How Long After Implantation Bleeding Can I Test For Pregnancy?

Implantation is the process by which the fertilized ovum is attached to the walls of the uterus. Due to the invasion of the endometrium lining which is rich in blood vessels, bleeding may occur. This is what is known as implantation bleeding. Since implantation is one of the first critical moments of pregnancy, you may ask, “How long after implantation bleeding can I test?”

The process of implantation occurs in three stages which include:

  • Attachment of the ovum.
  • Implantation of the fertilized ovum onto the thick endometrium lining which may sometimes be accompanied by bleeding.
  • Final fixation of the ovum and the healing of the endometrium lining.

The process of implantation starts on the 6th day after fertilization, and by the 12th day, it is complete. During implantation, the ovum produces a hormone called HCG that helps the body to prepare for the baby. HCG is the human chorionic gonadotropin. It is the detection of this hormone in a woman’s blood that determines whether she is pregnant.

Pregnancy Test Methods

There are 2 pregnancy test methods, the blood tests and the at-home tests. Most mothers may prefer the home-based test because they don’t cost a lot of money as compared to blood tests that involve going to a doctor.

• Blood tests

Blood tests pregnancy

(Via Oohsncoos.com)

To take a blood test, you will need to visit a clinic where your blood samples will be taken and tested. The blood test aims at determining your pregnancy by detecting the HCG hormone in your blood.

• At-home tests

The home-based pregnancy tests also work by detecting the HCG hormone in your urine. The home-based tests will require you to wait a little longer as compared to the blood tests since it takes time for the HCG hormone traces to find their way to your urine.

How Long Implantation Bleeding Should Last

It is very important that you know how long implantation bleeding should last so that you don’t mistake it for something else. Implantation bleeding varies in every woman. For some women, it may just happen once while for some, implantation bleeding may occur for two or three days. If the bleeding occurs for more than three days, then you need to pay close attention to your body. You may want to see your doctor so that you are assured that there is nothing else going on.

How Long Implantation Bleeding Should Last

The bleeding as a result of implantation takes place slowly because the blood slowly leaks out of your cervix and comes out through the vagina. It finally comes out and will appear as blood spots on your underwear. The colour of the blood should be pink or brown.

How Soon Should You Test After Implantation?

Once implantation has occurred, the level of the HCG hormone in the body will increase. All pregnancy tests are based on the detection of this hormone in the blood or urine. After implantation has occurred, the level of the HCG hormone doubles every 48 hours.

The level of this hormone in the body has to reach a certain amount for it to be detected in the blood or urine. The HCG levels have to reach 25mIU/ml for it to be detected by the tests. If it is lower, you may test negative when in the real sense you are pregnant.

In most cases, after 4 to 5 days after implantation bleeding, the level of the HCG hormone would have reached detectable levels in the body. It is also recommended that should you test negative after you have experienced implantation bleeding, then you should wait for at least four days to take the test again. This will allow time for the levels of HCG to ramp up until it reaches the required level for it to be detected in your blood.

If you are taking the at-home tests, you should wait for 6 to 7 days before your test. This is because it takes longer for the HCG level in your urine to reach 25mIU/ml. If you test negative, then you should wait after for 4 days before you take that urine test again.

A Negative Test After Implantation Bleeding, What Could It Mean?

A negative pregnancy can be heartbreaking if you have been trying to have a baby for months. To add more reliability to your test, check absolutedays.com ovulation calculator to verify if you were in your peak fertile days. You should not lose hope since it might be as a result of you testing too early. You can wait for 4 days before testing again. Studies show that 65% of tests carried out 6 days after implantation always test negative. Studies also show that false negative tests are very common and happen to 9 out of 15 women.

However, testing negative several days after implantation bleeding may also mean something else. It may be because your pregnancy is ectopic. In an ectopic pregnancy, the level of HCG increases less intensively making it very hard to be detected.

If you are weeks past the date your implantation bleeding occurred and you have also missed your periods but still tests negative, you should visit your doctor so that they can conduct blood tests on you and other medical examinations. This is because the negative tests after implantation bleeding may also be as a result of tumours, Hemolysis and Lipidemia.

Ways You Can Further Confirm A Positive Pregnancy Test After Implantation Bleeding.

pregnancy symptoms

Once you have tested positive for pregnancy after implantation bleeding, paying closer attention to yourself for subjective pregnancy symptoms can help to confirm your results. These symptoms include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Delay of your periods
  • Swollen and sensitive breasts
  • Increased fatigability

However, 100% confirmation of your pregnancy can only be done by your gynaecologist after making an ultrasound examination on you. A home pregnancy test is thus an important attribute for early screening of pregnancy, but only your gynaecologist can guarantee the completely accurate result.

Summary

Implantation bleeding is one of the clearest signs that you are pregnant. It occurs in the earlier stages of pregnancy when the fertilised ovum attaches itself to the thick and mucous lining of the uterine wall. It occurs 6 days after fertilisation has occurred. In some women, it may take up to 12 days. This is because it takes time for the fertilised ovum to travel to the uterus where it gets attached to the walls.

When it happens, you should wait for 4 days before you can have a pregnancy test. You should also be careful not to confuse it with your periods. This is because the bleeding may sometimes be your early menses. If the bleeding is accompanied by other pregnancy symptoms listed above, then congratulations, you are going to have a baby.

Kristi Cathey
 

Hi everyone! My name is Kristi Cathey and I’m glad you found your way to my blog. I am a mother of 3 beautiful angels. This blog was created in order to share my personal experiences in baby care and general health care for pregnant women. If you'd like to get in touch with me, please contact me by sending me an email via kristicathey.intelligentmother@gmail.com. Welcome to Intelligentmother.com

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