When a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, where it can begin growing, some light spotting may occur. This is called implantation bleeding, and it can be one of the earliest clues that you are pregnant. Some women don’t experience this type of bleeding, and some simply don’t notice it. If it happens, it doesn’t indicate a problem with your pregnancy. If you’re wondering if you might be pregnant, take our Am I Pregnant? quiz for a little fun and grab a home pregnancy test. Show
Is It Implantation Bleeding or My Period?It’s possible to mistake implantation bleeding for a very light and early period at first. However, there are some differences to pay attention to. Although every woman’s period is different, it’s still possible to guess that it's implantation bleeding by the color and amount of bleeding, and by where you are in your menstrual cycle, as well as by looking out for other early signs of pregnancy — more frequent bathroom trips, fatigue, and nausea (i.e., morning sickness). These are the main signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding compared to a period:
When Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?You may notice implantation bleeding around 10 to 14 days after conception, when a fertilized egg becomes attached to the lining of your uterus. Keep in mind that conception may not occur on the same day you had sex. Sperm can live as long as five days inside a woman’s reproductive tract, and conception might not occur for several days after sex. Should I Take a Pregnancy Test During Implantation Bleeding?You can take a home pregnancy test during implantation bleeding. Keep in mind that the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (or hCG) that pregnancy tests detect only starts being produced in your body the moment the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus — which is the trigger for implantation bleeding. The earlier you take the test, the less hCG there is to detect, meaning that the test may not yet be accurate. If you have the patience to wait, you’ll get a more accurate test result if you wait until after the first day of your missed period. If you get a positive test result, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy. And you can get an estimate of when to expect your baby by using our handy tool to calculate your due date. Should I See a Doctor?Implantation bleeding is generally nothing to be concerned about, but it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about any bleeding you experience during pregnancy. Although light bleeding in early pregnancy can be totally normal, there are some reasons for bleeding in early pregnancy that need to be addressed immediately. These can include infection, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is a normal part of being pregnant. Implantation bleeding is usually light, stops spontaneously, and doesn’t need treatment. If you have concerns about any type of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, visit a health care provider. Implantation bleeding looks like light spotting that
appears when you wipe. It may also look like a consistent, light flow of blood that needs a light pad or panty liner. The blood may look orange, pink, or brown. There are usually no clots in implantation bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy. It may last from a few hours up to several days. Take a quizFind out how Flo can help you Implantation bleeding may occur in combination with the other signs of early pregnancy:
Make sure to note the consistency, color, and frequency of any bleeding during early pregnancy, as well as any implantation bleeding signs and symptoms. It may be useful to share these details with a health care provider for a diagnosis. How heavy can implantation bleeding be?Implantation bleeding in early pregnancy is generally only a light spotting of blood that appears when you wipe or that needs a light pad or panty liner. It may also look like a light flow of blood, but it is different from the typical flow of normal periods. Typical implantation bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy is pink- or brown-colored discharge. When does implantation bleeding happen?Implantation bleeding usually occurs 10 to 14 days after conception. It is an early symptom of pregnancy and generally happens when you are expecting your period. It can be easy to mistake light bleeding during early pregnancy for a regular period. Causes of implantation bleeding
During conception, a sperm fertilizes an egg to form an embryo. The embryo then travels through the uterine tubes and enters the uterine cavity. Once in the uterus, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. This implantation may break some blood vessels in the uterine wall and cause light bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy. This bleeding doesn’t result in any kind of problems for the fetus.
Other possible causes of bleeding in early pregnancyBleeding during early pregnancy can be due to reasons other than implantation. If you are having heavy bleeding during early pregnancy with or without cramping or pain, be sure to visit a health care provider. Some other causes of bleeding in early pregnancy include the following:
Can you take a pregnancy test during implantation bleeding?It’s best to wait until after the first day of a missed period to take a pregnancy test, as the results may be more accurate by then. If the home pregnancy test result is positive, you should visit a health care provider to confirm the results with a blood test.
Risks of bleeding in early pregnancy for mother and babyThe effects and risks of bleeding in early pregnancy depend on the cause and whether it can be treated.
When to see a health care providerIt is important to see a health care provider whenever you have abnormal bleeding or spotting, whether you are pregnant or not. Although period-like bleeding during early pregnancy may be nothing to worry about, it’s important to visit your health care provider to be sure. Furthermore, if the result of a home pregnancy test is positive, make sure to see a health care provider to confirm the results of the test. Also, see a health care provider if you experience heavy bleeding in early pregnancy, as it may indicate something more serious than implantation bleeding. How much blood is typical for implantation bleeding?Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D. Implantation bleeding is defined as a small amount of light spotting or bleeding. It typically occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding is common, and it usually isn't a sign of a problem.
How can I tell if it's implantation bleeding?Implantation bleeding is never enough to fill a pad or tampon like a menstrual period. Color: Menstrual bleeding is typically a bright to dark red, and will look like what you typically experience during your monthly period. Implantation bleeding is a much lighter hue, typically a very light pink or light rust color.
Can implantation be a lot of blood?Implantation bleeding is usually light bleeding or spotting that occurs in the first 1–2 weeks after conception. If implantation bleeding is heavy, a person should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Can implantation bleeding feel like a period?Implantation cramping and light bleeding may be an early sign of pregnancy. It is easy to mistake these symptoms as menstrual cramping or light bleeding. For this reason, it is important to recognize the other early signs of pregnancy. However, these symptoms alone do not prove a pregnancy.
|