What Is Implantation Bleeding?

When you are trying to get pregnant you may read about different signs of pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

‘What is implantation bleeding?’ remains a less understood question. Women find themselves wondering whether they are having their period earlier.

There are hairline differences between implantation bleeding and period. If you learn how to identify these small signs then you’ll be able to understand early pregnancy spotting.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation is the first step of pregnancy in the uterus. The fertilized egg travels down the Fallopian tubes to implant in the uterus.

This is for the purpose of nutrition and protection of the growing baby. The placenta forms after implantation occur.

Implantation spotting is the sign that indicates that now pregnancy is surer.

The most important characteristic of implantation bleeding is that it occurs before period. Period flow happens after 14 days from ovulation.

Implantation spotting, on the other hand, occurs earlier than the 14th day or two weeks after ovulation. Implantation bleeding is more of a spotting than bleeding.

Another fact is that implantation bleeding won’t occur after weeks from missed period. It has to be before the day of missed period. If a woman soaks more than a pad within an hour she might be having a miscarriage.

She needs medical attention and procedures like dilation for removal of all parts of embryo.

If a woman has any light bleeding before missed period after having sex near ovulation she may be pregnant.

What Is Implantation Bleeding
What Is Implantation Bleeding?

Signs Of Implantation bleeding

  1. Spotting or pink or brown discharge
  2. Mild cramps
  3. Headache
  4. Early signs of pregnancy before missed period

Most women might think that their period is here. They might even take a pregnancy test and get a false negative.

In regret, you might move to get a drink or something, while actually, it was good news. Bleeding from implantation is completely normal and a sign that your pregnancy is going in the right direction.

It is important that when you are trying to get pregnant then you must keep track of your due date.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation is not a long process. It might last for less than a day or for two days. This is because the process is too quick.

During implantation, only light spotting or little bleeding might occur. Another thing to mention here is breakout bleeding. It is bleeding on the day of expected period.

During pregnancy, women don’t get period they may have breakout bleeding instead. There is nothing to worry about in case of pregnancy spotting.

But anything other than that needs medical attention if has other symptoms along. If bleeding continues for more than three days then it could be period.

A miscarriage bleeding lasts for 10 days. Bleeding more than that is a sign of severe health complications like Hemorrhage.

What does implantation bleeding look like?

Implantation bleeding is light spotting. The color of implantation spotting is not even red. It can be light or dark brown.

Implantation pregnancy bleeding is spotting and lasts for a day or two. Implantation spotting doesn’t have any cramping along.

If a woman experiences cramping along with implantation, it will be very mild.

Menstrual bleeding, on the other hand, is very heavy. Menstrual bleeding lasts for five to six days.

Painful cramps accompany period. Implantation or period is mainly distinguished by the amount and associated symptoms.

During implantation, some women might not even come to know that they are spotting.

What is the normal color of implantation bleeding?

Unlike the brown color of implantation spotting, menstrual blood is deep red. Sometimes you might see clots on your pad. It is the sloughing off the vaginal lining.

Normal spotting during implantation doesn’t have clots.

When does implantation bleeding Occur?

Spotting after implantation happens before the expected period day. The ovulation day is the 14th day of the cycle.

If a woman has sex three days before to a day after ovulation she may get pregnant. In that case, she will have bleeding due to implantation.

Sperms can survive in the vagina for 5 days. Hence it is not essential that sex on the day of ovulation will cause pregnancy. Sex before and after ovulation can also cause pregnancy.

Bleeding due to implantation can be very light bleeding. This is because the lining of the uterus doesn’t break down and stays in place.

The process of implantation is rapid and thus doesn’t cause bleeding for long.

A period is the removal of ovum and uterus lining as no pregnancy occurred. Once pregnancy occurs then this line doesn’t shed off.

So there can be no heavy bleeding. It is important to note that bleeding from implantation lasts only for a day or two. Anything more than that cannot be bleeding because of implantation.

A period occurs two weeks after ovulation and implantation spotting has to occur before that.

If it takes longer then the lining will come off and implantation will not be successful.

Similarly, if a woman has very heavy bleeding then she may be having a miscarriage.

A woman who is aware of her menstrual cycle date can detect spotting from implantation. This is because any light spotting before period is bleeding due to implantation.

Others may also come to know by the color and amount of bleeding. But a woman who has a very light spotting she might not come to know about it.

