Period FAQs

how to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and period

by Dr. Paula Lang II Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Here are some indicators to let you know the difference between implantation bleeding vs. period:

  • Color: The color of implantation bleeding is more likely to be a pinky-brown hue. ...
  • Severity: Implantation bleeding is almost always much lighter than a period. ...
  • Duration: Implantation bleeding is significantly lighter than your usual period flow. ...
  • Cramping: Sometimes, cramps accompany implantation bleeding, but not always. ...

A: Unfortunately, there's no way to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and menstrual bleeding. Implantation occurs 6-12 days after conception, which is around the same time you may be expecting your monthly period, and both can produce the same amount of bleeding.Jan 22, 2020

Full Answer

What is the difference between implantation bleeding and a period?

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.

Can implantation bleeding be confused with your period?

Period blood is usually darker, more prominent, and redder than implantation bleeding. However, many women start their periods with light pink or non-heavy brown spots. Thus, telling period and implantation bleeding apart isn’t easy. If you weren’t trying to get pregnant, you might mistake implantation bleeding for your period.

Does implantation bleeding look like a period?

The truth is, implantation bleeding can resemble a lighter version of your period. The color is usually pink or slightly red when it starts, MacLeod says, although it can be brownish as the bleeding resolves. The texture can vary, but it shouldn’t be overly thick. “It should not contain clots,” Lamppa says.

Does bleeding always occur during implantation?

While implantation bleeding is a popular concept, there is no evidence that it truly exists. The physiological process of implantation does not cause bleeding. Studies show that bleeding is more likely to indicate an impending period than an early pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is the name commonly used to describe light pink or brown discharge that occurs in very early pregnancy, before you even get a positive pregnancy test.

image

What does implantation bleeding look like?

Implantation bleeding isn't heavy; it's more like a discharge or light spotting that's about a few drops of blood on your underwear. The color of the spotting. The blood from implantation is more of a pinkish or brown color, rather than a bright red some women normally see during a period.

Can implantation bleeding look just like a period?

Implantation bleeding may initially resemble the start of a menstrual period. However, while menstrual flow will usually get progressively heavier, implantation bleeding will not. On a pad: Implantation bleeding is usually light and, therefore, should not soak a pad.

Is it my period or am I pregnant?

When you have your period, the flow is noticeably heavier and can last up to a week. Pregnancy: For some, one of the first signs of pregnancy is light vaginal bleeding or spotting that's usually pink or dark brown. This typically happens 10 to 14 days after conception and is usually not enough to fill pads or tampons.

What are the signs of successful implantation?

What Are the Signs That Implantation Has Occurred? Implantation is an essential early stage in conception, when cells attaches to the uterine wall. Signs of implantation include bleeding, cramps, discharge, and breast tenderness, and these can be early signs of pregnancy.

Can you bleed like a period in early pregnancy?

Spotting or bleeding may occur shortly after conception, this is known as an implantation bleed. It is caused by the fertilised egg embedding itself in the lining of the womb. This bleeding is often mistaken for a period, and it may occur around the time your period is due.

How much blood is normal for implantation bleeding?

Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D. Implantation bleeding is defined as a small amount of light spotting or bleeding. It typically occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding is common, and it usually isn't a sign of a problem.

How heavy is the implantation bleeding?

How heavy can it be? Implantation bleeding is usually pretty light and only lasts for a day or two. It might be enough to warrant a wearing a pantyliner, but it's usually not enough to soak a tampon or bad. Still, implantation can be on the heavier side in rare cases.

How long do you bleed for during implantation?

Implantation bleeding should last only between a couple of hours to three full days. If the bleeding you are experiencing is bright or dark red blood, lasts more than three days, and is a full flow in that you are filling up pads/tampons, it it very unlikely you are experiencing implantation bleeding.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding will last at a minimum of a few minutes and at a maximum of only 3 days. If bleeding or spotting lasts longer than 3 days, it is likely not implantation bleeding, though it should not be ignored if it comes at a time when a woman would not expect her regular period.

What are the symptoms of a woman's period?

Typical symptoms of menstruation include: headache or backache, upset stomach, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, uterine cramping, and mood swings. If bleeding is accompanied by these normal symptoms, it’s possible that the woman is experiencing a normal period.

How long does it take for a woman to have her period?

She can generally expect to have her period about two weeks following ovulation. However, if pregnancy has occurred, implantation bleeding can be seen one week before regular menstruation.

How long does a woman's pain last during her period?

Advertising. 4. Check the amount. Menstruation length can widely vary, but a woman can expect typical bleeding to last from 3-7 days in length. As a woman ages, menstruation is likely to shorten in length and lessen in intensity.

What happens when you see spotting?

When an egg is fertilized by a sperm cell, it embeds itself into a woman’s uterine wall. Upon attachment, it is normal to shed a small amount of the uterine lining, which is expelled outward through the woman’s vagina.

Is it normal to have uterine cramps during implantation?

