Implantation Bleeding vs. Period

One of the first signs of pregnancy for one-third of pregnancies is implantation bleeding. However, because it is light spotting that can mimic the beginning of the menstrual cycle, many people miss this early sign of pregnancy or pay it little heed.

While in some cases bleeding during pregnancy is a red flag that something is amiss, implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs that you’re pregnant. Since implantation bleeding can be confusing or missed, especially for people not actively trying to become pregnant, we have broken down the ins and outs of this early sign.

We will break down all you need to know about implantation bleeding, a few other early pregnancy symptoms that are likely to accompany it, and when bleeding merits a phone call to your healthcare provider.

What Is Implantation Bleeding?

Put simply; implantation bleeding is a type of bleeding that can occur when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. This vaginal bleeding may range from brown discharge to light pink or dark red blood, but is typically a small enough quantity to not require the use of a tampon. When the egg attaches and burrows into the wall, some uterine lining may shed and cause this light bleeding. It is also possible that you will feel some cramping similar to mild menstrual cramps.

Implantation bleeding typically happens 10-14 days after an egg is fertilized, around the same time your menstrual cycle would begin. This can fool many people into thinking they are experiencing period bleeding so they don’t notice that first missed period. However, unlike menstrual bleeding, which can last four to seven days, when implantation bleeding occurs, it usually only lasts a day or two.

If you notice light spotting or what seems like a light period, you can use panty liners to protect your undergarments. If your normal menstrual cycle doesn’t start within a few days of noticing the spotting, it might be time to take a home pregnancy test.

Menstrual Cycle Bleeding

Compared to implantation bleeding, when you experience your menstrual cycle, ovulation has come and gone, and your body has not detected a pregnancy. When your brain receives the signal that its prenatal preparations are no longer needed, the thickened lining of the uterus sheds, producing your period.

Even though you are not pregnant when the first day of your cycle begins, if you become pregnant during your next ovulation cycle, your doctor will determine your due date based on the first day of your most recent menstrual cycle.

Other Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Only one-third of pregnant women will experience implantation bleeding, so it is not a guaranteed sign of pregnancy. Before you even get a positive pregnancy test, you may notice some of these additional signs of early pregnancy, regardless of whether implantation bleeding occurs:

• Mood swings that can mimic premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Digestive issues such as constipation
• Increased urination
• Breast tenderness
• Mild uterine cramping
• Fatigue

Other Causes of Bleeding

Once puberty hits, vaginal bleeding is a regular occurrence for teens and women; however, there are a few warning signs that the bleeding is not your standard menstrual period or implantation bleeding. Some unfortunate and possibly dangerous causes of bleeding are a threatened miscarriage, pregnancy loss, or an ectopic pregnancy.

Threatened Miscarriage

A threatened miscarriage is a pregnancy in danger of miscarrying during the first trimester. Signs of a threatened miscarriage include bleeding from the cervix, vagina, or uterus combined with belly pain or cramping. If your healthcare provider suspects you are at risk, they will order blood tests or an ultrasound scan.

Pregnancy Loss

While many people who experience bleeding during the first trimester go on to have a healthy pregnancy, bleeding, especially if it is heavy bleeding or clots and clumps combined with lower belly cramps, could be a sign of miscarriage. A possible third sign of a miscarriage is foul-smelling discharge from your vagina. If you know you are pregnant and are experiencing any of these signs, contact your ob-gyn immediately.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. However, only 10% of these pregnancies are clinically recognized, which means many people miscarry before realizing they are pregnant and assume the bleeding is part of their normal period.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. This usually occurs in the fallopian tube, however, it can also occur in the ovaries, abdominal cavity, or cervix.

When an ectopic pregnancy occurs, people experience many typical symptoms of pregnancy and will also receive a positive result on a home pregnancy test.

A home pregnancy test measures the level of HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin, known as the pregnancy hormone present in a person’s urine. When fertilization and implantation occur, even outside the uterus, the body first receives many of the same signals; menstruation doesn’t occur, and HCG begins to rapidly increase.

According to the Mayo Clinic, early signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light bleeding and cramping, possible shoulder pain, or the urge to have a bowel movement. If left untreated ectopic pregnancy can cause death to the mother.

Emergency signs include:

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially on one side
• Vaginal bleeding
• Extreme lightheadedness or fainting
• Shoulder pain

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

If the time for your expected period has come and gone and your usual cycle start date has passed beyond three days, it is time to take a home pregnancy test. Some over-the-counter tests are so sensitive they can detect HCG even before the first day of your missed period.

If you have a positive pregnancy test, the next step is to call your healthcare provider or ob-gyn and begin taking prenatal vitamins if you are not already doing so.

If you are experiencing several pregnancy symptoms but have taken a home test or two and they have come back negative, you should contact your doctor or midwife. They may recommend waiting and testing for hcg again at home, or they may recommend a blood test. While getting a false negative is rare, it can and does happen, so if you truly believe you are pregnant, it is better to be safe than sorry and call your healthcare provider.

If at any time during your pregnancy you experience bleeding, you should call your doctor or midwife. While in many cases there is nothing to worry about, it is always wise to get checked out to ensure both you and your baby are safe.