Symptoms like nausea and frequent urge to pee are signs of pregnancy that occur along with implantation.

However, if a woman is experiencing difficulty in breathing, headaches, and painful cramps then she may be undergoing an early miscarriage.

A chemical pregnancy is also a miscarriage.

Signs of pregnancy during implantation bleeding

Implantation spotting or period is also identifiable by the presence of signs of early pregnancy. What are the signs of implantation?

Signs of early pregnancy before missed period happen at the time of pregnancy implantation bleeding.

Feeling nauseated and uneasy are most confusing symptoms. They happen during pregnancy, miscarriage, implantation, and PMS. Cause of mood swings again is very difficult to diagnose.

A heightened sense of smell, constipation and faint positive pregnancy test are early pregnancy symptoms. They help to detect pregnancy implantation bleeding.

What is implantation bleeding?
What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding or period

The most important doubt every woman has before confirmation of her pregnancy. After this, it could be miscarriage or brown discharge!

Women always have doubts, it’s in our genes. ????

Bleeding from implantation Vs. period as already discussed can be easily distinguished. The color of bleeding and duration are most noticeable indicators of menses and bleeding after implantation.

Similarly, pregnancy symptoms along with bleeding also signify implantation.

Here is a list of things to check when distinguishing period from implantation bleeding:

  1. Color of spotting: Implantation spotting is of brown color. This blood is not a fresh flow. Some of it might be coming late. It earlier got trapped in the vagina. Later on, it moves out as brown blood. It can be pink but it will not be bright red. Period blood, on the other hand, will be bright red and keep changing in intensity. This is because constant reactions and contractions push the layers of blood walls out.
  2. Time of bleeding: Period occurs at least two weeks after ovulation. So if you know when ovulation occurs then you can calculate your due date. This is because after ovulation the luteal phase takes another 9 – 12 days for the formation of the uterine lining. After the process of implantation, this lining doesn’t disintegrate. Fertilization occurs within a day after ovulation. It takes another week or so for implantation. The timing of implantation bleeding can be earlier than the 14th day after ovulation on any day. However, it takes at least 6 days after fertilization for the egg to travel down the tubes.
  3. Amount of blood flow: Period is a heavy blood flow during the initial days. Later on, as the period week is about to finish, amount of blood flow reduces. Early pregnancy bleeding, on the other hand, is mild spotting for few hours or a day. The blood flow is so light that it can go unnoticed. There is no gradation in the amount of blood flow during implantation.
  4. Cramps and other symptoms: Cramps during the period are extremely painful and pulsating. Implantation cramps are not pulsating and very mild. Another point about implantation cramps is that they are local. But along with implantation cramps, you experience all early pregnancy symptoms. These are the early symptoms of pregnancy before missed period.
  5. Duration of bleeding: Implantation bleeding lasts for a day. Anything more than two days cannot be implantation related bleeding. Period bleeding can last for anything between 3-5 days. This is because every woman has a different length of menstrual cycle. If a woman has a shorter menstrual cycle she might bleed for lesser days. But a period generally lasts for about 3 days.

If you are still not sure whether it is implantation bleeding or period then wait for few days after it.

Taking a pregnancy test is the best way to find out whether you had implantation or not. The test line on pregnancy test shows that you are pregnant.

Some women might stock up ovulation kits after seeing implantation bleeding but it is better to wait for few days.

Pregnancy test after implantation should not be before 5 days from missed period. Even the early pregnancy tests don’t have enough accuracy to detect pregnancy at that stage.

It is best to wait for the day of a missed period before taking a pregnancy test.

When to see a doctor for implantation bleeding?

If the symptoms along with implantation bleeding get worse then you must consult a doctor.

If you experience pain and cramping in the lower vaginal area then you might be having a molar pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy also has similar symptoms. If there is heavy bleeding then you could be undergoing a chemical pregnancy.

How heavy is implantation bleeding?

A heavy bleeding is not due to implantation. This is because implantation is a quick process.

Any heavy bleeding cannot be bleeding due to implantation.

At most, you will soak a liner in an entire day. After that, you’ll be free from any kind of bleeding.

If the bleeding is heavy then it is an indication that something is wrong.

A heavy bleeding is a sign of miscarriage or Ectopic pregnancy.

Chemical pregnancy and Molar pregnancy also cause heavy bleeding. Whereas implantation will not cause heavy bleeding.