Note: Mild uterine cramping is normal for both regular menstruation and implantation bleeding, but if the bleeding is occurring together with intense abdominal and/or vaginal pain, seek medical attention. Intense pain could be a sign of early miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Advertising. 4. Check the amount.

Can intuition tell you if you are pregnant?

A belief in the power of a woman’s intuition has led many to believe that they can perceive a pregnancy long before showing any symptoms. If, after examining color, timing, symptoms, and amount, a woman still is unsure whether the blood is linked to implantation bleeding or period (or something else entirely), she should check her own intuition. By listening to one’s body, women can often detect a feeling that something is “off,” before there is any solid evidence to support it. It is very important, however, to keep an open dialogue with your doctor about any “feelings” and symptoms you might have.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

"Some women experience implantation bleeding as heavy as the first day of their menstrual cycle, but it typically only lasts a couple of days," says Jay M. Berman, M.D., FACOG, chief of gynecological services at Detroit Medical Center's Harper Hutzel Hospital and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Wayne State University. "When it ends, the woman may feel like her period is about to start or might have breast tenderness or some nausea and may even start to feel pregnant ."

What does it mean when you have heavy bleeding?

If you experience heavy bleeding that isn't implantation or period related (after a positive pregnancy test, for example), it could be what's known as first trimester bleeding, a common phenomenon that occurs in 15 to 25 percent of women early in their pregnancy. "But it might also be the first sign of a pregnancy loss or even an ectopic pregnancy ...

How long does it take for a fertilized egg to shed?

When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, which usually happens 10 to 14 days after conception, it sometimes causes part of the uterine lining to shed. This results in implantation bleeding, which might be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

Does implantation cause cramps?

Dr. Vyas says that cramping associated with implantation, while sometimes intense, doesn't typically last as long as it would during a menstrual cycle. But Dr. Patounakis cautions that each woman experiences uterine contractions differently. "A little blood inside your uterus can cause severe cramps in some women and no cramps in other women," he says. It's important to pay attention to what feels out of the ordinary for your body.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that occurs between seven and 14 days after fertilization.

How long does it take for implantation bleeding to occur?

So-called implantation bleeding will likely arrive earlier than your expected monthly menstrual period, usually around seven to 10 days after fertilization or conception.

How do you know if you're pregnant?

The best way to know whether you’re pregnant or not is to wait a few more days and take a pregnancy test. The timing of when you last had sex might also help you figure it out. If it’s been more than two weeks, it’s unlikely that any spotting you're having is implantation bleeding.

How long does it take for a baby to bleed after fertilization?

Implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that occurs between seven and 14 days after fertilization.

Why does my cervix bleed during pregnancy?

Light bleeding during pregnancy — even at times other than implantation — is often normal. Causes can include mundane things like irritation of the cervix following a pelvic exam, sex or infection of the vagina. But because bleeding following a positive pregnancy test can sometimes be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, ...

What happens when an embryo implants?

When the embryo implants, it can disrupt tiny blood vessels in the spot it burrows into. This won’t cause any problems (the endometrium recovers!) but some women will experience light bleeding, from pinkish or red to brown discharge.

What is the most telltale sign of pregnancy?

One of the most telltale symptoms of pregnancy is bleeding. If you do have some light spotting, does it mean anything?

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Although the cramping of implantation bleeding can be either light or intense, it usually lasts for about 1 day. Some women may not even experience any cramps. Comparatively, cramps of the period are usually more intense than implantation except in rare situations. Also, a woman can experience the cramping of menstruation for about 2 to 3 days. So, if your cramps last for a long period, it may be your monthly cycle.

What does it mean when your period is brown?

By paying attention to the color of blood flow, you may be able to tell the difference between these two phenomena. Typically, period bleeding starts as brown or light pink. Over time, it will change to crimson red. Sometimes, it may change to brown before the end of the period. But if your blood flow is pinky-brown, it is likely that you are dealing with implantation bleeding.

Can implantation bleeding be on and off?

In most cases, implantation bleeding is inconsistent as it shows an on-and-off pattern. In other words, you may experience it for some periods, and then it will suddenly disappear for some days before reappearing.

Can you have heavy bleeding during implantation?

Resultantly, you are likely not going to experience any intense pain or cramps during this period. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that you cannot encounter heavy blood flow during implantation bleeding.

What Are Symptoms of Implantation Bleeding and Periods That Are Similar?

Symptoms of implantation bleeding and periods that are similar include:

What Is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding will appear as light vaginal bleeding or spotting. This is a normal early sign of pregnancy, but your doctor should be notified of any bleeding during pregnancy.

When do women start their periods?

Periods typically start in girls during puberty, around the ages of 12 to 14, but some girls may get them earlier or later. Menopause – when periods stop – usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55 years old.

What color is the blood after implant?

Look at the color and flow. What is the color of the blood? Implantation often presents as a light pink to brown color, which is a sign of oxidation. Periods, however, will change to a bright red color. More importantly, check for the type of blood flow.

How long does it take for a woman to spotting after ovulation?

