Implantation: symptoms after ovulation

After fertilization, the egg implants itself in the uterus, this is called implantation or nidation. What are the symptoms of implantation we explain to you here.

This is what happens at fertilization

Every woman can in her cycle only get pregnant in a certain window of time, namely during their fertile days. But when is the egg fertilized after ovulation? The ovum can after ovulation only be fertilized for a maximum of 12 to 24 hours. However, because sperm can survive in a woman's body for up to five days, your fertile window begins four days before ovulation, includes the day of ovulation, and ends two days after ovulation.

After ovulation, the egg cell travels from the ovary through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it can be fertilized. If you have unprotected sex during your fertile window, the egg can be fertilized by a sperm.

This is what happens at implantation

  • If the egg is fertilized, it implants itself in the uterus. You can picture this in such a way that the fertilized egg cell attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. The lining of the uterus spent the entire previous period in the cycle preparing to build a nest in which the egg feels comfortable. 

    If the implantation was successful, the body switches to pregnant. The whole thing takes about seven to eight days: the fertilized egg cell needs about five days until it arrives in the uterine cavity, after which the egg cell needs a few more days until it has docked to the uterine lining and made itself comfortable. Below you can read more about the possible symptoms of implantation.

Symptoms: Can you feel the implantation?

In fact, implantation can bring symptoms, there are women who can feel the implantation. There can be slight pulling in the abdomen and back, spotting can also occur - the so-called implantation bleeding - and some women also report feeling as if a bladder infection is on the way. 

However, these symptoms are not very clear and do not occur in every woman. A real confirmation of whether the implantation has worked is only offered by a pregnancy test.