Period FAQs

is spotting considered first day of period mumsnet

by Neha Pagac Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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If you have spotting or light bleeding one day, then no bleeding at all the next day, it was likely breakthrough bleeding, which can occur in some women leading up to their period. This means it was not your Day 1. You would wait until heavier bleeding or continuous bleeding begins to count that as your Day 1.

Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period, meaning the first day of full flow (spotting doesn't count). During this time, the uterus sheds its lining from the previous cycle.Jan 13, 2020

Full Answer

What is the day you wake up bleeding red blood?

Do you count bleeding or spotting?

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What is the day you wake up bleeding red blood?

I agree. Day 1 is the day you wake up bleeding red blood. So if it starts afternoon/evening, the next day is day 1.

Do you count bleeding or spotting?

You're supposed to start counting from proper bleeding, not spotting. I sometimes have trouble working out if I'm spotting or not though!

How long after spotting do you bleed?

If you don’t see any other bleeding for two or more days after spotting, then consider those spotty days as a continuation of your current menstrual cycle.

What does it mean when you have no bleeding on your period?

If you have spotting or light bleeding one day, then no bleeding at all the next day, it was likely breakthrough bleeding, which can occur in some women leading up to their period. This means it was not your Day 1. You would wait until heavier bleeding or continuous bleeding begins to count that as your Day 1.

What if you get your period at night?

If you start bleeding in the evening or overnight, it can be confusing whether to count that as your Day 1 since there are just a few hours left in that day. For the sake of simplicity, I recommend that you do count that as your Day 1. It means your estrogen reached its lowest level that day, which is a key marker to determine where you are in your menstrual cycle.

What does it mean when you start bleeding in the evening?

For the sake of simplicity, I recommend that you do count that as your Day 1. It means your estrogen reached its lowest level that day, which is a key marker to determine where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Why is my uterine lining shedding on day 1?

That’s because it means that estrogen dropped low enough to trigger the shedding of your uterine lining. It just took awhile for a heavier flow to begin. However, if you have spotting one day, ...

When do you start seeing red on your cycle?

Once you start seeing red down below toward the end of your cycle, mark it on your calendar. If bleeding continues and gets heavier the next day, then that spotting day was Day 1 of your new menstrual cycle.

When do you start seeing blood?

Once you start seeing blood toward the end of your menstrual cycle, mark it on your calendar.

Why Is There Spotting Before Period?

Having an irregular menstrual cycle often leads to brown spotting before the real menstrual blood flow starts. In irregular menstrual cycles due to hormone imbalance, a failure to ovulate is common, especially during puberty and just before menopause. However, these irregular cycles with ovulation failure can occur at any time during a women’s life due to stress, extreme dieting, different illnesses, etc.

What is the difference between spotting and menstrual period?

Spotting and menstrual periods can be easily confused in certain cases. The main thing that differs spotting and a menstrual period is the quantity of blood loss.

What Can You Do with the Spotting?

Does spotting count as your period? No. Keeping a spotting diary might be helpful, especially if spotting turns out to be common occurring every now and then. By keeping a good track of your spotting, it will be easier for your doctor to determine the nature of this spotting and any possible problems with your menstrual cycle.

How long does a menstrual cycle last?

On average, a menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days . Menstrual bleeding which occurs at the very beginning of a menstrual cycle lasts approximately about 3 to 5 days, sometimes even longer.

When does spotting occur with birth control?

Spotting due to using different birth control methods is more likely to occur within the first 3 months of using them. When taking birth control pills, spotting is more likely to occur when these pills are not taken at the exact time every day or if a day is skipped.

Can gonorrhea cause spotting?

Spotting can occur on the same day or a couple of days later. Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or bacterial vaginosis, can lead to spotting as well. Proper medical treatment of these infections can resolve the problem.

Does spotting count as a period?

No, spotting does not count as a period. Some birth control methods used by women can lead to spotting before a menstrual period. Spotting is common among women who use copper IUD, mini pills containing only progesterone, depot shots and birth control implants. Rarely, vaginal rings, or birth control pills containing both estrogen ...

sophie274

I agree with MS - I would count the first day you see blood as the first day. However, as long as you're regular it shouldn't matter that much (I remember you are trying to get pregnant) - your ovulation calculation will just be an estimate anyway, and give or take 24 hrs should not matter since sperm have a long "shelf life".

Hope75

I would consider yesterday your first day as well. It can take 24 hours for blood to make its way down the vagina once your period starts, especially if it starts slowly.

BornToResist

I think the only reason why they tell you to wait til it's flowing is because in some cases, you can have spotting for a day, then nothing.

AmyNicole

I always counted from the day I saw blood and it always worked for me!

Dilly

great question, I spotted on Friday July 7, but wasn't in full-flow until July 9. So my due date is either 13-April or 15-April (Tax day in the US). YUCK. I want to be due any day but Tax day. ILK!!! BTW, I asked my doctor about that this past week and he said the first day is the first day of flow, which I took to exclude spotting.

Dilly

Me too! I could never find Day 1 defined on the wickipedia spread Robo posted, could you? Bottom line, the doctor told me it's not an exact science.

Satsuma

I get confused aswell but i guess you could count spotting as the starting day because blood is actually coming out and thats officially when it starts or something.

What Causes Spotting

Spotting can be normal and nothing to worry about, or it can be an indication of a problem that warrants attention by a healthcare professional.

Summary

Spotting is light bleeding that may appear as spots of blood in the underwear. Unlike menstrual bleeding, it typically does not require the use of a pad or tampon. Spotting can have many causes, including ovulation, early pregnancy, infections, or injuries to the genital area. If you are concerned about spotting, speak with your doctor.

A Word From Verywell

Knowing what is normal for your menstrual flow allows you to identify when you are having abnormal vaginal bleeding. Whenever you have a concerning symptom, call your healthcare professional for advice. They have heard such questions often and will be able to ensure you get appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

What is the day you wake up bleeding red blood?

I agree. Day 1 is the day you wake up bleeding red blood. So if it starts afternoon/evening, the next day is day 1.

Do you count bleeding or spotting?

You're supposed to start counting from proper bleeding, not spotting. I sometimes have trouble working out if I'm spotting or not though!

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