Understanding and identifying the signs & symptoms of implantation bleeding
You’re trying for a baby. You’ve done the important ‘making’ part and now it’s a waiting game. A waiting game that probably means you’re keenly looking out for any early signs of pregnancy. Then you spot signs your period might be on its way. Before reaching for a consolation chocolate bar and ordering a new box of ovulation sticks, consider whether it could be implantation bleeding instead.
What is implantation bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy and happens when a fertilised egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus in order to begin growing. It is completely normal and does not need any medical treatment. It’s thought about one third of women experience implantation bleeding. The difficulty is that it happens at a similar time in your cycle to menstruation, so it’s often confused with having an early period.
What are the signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding?
- A pink or brownish discharge or spotting
- Light or faint stomach cramping
- Mood Swings
- Headaches
The tricky thing is that most of these symptoms can also be early signs of pregnancy. It’s possible that you’ve been checking your boobs for tenderness and scrutinising your undies since about day 18 of your cycle, so how do you know if this is implantation bleeding or the start of your period?
What is the difference between implantation bleeding and a period?
There are several key differences between implantation bleeding and menstruation which can help you work out whether you’ve conceived or not.
- Colour: for implantation bleeding the discharge or spotting will usually be pinkish or dark brown, whereas period blood tends to be bright, vibrant red.
- Duration: as implantation bleeding only happens while the egg is fixing itself to the uterus, it may last as little as a few hours or up to 1-2 days. It will remain light and possibly stop and start during this time. There are normally no clots. If bleeding starts off light, but gets heavier, has a constant flow and lasts 4-7 days it is almost certainly your period.
- Timing: implantation bleeding usually happens about 10 days after ovulation, while menstruation normally occurs after 14. So pinkish spotting on day 22-25 is more likely to be implantation bleeding than first signs of menstruation (usually around day 26-27).
- Cramping: it is possible to experience light cramping when the egg is attaching itself to the womb, but it would be very faint and not increase in strength. That’s compared to cramps caused by menstruation which are usually more intense and get stronger.
Are there any times when I should be worried by implantation bleeding?
This very early sign of pregnancy is not usually a reason to be concerned; it is perfectly normal and no risk to the developing baby. However, if you are also experiencing symptoms such as, lower abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness or vomiting you should see your doctor as is may be an indication of an ectopic pregnancy.
Still not sure?
As with a lot of early signs of pregnancy, the only real proof that you’re on the path to parenthood is that all-important line on the pregnancy test. If you think you’ve experienced implantation bleeding, the advice is that you need to wait at least 3 days before taking a home pregnancy test. Before that, there’s unlikely to be enough of the pregnancy hormone hCG to give a positive result. If you can bear to wait 5 days, there’s even more chance it will be accurate. In the meantime keep looking out for other early signs.
“I’d never heard of implantation bleeding. I just assumed I had had a slightly lighter period than normal and got back to the job of trying to make a baby. I couldn’t believe it when I got a ‘3weeks+’ reading on a pregnancy test a fortnight later!”
Many people focus on missing their period as one of the first signs of early pregnancy. You might be surprised to learn that a small amount of blood and some cramping – known as implantation bleeding – can be a sign of pregnancy as the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and your 9-month journey begins.
Here are 5 things you need to know about implantation bleeding and how to tell if the bleeding may be a sign of pregnancy or of your oncoming period.
1. What is Implantation Cramping & Bleeding?
Implantation cramping and bleeding are not the same as menstrual cramps and bleeding. But since implantation spotting often occurs around the same time as you expect your period, it can be confusing which type of cramping and bleeding you’re experiencing.
Every month, the lining of the uterus builds up with blood to prepare for a potential fertilized egg. If no egg implants, the lining is shed as your period. When an egg implants, it physically embeds into that uterine lining, and some spotting and cramping can be normal as a result.
This smaller amount of blood and lighter cramping can be one of the first signs that you are pregnant. It can be hard to tell for certain whether its implantation bleeding or the start of your period (especially if your periods are light) so taking a pregnancy test will help you know for sure.
