoo that promises lustrous hair in two weeks. You drop these in the cart too. You get back, and realise that the 6 things you went to buy became 12 things, and now cost you more than you'd bargained for. Sounds familiar? Supermarkets are created to make shopping a soothing experience. They push you into submission to spend more than you normally would. Stick to your guns and buy only what you need.
5. The App Trap
Addicted to Candy Crush? Well, chances are that you could fall into the ‘freemium’ trap. Most game app developers entice you to play their games. What happens when you run out of lives and need to progress immediately? You usually fall for the ‘pay’ option to move ahead in the game. Each time you waste money on a game, it fills the pockets of the developers. The next time you are waiting to pick your kid up from school, read a book rather than getting lured into the money trap spun by game developers.
These money traps are potentially dangerous as they make you mindlessly shop and in return impact your savings. How to avoid money traps then? Stay committed to the cause of saving money. Remind yourself of more important things such as investing in health care funds for your kids and house maintenance. When you have your priorities right as a mother and wife, these landmines can be safely ignored. Read more
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Mom of a 7 m old child
10 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What diet to give for 6+ months Babues
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Food for 6 Months Old Baby :
Start with very dilute purees and gradually thicken them as your baby gets used to it. -Fruits such as banana, apple, papaya, chikoo, apricots, prunes, mango, peaches are necessary for the overall growth and development of your baby.
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts can i go for long trips with my 7 months old baby
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 3 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. if you are comfortable then go
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts plz suggest me medicine for toothache
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. A proper assessment is required here so regarding this it is vmore favourable to contact your local doctor and accordingly he will guide in a proper manner.
If any more queries you can tgake online consultation on the platform for a detailed discussion .
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 yr 5 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. 3.5 saal ki bacchi ko vomitab syrap kitni or kab den khane se phle ya khane ke bad??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
2 hours ago
A. hello dear u can give it before but if child is vomiting regularly then don't keep on giving medication like this u need to know the reason it might be infection so please consult with the doctor for that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
1 hour ago
Q. i missed my periods 3 days ago today I checked then this result come. but when I checked yesterday afternoon the result is the second attachment . why this is happening I am confused 😕
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. you had to wait few days this can be delayed periods. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
1 hour ago
Q. i missed my periods on 5 my result is attached but when I checked in the yesterday afternoon it was little bit dark why this is happening and what to do
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. at present it is negative please wait few more days. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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