When you're trying to conceive, it's hard to wait the two weeks or so between your fertile days and taking an at-home pregnancy test. During this period of anticipation, it's natural to interpret the slightest change in your body as a possible sign of pregnancy. The only thing worse than getting your hopes up because you feel a little more tired or out of breath than usual, is to mistake implantation bleeding for your period and assume you're not pregnant. So what color is implantation bleeding? It's time you learn to tell the difference between this early sign of pregnancy and your regular menstrual cycle. Show
Over email, Romper interviewed three OB-GYNs about implantation bleeding. Their descriptions each differ slightly, but all agree that implantation bleeding is lighter in flow and a different color than your regular period. It's "usually brown," says Miao Crystal Yu, OB-GYN at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California. Yu elaborates that implantation bleeding is "a little bit of brownish spotting that occurs when the embryo implants." This matches the characterization Gerardo Bustillo of MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California, gives implantation bleeding, too. According to Bustillo, implantation bleeding doesn't necessarily have a specific color, but "generally the spotting or bleeding is light." OB-GYN Yen Tran of Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, adds that implantation bleeding may look like "pinkish/rusty old brown bloody discharge." To distinguish implantation bleeding from a normal period, it's helpful to understand the process behind it. According to Tran, "After fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes around the time of ovulation, the embryo travels down the fallopian tube to attach to the wall of the uterine cavity. During the attachment progress, some blood vessels break down." The broken blood vessels lead to the old blood (i.e. brownish) spotting you may find in your underwear. However, Bustillo notes that implantation bleeding "remains an unproven hypothesis" and "does not occur in the majority of pregnancies." Timing is also important when you're trying to pinpoint the cause of bleeding. Bustillo and Tran say implantation bleeding occurs approximately 10 to 14 days after conception, while Yu gives an earlier estimate of three to seven days post-conception. Since your period isn't due until about two weeks after ovulation, you can probably guess implantation bleeding if you experience light spotting much earlier than that. It can be harder to guess if the bleeding overlaps with when you expect your period. Luckily, there are other differences to help you compare a normal period with implantation bleeding. When asked how a woman can tell whether she is experiencing implantation bleeding or a regular period, Yu says, "Implantation bleeding is much lighter, usually lasting one to two days, not requiring the patient to change pads. If in doubt, talk to your OB-GYN and confirm the diagnosis with blood work or ultrasound." Bustillo also notes that a pregnancy test may be the best way to confirm the cause of your bleeding. "Implantation bleeding, when it does occur, coincides with the time of an anticipated menses. Therefore it can be confusing to know exactly what is going on. Generally, implantation bleeding is spotting only, while a menstrual period is heavier. If the bleeding is accompanied by potential early pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and frequent urination, a pregnancy test would be indicated to solve the dilemma." Finally, Tran agrees that implantation bleeding is usually shorter than menstruation and may be accompanied by early pregnancy symptoms. "Most periods last about four to seven days [and are] heavier with a bright red color blood, whereas implantation bleeding comes a few days sooner than the next expected period and only lasts for a few hours to two days only, along with signs like breast tenderness, mild cramping, headache and mild nausea." Related ResourcesRelated Providers
When you’re trying to conceive, it’s totally normal to pay attention to any little thing that happens in your body—after all, it could be a sign that you’re pregnant! One of the early indicators of a possible pregnancy women look for is implantation bleeding. Here’s everything you need to know about it, including what it is, when it happens, and what to look for. What Is Implantation Bleeding?Implantation bleeding is exactly what it sounds like. When a fertilized egg attaches, or implants, to the lining of the uterus, some people notice light bleeding or spotting. The attachment and subsequent movement of the embryo in the uterine wall can break down small blood vessels and cause this bit of bleeding. It’s important to note that implantation bleeding doesn’t happen for everyone—or even for every pregnancy. About one in three women experience implantation bleeding upon conceiving. When Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?Implantation bleeding typically occurs between days 10–14 of your cycle. And if you’re familiar with the reproductive cycle, this is right around the same time that a menstrual period occurs. Confusing, right? How Can I Tell the Difference between Implantation Bleeding and My Period?Because of the timing, it can be easy to confuse implantation bleeding with early period spotting. But there are a few differences you can look for, including: Amount: Implantation bleeding is typically only spotting or a very light flow—some women only notice it when they wipe. 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. Clotting: Some women experience passing small clots during a menstrual period; however, implantation bleeding should never be accompanied by clotting. Timing: Implantation bleeding typically only lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If it lasts more than that and is a full flow, it’s probably your period, not implantation bleeding. Is Implantation Bleeding a Concern?Bleeding due to implantation shouldn’t be a cause for concern, and does not present any risk to the embryo. However, if you experience extended or heavy bleeding—whether early or later in a confirmed pregnancy—contact your provider immediately or seek out emergency medical care. If you are having trouble telling the difference between implantation bleeding and your period, the good news is that timing is on your side. By the day of your expected period, a pregnancy test should be able to indicate whether you’re pregnant or not. Sending you good pregnancy vibes! How do I know if it's implantation bleeding or spotting?Implantation bleeding is more likely to be a pinky-brown color. Menstrual bleeding, on the other hand, may start off light pink or brown, but it soon changes into crimson red. Strength of flow. Implantation bleeding is usually super-light spotting.
What does implantation spotting feel like?These are some of the most common implantation bleeding symptoms: Light bleeding or spotting that some women say is different from normal period bleeding because the blood is darker. Mild cramping. A woozy feeling.
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Whats the difference between spotting and implantation bleeding
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