Implantation bleeding after missed period

Implantation bleeding after missed period may be because of miscalculation. It could be that you expected your period before the due date.

Period dates keep fluctuating. So there is no need to worry even if you have implantation bleeding after a missed period.

Spotting during pregnancy is also a similar looking phenomenon. You could be having brown discharge during pregnancy. It also looks like implantation bleeding. There may be the case that you did not have implantation related bleeding and now are assuming that this is implantation.

If you have cramping along with implantation bleeding after a missed period then it could be a miscarriage.

No implantation bleeding

Some women might not have implantation bleeding at all. This is also nothing to worry about.

Bleeding from implantation doesn’t occur continuously. It may come and go.

Spotting erratically is implantation bleeding. Sometimes it may only be a change in consistency of vaginal discharge.

It is not necessary that you see bleeding after implantation. Only 1/3 women have implantation related bleeding.

Rests don’t have it and yet go on to have a normal pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding is not an abnormal thing but not even a necessary evil.

If you don’t have any symptoms of implantation or early pregnancy then you may not be pregnant.

Otherwise, take a pregnancy test after two weeks from ovulation.

Waiting from ovulation day to missed period is miserable. But it is best to wait until three weeks before taking a pregnancy test as final.

Implantation discharge

During implantation, some women may only experience a change in vaginal discharge consistency.

You may wonder whether it is brown discharge or implantation bleeding.

Cervical mucus during pregnancy changes along the course. Thick white discharge is a sign of early pregnancy but also indicates ovulation.

Similarly, brown discharge is also a sign of pregnancy.

Brown discharge could be because of implantation bleeding. The changes in cervical mucus are overlapping and similar. Implantation discharge is the cervical mucus.

25 COMMENTS

  1. Just go and meet doctor. Don’t wait you be in troble. I had ectopic pregnancy and implantation discharge. Hurry now go.

  2. I had light spotting and then if stop. When I have sex there is bleeding and cramping. I don’t know what is happening. Am I pregnant because of spotting. Implantation bleeding and brown discharge and cramps, I’m confused please help.

  3. I have implantation bleeding. Yesterday it was heavy implementation bleeding and now light. Erratic brown discharge and blood coming. I have cramps and sometime pain with implantation symptoms. Is this sign pregnancy?

  4. I’m very worried, I am 17 years old I had sex with my bf and now I’m bleeding. I did not get period. He did not pull out and cum near vagina. I took pill but I’m not sure. Please help me I’m very scared. What is normal implantation bleeding?

  5. Can implantation bleeding be after period? Two weeks ago period and now implantation bleeding with cramps and brown clots. Heavy implantation bleeding is cause of worry? I had my period before and now after 3 days I’ve implantation bleeding.

  6. I had my period for two days and then no bleeding. Then when I wipe there was pink and brown gooey discharge. But period for two days and implantation pain feeling. Symptom of period and spotting like implantation.

  7. I’m hv light spotting brown in color and cramping on and off. Modd swings, I crying and shouting. My bf got pregnancy test but morning I got negative results. My Period Late for three days and start in night and brown color bleeding change to pink. Somtims red and then off. Then again it comes back. I don’t know what is happening. I feel vomiting and dizzy. Nature call again and then constipation. There is little bloating and sore nipples. I’m itching and leg pain. Pregnancy Test Negative implantation bleeding and confusion. I’m scared, don’t want pregnancy. My implantation bleeding look like abortion bleeding. Is abortion safe after implantation? I be having chemical pregnancy after implantation bleeding. There is no way to find out what is happening. I think there is some problem with my vagina. My vaginal discharge getting thick white during implantation. My body temperature little low during these days. Bleeding started after 7 days from ovulation and before 9 days from due period. I got again and again negative digital pregnancy test. First positive then negative pregnancy test.

  8. I’ve been trying for long. I fear infertility I can’t get pregnant. But I don’t get implantation bleeding. I had sex on ovulation day but nothing when I wipe. Later now I see brown spotting in toilet. There is clots in the brown spotting. When I pee there is no pain. Are there symptoms before implantation? Can this be pre implantation signs? But I’m not sure whether these symptoms are implantation. Mid cycle bleeding or spotting before period. I get spotting because I take continuous back to back birth control.

  9. I started depo shots. Then I stop now I get bleeding 3 times in weeks. Can I be having spotting before period or ovulation spotting. What happens when you stop birth control pills. I think I’m pregnant on birth control.

