Do you always have implantation bleeding when pregnant

During pregnancy, your body goes through all kinds of changes. Some are obvious and expected, like a growing belly or the stoppage of your menstrual cycle. But did you know that very early on, you may experience some bleeding that could be mistaken for your period? This is called implantation bleeding, and we sat down with Heather Reed, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology physician and medical director of labor and delivery at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, to learn what it is and when you should be concerned.

Q: What is implantation bleeding? Is it normal?

A: Pregnancy starts when an egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube and then makes its way to the uterus. When the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, it attaches to the uterine wall. When this attachment happens, you may experience a small amount of bleeding. This is called implantation bleeding and it is completely normal.

Q: How much bleeding is normal?

A: The amount of bleeding at implantation can vary between women. Some women may not experience any bleeding with implantation, while other women may have bleeding that compares to a light period and lasts two or three days. Anything on that continuum – from no bleeding to bleeding resembling a light period – can be considered normal.

Q: I’m experiencing bleeding that is heavier than a light period. Should I be worried?

A: Because implantation can be the same time as you might be expecting your period, it can be hard to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and your regular menstrual bleeding. It’s tough to know when you should be worried because every woman’s circumstance is different. However, any time bleeding saturates a pad in less than two hours it should be considered too much vaginal bleeding, and you should consult a physician.

Q: Are there other symptoms associated with implantation bleeding?

A: Some women experience slight cramping or nausea during implantation, in addition to light bleeding. Because implantation occurs so early in pregnancy it can be difficult to tell if the symptoms are from implantation or your regular monthly menstrual cycle.

Q: How do I know the difference between implantation bleeding, my menstrual period, and a miscarriage?

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.

If you think you may be pregnant, your best bet is to take a home pregnancy test. The level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a pregnancy hormone, can vary between women but most home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy. However, it’s important to know that a home pregnancy test can produce a false negative because everyone’s hormone level is slightly different. While it’s possible to become pregnant and lose the pregnancy this early on – resulting in light bleeding that could be confused with implantation bleeding – a pregnancy loss this early isn’t considered a miscarriage.

If you think you’re pregnant, it’s best to make an appointment with an OBGYN. An OBGYN can provide a pregnancy blood test and if you are pregnant, start important prenatal care right away.

For additional information, check out these related articles: Is My Period Normal? — 7 Signs You Might Be Pregnant — Things You Should Know About Well-Women Visits. And for other helpful advice regarding pregnancy, visit the Banner Health blog. 

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Many people focus on missing their period as one of the first signs of early pregnancy. You might be surprised to learn that a small amount of blood and some cramping – known as implantation bleeding – can be a sign of pregnancy as the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and your 9-month journey begins.

Here are 5 things you need to know about implantation bleeding and how to tell if the bleeding may be a sign of pregnancy or of your oncoming period.

1. What is Implantation Cramping & Bleeding?

Implantation cramping and bleeding are not the same as menstrual cramps and bleeding. But since implantation spotting often occurs around the same time as you expect your period, it can be confusing which type of cramping and bleeding you’re experiencing.

Every month, the lining of the uterus builds up with blood to prepare for a potential fertilized egg. If no egg implants, the lining is shed as your period. When an egg implants, it physically embeds into that uterine lining, and some spotting and cramping can be normal as a result.

This smaller amount of blood and lighter cramping can be one of the first signs that you are pregnant. It can be hard to tell for certain whether its implantation bleeding or the start of your period (especially if your periods are light) so taking a pregnancy test will help you know for sure.

2. When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

Implantation bleeding – if it happens – usually occurs 9-12 days after conception when the fertilized egg implants, or attaches to the lining of the uterus. It can take as few as 6 days for the egg to make its journey from the Fallopian tubes or as many as 14, with the average around 9 days.

If you’re trying to determine when implantation occurred, knowing when you ovulated and the date your last period began will give you the best idea. Ovulation is typically 12-14 days after the first day of your last cycle, and implantation is 6-12 days after ovulation, if the egg is fertilized.

Don’t worry if you don’t experience any implantation bleeding at all. In fact, most people who become pregnant (about 70-75%) don’t report any implantation spotting. But that means 25-30% of women do have some implantation bleeding. We’ve been conditioned to worry that any bleeding at all when you’re hoping to be pregnant may be a sign of a miscarriage, but it isn’t that simple.

3. What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like

Even though you may be used to bleeding every month, implantation bleeding, aka implantation spotting, typically looks different than your usual period bleeding.

During implantation, a small amount of the uterine lining can be displaced or disturbed, resulting in the light bleeding. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to expel the entire uterine lining, resulting in heavier bleeding that lasts until all of the lining is released.

Implantation Bleeding vs Period Bleeding

Implantation bleeding and cramping can easily be mistaken for the onset of your monthly cycle, but what’s happening in your body is completely different. There are differences between implantation bleeding and period bleeding in terms of flow amount, duration of bleeding, pain and the color of the blood.

Here’s a quick comparison so you can know how to recognize implantation bleeding or spotting:

Implantation Bleeding

• Color: Pink or brown
• Flow: Light or spotting, generally not enough to soak a tampon or pad
• Duration: 1-2 days or less
• Cramping: mild or moderate tightening, pricking or pulling feeling in the lower abdomen as the egg implants
• Consistency: often thinner or more watery

Period Bleeding

• Color: Bright red
• Flow: Heavier, menstrual products and protection needed
• Duration: Usually 5-8 days
• Cramping: more intense pain and tightness in the lower abdomen and back as the uterus contracts to expel menstrual blood.
• Consistency: thicker and can include clots or clumps

4. How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Many people do not experience implantation bleeding, but those that do may have spotting for a few hours or 1-2 days. Bleeding that isn’t your period but lasts longer than a day or two or is heavier than spotting is a good reason to see your doctor.

5. What Are Some Symptoms of Implantation & Early Pregnancy?

Every person is different, but many describe the feeling of implantation as a mild tingling, tightening or pulling in the uterus. Mild discomfort and a pink or brownish watery discharge are typical symptoms – if you experience implantation bleeding at all.

Since the symptoms of implantation cramping and bleeding can be so similar to those of a light period, you may want to take a pregnancy test to help know if you are pregnant and be on the lookout for other early signs of pregnancy:

• fatigue
• tender, swollen, heavier or fuller breasts
• nausea or vomiting
• food aversions or cravings
• heightened sense of smell
• mood swings or feeling tearful or easily upset
• headaches
• constipation
• dizziness or feeling faint
• elevated body temperature
• missed period

You should always consult with your doctor or medical provider if you experience any symptoms or issues concerning your health.

First Response™ Pregnancy Tests to Help You Know

When you may be pregnant, the earlier – and the faster – you can know, the better. The First Response™ Early Result Pregnancy Test can help confirm a pregnancy as soon as 6 days sooner than your missed period. In laboratory testing, Early Result Pregnancy Test detected pregnancy hormone levels in 76% of pregnant women 5 days before their expected period. See package for details about testing early.

While, the First Response™ Rapid Result Pregnancy Test lets you know if you’re pregnant in 60 seconds on the day of your missed period. Enhanced technology isolates and detects the pregnancy hormone in your urine to give you fast results.

To get double the confirmation and same accuracy of results, use the First Response™ EasyRead app, compatible with the First Response™ Early Result and Rapid Result tests to translate your results into the words “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.”

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