One of the early pregnancy signs is implantation bleeding and this will happen for about one-third of all women who get pregnant. This is actually a lesser known symptom. Keep reading to know more as this article will look at how to recognize implantation bleeding or period.
Although it is not noticeable at all times, this type of bleeding might take place when a fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine wall or lining.
The egg will implant itself six to twelve days after being fertilized by a sperm and traveling down from the fallopian tube and then into the uterus. While this is happening, a very small part of the uterine lining might be released or disturbed.
This small percentage of blood might appear as bleeding or spotting. If you learn how to recognize the sign of implantation bleeding, then you will have an early clue that pregnancy has started.
Implantation Bleeding or Period – How to recognize what do you have
Look at the timing. As mentioned above, this type of bleeding usually occurs during pregnancy about six to twelve days after conception, which is near to the time of your expected menstrual cycle.
Check when you had sex last. If the time is over one or two months, then it is not likely that you are seeing implantation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding can be confused with the regular menstrual cycle, so some women discover that their pregnancy is one month further along than the original estimated time.
If you cannot visit the doctor to confirm a pregnancy, other testing can be done to determine the right gestational age of your fetus.
Examine the quantity and color of the bleeding. When you do this, it can help you to distinguish between the start of a normal menstrual cycle and implantation bleeding.
The implantation bleeding doesn’t generally resemble the bleeding that occurs in a normal period as it’s lighter in color and low in quantity. At times, this bleeding can be just a single spot or spotting for several hours.
Typically, implantation bleeding comes with a brownish tint or pink discharge. It’s often darker in color when compared to period blood since it takes some time to travel from the wall of the uterus to the vagina. This bleeding is also relatively light and you will only experience it for a couple of days.
In some cases, the flow of blood resembles a very light period. For most women, the menstrual blood color has a more red shade and it will flow heavier within one or two days.
See if you are having cramps. Implantation bleeding is frequently accompanied by mild to moderate cramping as the embryo is invading the uterine wall. Cramping is actually common in this type of bleeding and it might happen as early as 7 days prior to a missed period.
The cramps can differ in severity, some women experience similar ones to menstrual cramps or feel like their period is starting.
As you can imagine, these symptoms can be tricky as early pregnancy signs are similar to what you might feel immediately before your period. In the event that abdominal cramps continue to intensify, it could be a regular period or a pregnancy problem like an ectopic pregnancy.
There are also instances when the pain may be linked to a totally different medical condition like a bladder infection or appendicitis.
Confirming the Symptoms
if you believe that you are experiencing implantation bleeding, You should wait for at least a day after your period is due before taking a pregnancy test.
This type of bleeding can take place very early in your cycle and you might not have sufficient pregnancy hormone to get back a positive test. It is always a good idea to do a follow-up test at the doctor after getting a positive pregnancy result.
When You Should Be Concerned About Implantation Bleeding
As a pregnant woman, you should be worried about heavy, very red bleeding that contains clots or maybe comes with severe discomfort or cramps. Implantation bleeding might take place after artificial insemination as well. If the bleeding continues you should contact your doctor as early as possible.
It also recommended for you to consult a doctor if the bleeding is causing an uneasy feeling or if you have any questions or concerns. You should also get checked out by your doctor if you are feeling any pain that you might not experience during your normal period and is not subsiding on its own after a couple of days.
Aside from those things, you should contact your doctor if have other symptoms such as chills, fever or heavy bleeding.
Approximately 20 to 30% of pregnancies have bleeding during the early stages [1]. If you think that you are pregnant and you are experiencing light spotting or bleeding, it could be a normal healthy pregnancy sign.
References
- Spotting During Pregnancy -americanpregnancy.org [Link]
Hi my name is Kathleen I’m 6 days late for AF, I had a one time pink spotting it was very light and went beige after it tapered off. This happened 1 day before my expected period. I took a test when i was 2 days late turned out negitave. My partner and I were pretty “busy” everyday of ovulation week. So I hope this is it.. the negitave test has me confused though
Hi Kathleen, Sometimes if you are pregnant it might take a few days for you to get a positive. I would wait until you are about 7 days late and test again. Good Luck!
Hello, My ovulation date was March 3rd. I’ve had unprotected sex. I’m due for my period on March 18th but I have been spotting and have mild cramps since March 7th. Could I be pregnant? I haven’t taken a test yet because I was waiting for my expected period date.
Hi Kim, implantation bleeding usually occurs around the same time roughly as a period, so it’s quite possible that’s what it is. You’re doing great with not testing too soon only to be disappointed or get a negative because your body hasn’t registered enough HCG to tell on a pregnancy test. I would wait and then take a pregnancy test like you said when you officially miss you period. Good luck!
Thank you!
Hi I saw my period on 11/02/2018 had sex everyother day and on March 12im spotting had most or the pregnancy signs and my period is due 2days time is it possible I’m pregnant
Hi Marcia, it’s possible that you are. Have you taken a pregnancy test? If not I would wait for a few more days until you are about 5-7 days late and take a test then to be sure.