  10. Me have unprotected sex for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Then mine ovulation day, after week I get light brown spotting. What is wrong my period is due for 8 days. I had unprotected sex on 12, 13, and 14th July. Then implementation bleeding on 21 July. Now it stopped. I’ve been very mood swings and irritates. My breasts are sore and nipples hurt and implantation bleeding. Am I pregnant or not? I need an answer, God will bless you.

  11. Is it possible to get period on prego and implantation bleeding. I had my period and then it got over. And later there is brown spotting and cramping symptoms. Pregnancy signs after implantation like morning sickness and too much pee. Can you get pregnant and get period. What is implantation spotting. How should I check implantation bleeding? Can anyone tell mi check period implantation bleeding.

  12. Help, I don’t know implantation cramping and pregnancy. I have sex then bleeding and cramping. Then it stop. Then again bleeding and cramps. Nasuea is there and sickness. Don’t know what happening to me. So tired and sleepy. Can someone know what going on in me?

  13. Can anyone tell mi when positive pregnancy test after implantation bleeding. I got bleeding five days before missed period and took test it is negative. Then alternate day I take pregnancy test after implantation bleeding but negative. I’m two days due to on period now but no good news. I’m getting spotting and pink bleeding erratic and then spotting of brown color and bloody discharge. Do I have to take digital pregnancy test after implantation to get positive. What can be done for negative pregnancy test after implantation. I’m not sure whether I’m pregnant because of implantation.

    • Pregnancy test after missed period after implantation is correct. I also had spotting but then negative pregnancy test. I stopped testing until three days after period and then got positive pregnancy test. You can take digital pregnancy test after implantation. Only some women get positive pregnancy pregnancy after implantation. Wait for a week to get a positive pregnancy test. Five days before period give positive test for very less persons

  14. I don’t feel pregnancy but I missed period for two months. Had sex last month and no period till now. No spotting at night and only comes when I walk or go to gym.

  15. I also had the same happen to me. Yes she is right only 54% chance for positive pregnancy test after implantation. There is no worry, if you have problem. Keep hopes. You can be pregnant when sex during ovulation and implantation bleeding. Implementation spotting is not common. If some body did not get spotting but keep testing you can be pregnant. Only some pregnant person get implantation bloody discharge.

  16. When I was there weeks pregnant I got positive test. Girl can get positive pregnancy test after three weeks from implantation. Your hormone is low and so you get negative test after implantation. In some situation it is OK to geta negative pregnancy test after implantation. If cramping very painful then go to your doctor. You can be having molar pregnancy implantation.

  17. My spotting was after two weeks from period. I had pregnancy after miscarriage and it was healthy. Don’t panic wait you will get accurate pregnancy test after week from egg embedment.

  18. My fiance and I have one baby. He is very cute. Now we are working for second child. I started trying in January and then i was breastfeeding and period was gone. I did not get period after six months nursing. I had got ovulation kits and was trying to fertile test. Then have sex at that time. But still no spotting before period. My cycle always long till 35 days. But I did not give hope and tried. I took test and got a yes and then clearblue test and it was not pregnant. I took a one step pregnancy test after week and got faint positive. Walgreens pregnancy test later was also faint. I went to doctor and hCG was 10 and below 5 is negative. So there was more hope. I got happy. But there was no brwn spotting. Now today again I will go to see whether hCG levels went up. During last days pink spotting at night and dark brownish red early morning. Can this be implantation bleeding or early pregnancy loss. Even with high hCG levels ni implantation bleeding. Is it sign of miscarriage. I think it is period there is bad smelling.

  19. My due date was 23rd and then I got spotting for few hours and no period. Can implantation bleeding be for few hours? Implantation spotting without having sex is not possible?? Thanks for responding, in advance.

  20. Iav 28 days cycle and last time I did not get period. Then i take pregnancy test it was positive. Then I hd my period and it was nrmal. Today I c blood in my panty and it is less. Can I still be pregnant? I’m not sure whether I have cramps because of pregnancy or period. Implantation cramping is like tickling in stomach.

  21. Hello,
    I’m back again with another question! My bleeding has been 6 going on seven days now, I’m still not full blown bleeding. I had a few small clots, one big clot, amd then that was it. For the past two days I’ve only been spotting while urinating, it’s not red or pink, it’s a brownish color? Should I be worried?

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