Are you thinking about a pregnancy but confused about successful implantation? Well, don’t worry; you are not alone; many ask about signs of successful implantation. But how do you confirm if the implantation was successful? Well, in simple words implantation confirms early pregnancy, it is the process during which a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining and starts to develop the placenta and then embryo.
Furthermore, there are no such standard signs or symptoms that ensures 100% implantation; the only way to confirm this is via pregnancy tests and consultation with a doctor. Some women might notice mild symptoms during implantation, such as light spotting or cramping. However, the symptoms don’t need to be apparent in all women as the process can start without any noticeable symptoms. If you are not sure about the successful implantation, consult with your doctor. Here in this blog, we will discuss the signs that confirm the transfer was successful and the embryo has been implanted. Let’s understand the signs in detail!
What is implantation?
Simply understood, implantation means development of the placenta, which means a fertilized egg cell attaches to the wall of the uterus in early pregnancy. For a successful pregnancy, implantation is one of the early stages in which a fertilized egg, known as a blastocyst, attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. In most cases, implantation takes 9 days after ovulation, but sometimes it may occur as early as 7 to 8 days or as late as 12 days. If ovulation occurs on the 14th day after a period (average 28-day cycle), implantation might appear on the 23rd day. After fertilization, the blastocyst reaches the fallopian tube and enters the uterus. The uterus linkin, called endometrium, prepares itself for pregnancy. Once the implantation occurs, the blastocyst connects with the mother’s blood vessels, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and waste. This connection helps in the development of the placenta and nourishes the growing embryo throughout pregnancy. Some women might experience mild symptoms during implantation, such as light spotting or cramping.
Common Signs that indicate successful implantation
Every woman is different, and so is the pregnancy. Successful implantation is in the early stages of pregnancy. There are some common symptoms that a woman notices during implantation, while not all women feel the same symptoms during implantation, or some might not experience them at all. Listed below are the possible signs of successful implantation-
Bleeding
Sources show that 25% of women experience bleeding during their first trimester, and implantation is the first cause of bleeding. This might not be very clear because it happens when your period starts. The stains will be lighter than your regular menstrual period and may be pink or brown.
Cramps
Early pregnancy starts with rapid hormonal changes. Implantation triggers the hormone surge and causes cramping. No research shows that implantation causes cramps, but some women feel abdominal tenderness, back pain, and cramps during implantation. These are the mild symptoms of how you feel before your periods.
Discharge
Some women might notice cervical mucus changes. During ovulation, the mucus will be clear, stretchy, and slippery. After implantation, your mucus has a thicker and sticker texture and is clear or white. Early pregnancy, rising progesterone, and estrogen cause mucus to become thicker and white or yellow. This might not be a reliable indicator, which means implantation occurs.
Bloating
The rise in hormone levels of progesterone may slow your digestive system, and you might feel bloated. Bloating is common during periods. The symptoms are not directly linked with implantation, and not everyone will experience the same signs or symptoms, but many women notice bloating symptoms. Consult with your doctor about the symptoms for accurate assessment.
Tender breasts
After successful implantation, tender or sensitive breasts are common symptoms during the early stages of pregnancy. This is because of hormonal changes as the levels of hCG, estrogen, and progesterone all increase rapidly. The body prepares for a potential pregnancy, supporting the development of the uterine lining and the maintenance of a fertilized egg. During implantation, the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining; some women may experience hormonal shifts that lead to breast changes. The breasts might become more tender, sore, or swollen.
Nausea or changes in appetite
This is one of the most popular signs of early pregnancy. Increased levels of progesterone slow down your digestion and make you feel nauseous. Rising hCG levels and a more sensitive sense of smell can make the problem worse — so now might be a good time to avoid cooking onions.
Headaches
Headache is not a direct indication of implantation. Hormonal changes during pregnancy in the first trimester cause headaches in the early stages of implantation. Furthermore, headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, and other health conditions.
Changes in Mood
Changes in mood, such as mood swings or heightened emotions, are due to estrogen and progesterone fluctuations. This can make you feel sad or happy in no time. In the early stages, the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts to support the developing fetus.
Changes in Basal Body Temperature
While this is not a symptom you can feel directly, tracking of BBT and sustained increase shows successful implantation. Checking BBT means taking your temperature every morning at the same time before getting out of bed. Usually, the temperature is lower before ovulation and then increases. If you get pregnant, the temperature remains elevated. During implantation, the temp drops for one day and then rises again. If you are trying to conceive and are charting your BBT, it is helpful to track your menstrual cycle.
Also Read: How Soon Can a Pregnancy Test Be Taken After Implantation?
Noticing Implantation Symptoms?
Implantation marks the beginning of a pregnancy journey. Abdominal cramping, spotting, and breast changes might be some signs of pregnancy implantation, but it is challenging to find the accurate symptom that guarantees 100% implantation. The above symptoms help you know what exactly it feels like during implantation and the signs that indicate successful implantation. As mentioned earlier, the symptoms might differ from person to person, and sometimes, no symptoms at all appear in some women. If you suspect you may be pregnant and are experiencing mood changes along with other potential signs, the only way to confirm pregnancy is through pregnancy tests. Consult with your doctor and take and share your concerns.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Nidhi Sehrawet
