Implantation dip is a temporary decrease in the body temperature around the time when a fertilized egg becomes implanted in the lining of the uterus. This article provides information regarding the same.
Implantation is a phenomenon that takes place after the unification of egg and sperm. After the process of fertilization, the zygote (a diploid cell formed as a result of fertilization) travels to the uterus. Cell division takes place during this journey, and the zygote transforms into a multicellular blastocyst. This blastocyst burrows itself in the lining of the uterus called endometrial lining. This is called implantation. There are several physical changes associated with this phenomenon. Implantation spotting is one such process that often indicates an onset of pregnancy. Besides that, a sudden fall in the body temperature is also reported during implantation. This sudden dip in body temperature is called implantation dip.
Causes
Every month the ovaries of a woman release a matured egg or ovum, leading to ovulation. The egg is released by a follicle upon the secretion of hormone called ‘luteinizing hormone’ (LH). The large amount of LH is produced by the hypothalamus upon stimulation by estrogen. Estrogen in turn, is produced by ripening follicle (corpus luteum), within the first seven days of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is known to lower the temperature of the body. Thus, large amount of estrogen drops the temperature of the body considerably. This happens in a normal cycle, even when there is no pregnancy. This dip in temperature is mistaken for implantation dip and wrongly assumed as a sign of pregnancy.
Implantation dip and Pregnancy
After ovulation, the corpus luteum produces another hormone called progesterone. Progesterone is known to increase the temperature of the body. In the second luteal phase, the levels of progesterone drop in the absence of pregnancy. The body temperature can then be expected to go down as well. However, if the implantation has indeed occurred, the body will produce more amounts of progesterone as they are required to sustain pregnancy. The large amount of progesterone causes a surge in the body temperature. Thus, pregnancy is possible only when you report a rise in temperature after a presumed implantation dip.
BBT Chart
From the aforementioned information, it is evident that if there is a dip in body temperature, implantation may not be always a case. In fact, very few women actually notice any change in their body temperature. You may report a dip only if you have been closely monitoring the subtle changes in your body in pursuit of conception and have maintained a regular pregnancy chart. You’ll have to analyze your body temperature for at least 3 months to find your coverline temperature. Implantation dip below coverline indicates post ovulation phase. You may want to monitor your basal body temperature (BBT) for the next few days to note any increase in temperature. If this occurs, you should indeed go for other pregnancy tests.
Other Symptoms With Implantation Dip
It is common to have implantation bleeding when you report a dip in BBT. Other pregnancy symptoms associated with it are nausea and cramping. The cramping is similar to menstrual cramps, but mostly occurs on the side, where implantation has taken place. However, these symptoms can be often mistaken for PMS or an early period.
Implantation dip is pretty confusing concept. If you have maintained a fertility chart, then its presence may not indicate a pregnancy, nor does its absence indicate that you are not pregnant.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
