What is implantation bleeding?

When a fertilized egg between 6 and 12 days old attaches to the lining of the uterus, a phenomenon known as implantation bleeding can occur. This movement of the egg can cause light bleeding or spotting, which is completely normal and does not require medical attention. Typically, about a third of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding. Although they are similar in timing to the female menstrual period, they are different.

Symptoms of implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding is considered one of the early symptoms of pregnancy (at least one of the easily identified first signs for the mother). Because implantation bleeding occurs shortly before the next period, many women do not know if it is a possible pregnancy or period. Other signs of implantation bleeding include:

Light or faint cramping (less than a normal period cramp)
Mood swings
Headaches
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Lower back pain

What does implantation bleeding look like?

Implantation bleeding looks a little different than a normal woman's period. It is important to remember that not all women have the same type of blood flow during their menstrual cycle. Some will have heavier bleeding during their period, while others may be a little more unpredictable.

Here are the main differences between implantation bleeding and menstruation:

Color. Whether heavy or light, most women are familiar with the color of their periods (usually bright red to deep red). Implantation bleeding, however, is usually light pink to dark brown (rusty in color).
Clotting. Some women have a lot of clots during their period, while others don't see them. However, implantation bleeding should be free of clots.
Amount. Most women can fill pads and tampons during their period, but it's different with implantation bleeding. The descriptor "bleeding" can be misleading - implantation bleeding is usually just a spotting or light stream, not a full stream. Typically, implantation bleeding is a small pink or brown discharge only when a woman is drying herself, or enough to wear a panty liner. It can be intermittent or more constant light output.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding should last from a few hours to three full days. If the bleeding you are experiencing is bright or dark red blood, lasts longer than three days, and is a full flow in the sense that you are filling tampons/tampons, it is very unlikely that you will experience implantation bleeding.

Women who are in their first pregnancy are likely to spot or bleed a little more than women who are accustomed to egg attachment. (This is similar to flossing in the sense that the first time the gum line gets worse it will bleed more, and the bleeding will be less on subsequent times.)

However, if your menstrual cycle is shorter than usual (<3 days), you didn't fill a pad or tampon, it was more pinkish/brownish than red, and you had fewer cramps than usual, you may experience implantation bleeding.

Why does implantation bleeding occur?

About 6-12 days after conception (when the sperm fuses with the egg), the embryo implants in the wall of the uterus. This movement can break some of the blood vessels in the uterine wall and cause bleeding.

Menstruation occurs about 11-14 days after ovulation (when an egg is released and conception is possible), which is another reason why they are often confused. Some women may simply think they are having their period a few days early. Implantation bleeding usually occurs a week before the expected period.

For example, if you are sexually active and expect your period on January 25th, you may question any implantation bleeding between January 18th and 25th. Implantation bleeding rarely occurs before this time or after an expected or missed period. However, if ovulation is early in the fertile window and implantation is fast, or if ovulation is late in the fertile window and implantation is slow, this is possible.

Women know what their normal menstrual flow looks like, and as long as they aren't taking any new medications (including contraceptives and emergency contraception) or are stressed out, their menstrual blood, color, and consistency tend to change. same. So when those lighter pink spots show up, they will look a bit out of place.

Problems with implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding should not be a cause for concern and should not pose a real risk to the developing baby. If you have bleeding or spotting more than a few days after your missed period, it's unlikely to be implantation bleeding. Real pregnancy problems are rarely associated with implantation and usually occur after a missed period.

Although this light post-implantation bleeding during pregnancy is not considered normal, it can occur for several main reasons:

Irritation of the cervix (especially following doctor exams)
Irritation or small tears from intercourse
Heavy or excessive lifting or exercise/exertion
Vaginal infection.

At least 50% of women who experience spotting/bleeding (other than implantation bleeding) have a normal pregnancy.

Prolonged bleeding may be a sign of something more serious, especially later in pregnancy.

During the first trimester, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any bleeding.

Tell your healthcare provider right away about any bleeding during your second or third trimester.

If at any point during your pregnancy you experience heavy bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately or consider seeking emergency care.

For women with nausea/vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain (especially unilateral pain) you may have an ectopic pregnancy so tell your doctor right away. Cramping is normal during pregnancy, but if the level of pain increases during a cramp, it is advisable to see a doctor.

Still not sure?

If you are unsure about the type of bleeding, we recommend waiting three days after the bleeding/spotting has stopped before taking a pregnancy test.

Often, taking a pregnancy test before a missed period or during implantation bleeding is simply too early for the tests to give definitive results. Ideally, it is advisable to wait a week after spotting or missed periods, as the results should be more accurate.

Next steps

Implantation bleeding is a sign of a potential pregnancy. If you waited until your period ended and took a pregnancy test that came back negative, chances are you are not pregnant. It is normal to monitor implantation bleeding while trying to conceive, but many women do not feel or notice implantation marks even when they occur.