By gauging the timing of sex, some women can tell if the spotting is a sign of pregnancy. With implantation bleeding, the timing is usually 7-9 days after ovulation. Periods happen a bit later, about 14 days after ovulation. Implantation bleeding also lasts from a few hours to about 3 days.

How accurate is a pregnancy test?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women try to get pregnant. During the process of conception, there is always an anxious wait. The most accurate result for a pregnancy test is the week after a missed period. Until then, most women look for subtle changes and signs that a baby is on the way. One such characteristic is light spotting, called implantation bleeding. But is the bleeding a sign of pregnancy or the start of a period?

What happens to the uterus during pregnancy?

As the embryo finds a comfortable place, tiny blood vessels may get damaged or dislodged. This can cause light bleeding. During the menstrual cycle, the body prepares for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not happen, the lining sheds, and the process starts again.

How to tell if a baby is on the way?

A pregnancy test is the most accurate way to tell if a baby is on the way. Take the test at least one day after a missed period. While these tests are correct, the only way to tell before is through a doctor’s visit. The doctor can administer a blood test as early as 7 days after ovulation.

Can implantation bleeding go unnoticed?

Implantation bleeding is light spotting that happens intermittently. This can even go unnoticed, except when wiping. Some women may notice the spotting on panty liners. Periods will start lightly but can go into a full flow. If the blood clots and fills up a tampon or pad, chances are this is not implantation bleeding.

Is implantation bleeding a sign of pregnancy?

The most significant differences include flow and duration of flow. One can agree that implantation bleeding is a sign of potential pregnancy but can go unnoticed. If bleeding continues after confirming the pregnancy, make sure to see a healthcare provider right away. Contact US.

When does implantation bleeding occur?

This process usually happens between the sixth and twelfth day from conception. Once the embryo implants itself, it may cause some blood vessels to burst. This is known as implantation bleeding.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

If you notice the bleeding is lighter than usual, earlier than expected, light colored, and lasts less than four days — you’re likely experiencing implantation bleeding.

What happens to an embryo after it is implanted?

Once implanted, the embryo becomes dependant on the mother’s body (and the uterine walls) to provide oxygen and nutrients. The changes in the endometrium, as well as the embryo growth, are followed by embryo migration. It travels down through the fallopian tube.

What color is implant bleeding?

You might not even need a tampon or a pad. Panty liners will usually catch all spotting. 3. Color. Implantation bleeding is lighter and more pinkish or brown in color than the dark red period blood. 4.

How long does a period last after implantation?

Periods usually last longer (unless you’re incredibly lucky) than the 2–4 days of implantation bleeding. 5. Clotting. Menstruation is usually followed by clotting for many women. That, however, isn’t the case with implantation bleeding.

How long does it take for a woman to spotting?

Of course, this differs from woman to woman. Some pregnant women may even experience more than four days of spotting. That’s another reason why it might get mistaken for a period. Women who aren’t aware they’re pregnant might think it’s just a very light and painless period.

Can you tell if you have implantation bleeding?

Thus, telling period and implantation bleeding apart isn’t easy. If you weren’t trying to get pregnant, you might mistake implantation bleeding for your period. One of the tell-tale signs is the timing. If you’re trying to get pregnant and start to bleed before your period should arrive, you’re probably experiencing implantation bleeding.

image

Not Sure If It Is Implantation Bleeding Or period? Check The Color.

Image
Women are generally aware that normal period blood is a deep red color. However, when the blood is lighter in color than normal, that’s the first distinguishing sign that you could be pregnant. Implantation bleeding comes in the form of a discharge similar to period blood (because, after all, it is the same type of sheddi…
See more on lifehack.org

Check The timing.

  • Though not fool-proof, the average woman has a twenty-eight day menstrual cycle, with ovulation occurring somewhere around the fourteenth day. She can generally expect to have her period about two weeks following ovulation. However, if pregnancy has occurred, implantation bleeding can be seen one week before regular menstruation.
See more on lifehack.org

Check The Symptoms.

  • Typical symptoms of menstruation include: headache or backache, upset stomach, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, uterine cramping, and mood swings. If bleeding is accompanied by these normal symptoms, it’s possible that the woman is experiencing a normal period. If the bleeding is accompanied by the following symptoms, typically associated with pregnancy, it coul…
See more on lifehack.org

Check The amount.

  • Menstruation length can widely vary, but a woman can expect typical bleeding to last from 3-7 days in length. As a woman ages, menstruation is likely to shorten in length and lessen in intensity. Implantation bleeding will last at a minimum of a few minutes and at a maximum of only 3 days. If bleeding or spotting lasts longer than 3 days, it is likely not implantation bleeding, thou…
See more on lifehack.org

Check Your Intuition.

  • A belief in the power of a woman’s intuition has led many to believe that they can perceive a pregnancy long before showing any symptoms. If, after examining color, timing, symptoms, and amount, a woman still is unsure whether the blood is linked to implantation bleeding or period (or something else entirely), she should check her own intuition. By listening to one’s body, women …
See more on lifehack.org

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9