What happens and why

To define implantation bleeding, we need to review the process of "implantation", a key aspect of fertilization and conception. Implantation is the process of the fertilized egg becoming attached to the womb or uterus. In most cases, the egg is fertilized by a sperm in the fallopian tube. The fertilized egg, or embryo, reaches the blastocyst stage a few days after it is fertilized, and in the uterus will attach itself to the uterine lining. This is implantation - and implantation bleeding can be a result.

Implantation bleeding, which is typically a brown discharge that may result in light spotting, will not necessarily appear with every pregnancy. If implantation is successful, the developing placenta will begin to produce the hormone hCG, which can be detected by a home pregnancy test.

Spotting and Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding may appear as a light, brown spotting. It typically takes place a handful of days after ovulation. If you fertility chart, do keep record of natural fertility signs like mittelschmerz and, in the case of light spotting after ovulation, do record this as well. It may be implantation bleeding.