Once an egg is released by the ovaries, it moves down the fallopian tube and enters the uterus. If during that time, the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it will try to attach itself to the lining of the uterus. This occurs about 9 days after fertilization. Implantation enables the egg to develop into a fetus and receive nutrients from the uterus. In case implantation does not take place properly, the egg may get flushed out of the body through the menstrual flow. The uterine lining contains vital nutrients and blood. The egg adheres to this lining, which is also referred to as the endometrial lining. This lining is also shed every month during a menstrual period.
Since the endometrial lining is so rich in blood, some amount of blood may pass through the cervix and vagina. This is one of the most common implantation symptoms and pregnancy signs. The blood may be of a darker color and the bleeding only lasts for a few days.
Many women become aware that they are pregnant when they experience implantation symptoms and a pregnancy test may be able to confirm this. Pregnancy tests are usually able to detect pregnancy at around the third day after implantation. These tests detect the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG in the woman's urine. The placenta secretes this hormone in increasing amounts as the pregnancy progresses. There are various symptoms of implantation. Apart from spotting or bleeding, cramps may also be experienced as the egg attaches itself to the uterine lining. This may sometimes be confused with menstrual cramping. Implantation symptoms indicative of pregnancy also include a shift in basal body temperature after implantation takes place. Basal body temperature refers to the resting body temperature. It is measured at the same time each day. After ovulation, this temperature increases considerably. It stays high until the time of the next menstrual cycle. However if implantation occurs, there may be a drop in the basal body temperature.
Implantation occurs at about the same time that the menstrual period is expected. That is why; very often the symptoms are seen as indicative of menstruation. The symptoms are also not a guarantee that pregnancy has indeed occurred. Some women may experience all of these symptoms, while others may not experience any. The symptoms are not foolproof and hence a pregnancy test is required to confirm if pregnancy has occurred.
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