Implantation – The Process FEMELIFE FERTILITY www.femelife.com

IMPLANTATION The term "implantation" is used to describe process of attachment and invasion of the uterus endometrium by the blastocyst (conceptus). www.femelife.com

THE PROCESS OF IMPLANTATION Implantation is referred to the stage of pregnancy at which the embryo adheres to the wall of the uterus. It helps the embryo to grow by receiving nutrients from the mother. www.femelife.com

WHEN IMPLANTATION OCCURS In humans, implantation of a fertilized ovum is most likely to occur around 6 - 9 days after ovulation. www.femelife.com

IMPLANTATION IS AN EVENT Implantation is a highly co-ordinated event that involves both embryonic and maternal active participation. www.femelife.com

IMPLANTATION WINDOW The reception-ready phase of the endometrium of the uterus is usually termed the "implantation window" and lasts about 4 days. . www.femelife.com

What happens in implantation window? Initially the newly hatched blastocyst loosely adheres to the endometrial epithelium. Then it rolls over the endometrium to find a suitable place for implantation where it gets attached firmly. www.femelife.com

Embryo–endometrial dialogue The first step of implantation is the formation of foetal–maternal interface. Next crucial step is invasion of the embryo into the endometrium. www.femelife.com

How implantation is mediated? Certain molecules and pinopodes are involved in bringing embryo and endometrium together and attachment in embryo implantation. www.femelife.com

ROLE OF EMBRYO IN IMPLANTATION The embryo produces cytokines and growth factors and receptors for endometrial signals. www.femelife.com

Does body immunity play role in successful pregnancy? The body immune system plays an important role in implantation process. The host (mother)genetically different from the transplants(foetus), raises the possibility of a graft-versus-host reaction. www.femelife.com

EMBRYO IS FOREIGN TO MOTHER The embryo, as a genetic product of both maternal and paternal chromosomal material, can be seen as an allograft to the uterus. The immunological action against the embryo can be described as maternal restraint.  www.femelife.com

Can we calculate Implantation period? Implantation of a fertilized ovum is most likely to occur around 6 - 9 days after ovulation. It falls around day 21 of a regular menstruation cycle. www.femelife.com

IMPLANTATION RATE During the female fertile age, there is an average chance of pregnancy of approximately 15% per cycle. www.femelife.com

What are the early signs of implantation? Embryonic implantation is the establishment of pregnancy, to be proven by finding human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in maternal blood. Some women may experience slight bleeding and cramping pain during the process of implantation. www.femelife.com