Understanding implantation bleeding is crucial for any woman who is trying to get pregnant or is already pregnant. Implantation bleeding, also known as implantation cramping, is a common sign that a fertilized egg has successfully embedded itself in the lining of the uterus. This process is a normal part of early pregnancy and is often accompanied by light spotting or a light period.
What is Implantation Bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is a small amount of spotting or bleeding that happens after a newly fertilized egg burrows into the lining of the uterus. This is because the uterine lining is rich with blood, and some women spot a little at this point. This is totally normal and no cause for concern, but a pregnancy test and doctor’s visit may be in order to make sure implantation bleeding is truly the culprit (and not something else, like your period).
When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Implantation typically occurs 6-12 days after conception, although some sources give it a wider range of 5-14 days. The average is 8 or 9 days after ovulation/fertilization. This puts the implantation bleeding window just a day or so before a woman would otherwise expect her period.
What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?
Implantation bleeding can initially look like a lighter version of your period; it’s not enough to warrant a feminine pad, but you might consider wearing a pantyliner just in case. Unfortunately, this can make it tricky to differentiate between implantation bleeding vs. your period.
How to Tell the Difference Between Implantation Bleeding and Period?
Here are some key differences to look for:
- Duration: Your period will typically last longer than implantation bleeding, MacLeod says. If you bleed for a day or two, it’s more likely to be implantation bleeding. If it stretches beyond that time frame, you may have gotten your period.
- Volume: One of the most common questions asked: How heavy is implantation bleeding? It’s generally lighter than a menstrual cycle and shouldn’t fill a pad. “If you experience bleeding that’s considered to be heavy spotting or bleeding, that would be more than implantation bleeding,” Lamppa says. (But if you tend to have light periods anyway, you might not notice a huge difference.)
- Color: The color of implantation bleeding is also usually lighter than a normal period. It’s usually pink or slightly red at the start, MacLeod says, although it can be brownish as the bleeding resolves.
- Texture: The texture of implantation bleeding can vary, but it shouldn’t be overly thick. “It shouldn’t contain clots,” Lamppa says. Clots typically form with heavy bleeding, so if you’re truly experiencing implantation bleeding, you shouldn’t have them.
Stress or a Change in Medication Can Cause Changes in Menstrual Patterns
Remember: Many women experience light spotting throughout the first trimester to no negative effect. Your healthcare provider should be able to run the appropriate blood, urine, and ultrasound tests to safely monitor mother and child’s development.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
There are a lot of things that can cause bleeding during the first few weeks and months of pregnancy. “Causes of bleeding during early pregnancy can range from irritation to the cervix and vagina as blood flow is increased to the area, to threatened miscarriage or even ectopic pregnancy,” Cackovic says. If you experienced bleeding and you’ve gotten a positive pregnancy test, it’s important to see your doctor sooner rather than later to determine what’s going on. “Your provider will assess how far you are into the pregnancy, the amount of bleeding you’re experiencing and if you’re feeling pain and other possible risk factors,” Lamppa says. “All of this information will help your provider figure out the next best steps for your care.”
Additional Resources
For more information on implantation bleeding and other early signs of pregnancy, check out these resources:
- American Pregnancy Association:https://www.APAINDEX.com/implantation-bleeding/
- mayo Clinic:https://www.mayoclinic.org/basics/pregnancy/in_depth/preg_blood/basics/implantation-bleeding/art-20048389
If you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy, don't hesitate to reach out the professionals at Mama Natural. We are here to help you navigate the journey of pregnancy and offer support along the way.
