Pregnancy is a highly exciting experience of change. It also often provokes a myriad of questions and uncertain moments, especially among first-time parents. The following two very important concepts are often discussed throughout early pregnancy: implantation bleeding and the use of an EDD calculator. These can provide lots of insight and reassurance during early pregnancy.
What is Implantation Bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is the one most commonly spoken of during the course of a discussion about early pregnancy. It is what occurs when an egg, fertilised, implants to the uterine wall, typically 6 to 12 days after conception. The spotting or slight bleeding can vary from light brown to light pink. This is generally much lighter than a normal menstrual period.
Not all females suffer from implantation bleeding, so they often regard it as a normal menstrual period. It is, though not the case. There are many differences between both. Implantation bleeding is lighter and of shorter duration, lasting from just several hours to a few days. Most importantly, severe cramping which usually accompanies your period is not present.
Why does implantation bleeding happen?
The implantation process is one of the critical steps in an early pregnancy. Slight bleeding occurs as the implantation damages the tiny blood vessels in the uterine lining where the embryo is found.
While this is very worrying to encounter any bleeding during pregnancy, most women consider implantation bleeding harmless and part of a normal early pregnancy.
EDD Calculator
Once an embryo implants and a pregnancy is confirmed, many parents anxiously want to know their own due date estimate. An EDD calculator is a simple tool for estimating when you can expect your baby’s arrival.
What is an EDD Calculator?
An estimated due date calculator, or EDD calculator, is a useful little web tool that will predict the probable delivery date by entering your first day of the last menstrual period, or the date of conception if you know it. The better EDD calculators will even calculate the length of your menstrual cycle on top of producing more accurate results.
Using an EDD Calculator
There is very little which can be hard in calculation with an EDD calculator; usually, you have to make just two summations: the date of the first day of your last period and the length of your menstrual cycle. The calculator will then estimate the due date, usually approximately 40 weeks from the LMP.
Why should you know your EDD?
While only about 5% of babies are born on their exact due date, a gestational due date can be helpful for you and your healthcare provider in planning for prenatal care, maternity leave arrangements, and preparing for the birth of your baby. It also provides a timeline for key milestones and screenings during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Understanding implantation bleeding and using an EDD calculator may ease or clear up confusion, ensuring peace of mind in the first trimester of pregnancy. Every pregnancy is unique and will vary from woman to woman, whereas tools such as an EDD calculator are great; your healthcare provider always wants to see you during these first stages of a healthy pregnancy journey. Indeed, whether it is implantation bleeding symptoms or merely enthusiastic counting down of days before calculating the due date, embracing these first steps can make a journey to parenthood much more informed and enjoyable.