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Expert Q&A
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| By Lisa Miller, CNM, JD Perinatal Risk Management & Education Services Chicago, Illinois | ||
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What is implantation spotting? How much blood is there in this spotting? For how long would implantation spotting go on?
Implantation bleeding, or spotting, occurs approximately eight to 12 days after conception. It occurs when the blastocyst (which develops into the fetus) embeds into the uterine wall. Implantation provides necessary nutrients to the growing pregnancy, which the placenta will later supply. The bleeding usually lasts from one to two days, is pink in color, and not associated with pain or cramps. The amount of blood or discharge is small, but can be mistaken for a period as it often occurs near the time of menses (in women with 28-day cycles).
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- What is implantation spotting? How much blood is there in this spotting? For how long would implantation spotting go on?