Hi can any one help me? I have my last cycle on the 26th jan on the 19 feb I have a spotting pink and brown. I am 12 days late. I did the test but was negative. I have all the symptoms and morning sickness🤢
Hello Babs, retest for pregnancy in 7 days.
I had my period on Feb 12th then I started back spotting on March 2nd bright red and like a brownish red could I be pregnant
Hello Kelimbre, if you had unprotected sex then yes.
I had unprotected sex 1/20/2018, light period on 1/25-1/28. February I have not had my period, now it is 3/6/2018 and light spotting. 4 neg test. What is wrong with me?
Hello Emily, retest for pregnancy after 7 days.
Hello, I started my cycle on the 18th of February 2018 and it stopped 21st February and on the 2nd of march I was feeling sick and my nose running, I had head pain, I had fever, and feeling cold, my eyes was bringing out water so I had to take pain killer, but on the 3rd of march I went to the washroom and I noticed blood, not a lot but little so became worried that what can this be.is that I was pregnant or something is wrong.thank you
Hello Adeole, this bleeding could mean many things. If it continues then see your doctor.
Hello my last period was on January 16 an today is March 2nd my period was suppose to start Feb 16 but it didn’t an i had sex on Feb 7th i took a text on the 27th an it came back negative since the 26th of Feb i have been spotting first brown now pink whats going on help please
Hi Ashley, Have you taken a pregnancy test? Generally if it’s significantly lighter than your regular period it could have been implantation bleeding.
I saw my period on January 22th and my next period should be on February 22th but it didn’t come. I had unprotected sex on February 7 and February 19 and now it’s March second and am seeing spots of blood… what’s wrong?
Hi Britley, habve you taken a pregnancy test? The sex on the 7th of February could have led to a pregnancy.
Hi,my last period 25 January, 35 day cycle. I did not get a period. Pregnency test is negative. Can I do test again ?
Hi Murshi, If you haven’t gotten your period yet I would test at this point if you haven’t already.
Hoping someone can help?
I normally have a 30 day cycle with 7 days of quite heavy bleeding, have copper coil in situ ( for 6 and a half years ) my period came 4 days early this month and was lighter than normal but still enough for me to class as period, it lasted 5 days.
2 days after I started spotting and have now been spotting for a week, very light but colour has changed from very pale pink to bright red. I am experiencing cramping back pain headaches and light headedness.
GP has done a pg blood test and smear.
Any ideas what could be going on? Internet seems to only bring up spotting caused by implantation. Thanks
Hi Worried Lady, I know that can be frustrating with the Coppor IUD, I had one and it was fantastic. As far as the additional bleeding if it’s something abnormal I would get them to potentially look at the placement of the IUD make sure it hasn’t moved or it there is anything else going on. THe earliness I wouldn’t worry about but the additional bleeding, unless it’s ovulation bleeding (still seems a bit early for that though), would be a concern.
Hey question what causes you to have abdominal pain after intercourse with your spouse what could that possibly mean then after that your period jumps on January 29th and ends on febuary 3rd
Hi there Shay, abdominal pain after intercourse might be as a result of your partner being a bit too rough, you might have an ovarian cyst which might be affected during sex or you might have an infection.
Hi i had my period on january 20 then i expect my next period on feb 17 because i have 28days cycle. but i had early period on feb 12. 1-3 days small amount of dark blood then at the 4-5th day I had lighter red blood. Am I pregnant or not?
Hello Lhen, the only way to determine if you are pregnant at this point is by taking a pregnancy test.
Hi. I’m trying to get pregnant this month, and had a follicular study. Feb14-17 are my fertile days. My lmp is feb4th. I had some amount of bleeding On feb25th. Is that implantation bleeding or a normal periods or a miscarriage? I’m so confused. Because my Next date would be march3rd.
Hi there Lovely, this bleeding depending on the quantity could be either of the above you stated. It is hard to determine that virtually.
Hi again 😂 My periods are usually regular 28 day cycle. Although on my Jan period (18) I had a heavy period with lots of clots 😬 My next period was a week early on 9 th Feb but normal. I have now started bleeding again (23 Feb) but only when I wipe, although it does look red and abit thick. I’ve checked the calculator and I shouldn’t be due again until 9th march. My husband and I have had unprotected sex recently.
Hello Gillian, then you might be pregnant. You can test for pregnancy 7 days after your missed period.
Hi I was due for my menses on the 22nd of feb 2018 bt it didn’t come and now being 25th of feb am seeing my menses with cramps. Could it be my menses am a bit confused. Am using my pad now. Again can biscuits affect . Cuz I had chocolate biscuits and now my menses is out
Hi there Jay, no biscuits will not affect your cycle. Your period came three days early and that might be as a result of change in climate, you traveling, stress, etc.