Implantation is the process where the fertilized egg gets embedded into the uterine wall. It marks the beginning of true pregnancy. Implantation can occur any time between 6-12 days after ovulation. 85% of times it occurs between 8 to 10 days post ovulation. During ovulation, an egg is released from your ovaries into the fallopian tube. If it is fertilized by a sperm in the next 24 hours, it goes structural changes. Now, it is called a zygote. The zygote divides rapidly as it travels down the fallopian tube to form a mass of cells called the blastocyst. This blastocyst burrows into the uterine wall and embeds itself. On average, this occurs 20 to 26 days after the last menstrual cycle.

Some changes that may accompany implantation are:

• Implantation bleeding: Light pink or brown in color and lighter as opposed to dark red heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Fatigue
• Cramps in the lower abdomen.
• Mood swings
• Breasts become tender and more voluptuous.
• Cervix is plugged with thick mucus secretions.

Read more: Implantation Bleeding