2. When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Implantation bleeding – if it happens – usually occurs 9-12 days after conception when the fertilized egg implants, or attaches to the lining of the uterus. It can take as few as 6 days for the egg to make its journey from the Fallopian tubes or as many as 14, with the average around 9 days.
If you’re trying to determine when implantation occurred, knowing when you ovulated and the date your last period began will give you the best idea. Ovulation is typically 12-14 days after the first day of your last cycle, and implantation is 6-12 days after ovulation, if the egg is fertilized.
Don’t worry if you don’t experience any implantation bleeding at all. In fact, most people who become pregnant (about 70-75%) don’t report any implantation spotting. But that means 25-30% of women do have some implantation bleeding. We’ve been conditioned to worry that any bleeding at all when you’re hoping to be pregnant may be a sign of a miscarriage, but it isn’t that simple.
3. What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like
Even though you may be used to bleeding every month, implantation bleeding, aka implantation spotting, typically looks different than your usual period bleeding.
During implantation, a small amount of the uterine lining can be displaced or disturbed, resulting in the light bleeding. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to expel the entire uterine lining, resulting in heavier bleeding that lasts until all of the lining is released.
Implantation Bleeding vs Period Bleeding
Implantation bleeding and cramping can easily be mistaken for the onset of your monthly cycle, but what’s happening in your body is completely different. There are differences between implantation bleeding and period bleeding in terms of flow amount, duration of bleeding, pain and the color of the blood.
Here’s a quick comparison so you can know how to recognize implantation bleeding or spotting:
Implantation Bleeding
- Color: Pink or brown
- Flow: Light or spotting, generally not enough to soak a tampon or pad
- Duration: 1-2 days or less
- Cramping: mild or moderate tightening, pricking or pulling feeling in the lower abdomen as the egg implants
- Consistency: often thinner or more watery
Period Bleeding
- Color: Bright red
- Flow: Heavier, menstrual products and protection needed
- Duration: Usually 5-8 days
- Cramping: more intense pain and tightness in the lower abdomen and back as the uterus contracts to expel menstrual blood.
- Consistency: thicker and can include clots or clumps
4. How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?
Many people do not experience implantation bleeding, but those that do may have spotting for a few hours or 1-2 days. Bleeding that isn’t your period but lasts longer than a day or two or is heavier than spotting is a good reason to see your doctor.
5. What Are Some Symptoms of Implantation & Early Pregnancy?
Every person is different, but many describe the feeling of implantation as a mild tingling, tightening or pulling in the uterus. Mild discomfort and a pink or brownish watery discharge are typical symptoms – if you experience implantation bleeding at all.
Since the symptoms of implantation cramping and bleeding can be so similar to those of a light period, you may want to take a pregnancy test to help know if you are pregnant and be on the lookout for other early signs of pregnancy:
- fatigue
- tender, swollen, heavier or fuller breasts
- nausea or vomiting
- food aversions or cravings
- heightened sense of smell
- mood swings or feeling tearful or easily upset
- headaches
- constipation
- dizziness or feeling faint
- elevated body temperature
- missed period
You should always consult with your doctor or medical provider if you experience any symptoms or issues concerning your health.
First Response™ Pregnancy Tests to Help You Know
When you may be pregnant, the earlier – and the faster – you can know, the better. The First Response™ Early Result Pregnancy Test can help confirm a pregnancy as soon as 6 days sooner than your missed period. In laboratory testing, Early Result Pregnancy Test detected pregnancy hormone levels in 76% of pregnant women 5 days before their expected period. See package for details about testing early.
While, the First Response™ Rapid Result Pregnancy Test lets you know if you’re pregnant in 60 seconds on the day of your missed period. Enhanced technology isolates and detects the pregnancy hormone in your urine to give you fast results.
To get double the confirmation and same accuracy of results, use the First Response™ EasyRead app, compatible with the First Response™ Early Result and Rapid Result tests to translate your results into the words “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.”