When you’re actively trying to get pregnant, those two weeks between ovulation and a positive home pregnancy test (or your period) can seem much longer. If you’re like most women, you’ll spend them hyper-aware of every ache, twinge and craving your body has, wondering whether it’s an early sign of pregnancy. Show
One of the most telltale symptoms of pregnancy is bleeding. If you do have some light spotting, does it mean anything? While it can be hard to tell, many women who go on to have healthy, normal pregnancies have what’s called implantation bleeding around the time that their embryo lodges itself into the side of the uterus. What is implantation bleeding?Implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that occurs between seven and 14 days after fertilization. After ovulation and at the moment an egg is successfully fertilized by a sperm in a fallopian tube, the embryo starts dividing and growing. At this time, the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to change. It's already been thickening throughout the menstrual cycle, but it’ll need to grow and mature even more to protect and nourish an embryo. Around five to six days after fertilization, the quickly growing embryo has moved down the fallopian tube and into the uterus. It’s starting to need more nutrients, and the endometrium has filled in enough to support it. Next, the embryo attaches itself to the endometrium, where it becomes reliant on a mother’s body — for the first time — for nutrients and oxygen. 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. When does implantation bleeding happen?So-called implantation bleeding will likely arrive earlier than your expected monthly menstrual period, usually around seven to 10 days after fertilization or conception. Continue Reading Below Read This NextSigns of implantation bleedingThese are some of the most common implantation bleeding symptoms:
Implantation bleeding vs. period bleeding: How to tell the differenceSince implantation bleeding is a symptom that can often occur before you test positive on a pregnancy test, it can be hard to know whether light bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy or just normal spotting leading up to your period. And unfortunately, there’s no conclusive way to find out. 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. About a third of women who report having experienced implantation bleeding often describe it as distinct from their usual premenstrual spotting — some say the blood is darker and not as red compared with normal period blood. Others have mild cramping at the same time as the spotting. But for many women, the two types of bleeding aren’t different at all. So you’re not alone if you assume that some spotting is implantation bleeding and get your period a few days later, or if you assume that implantation bleeding is normal spotting and end up being pregnant! How long does implantation bleeding last?Implantation bleeding usually only lasts one or two days. When to call the doctorLight 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, molar pregnancy or other early miscarriage, you should always call your medical provider if you experience it so you can talk through any other symptoms. Try not to worry too much though. Chances are good that if the bleeding is light and doesn't last long, everything is fine. From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. Was this article helpful? Skip to content
 Implantation: Your Pregnancy Week by WeekAfter the long 6-day trip from the fallopian tubes, the blastocyst, which has since divided into two sections, arrives within the uterus and begins to burrow or implant into the wall of the uterus. At this point, the blastocyst is a grouping of cells comprised of an inner collection of cells that will ultimately develop into the embryo, and an outer shell that provides protection and nourishment to the growing embryo. During this time, the amniotic sack is forming, as is the yolk sac and the placenta. Symptoms at 4 weeks pregnantDuring week 4 of pregnancy, the fetus is growing rapidly and is composed of three layers. Due to the stage of the menstrual cycle, the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial tissue) has thickened, providing the perfect environment to support the growing embryo. Approximately 6-12 days following conception, some people experience mild vaginal spotting with or without mild cramping. This is referred to as implantation bleeding and may be mistaken for a menstrual period. Generally, this bleeding will resolve on its own. Implantation bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy. However, if the bleeding is heavy, you are experiencing chills, fever, or cramps, contact your doctor. Bleeding during pregnancy has causes other than implantation and may be caused by sexual activity, an ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. Some types of sexual activity can cause bleeding at any time during your pregnancy; this is likely due to hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the cervix, making it more likely to bleed if irritated by sexual activity. It is important not to use tampons for bleeding during pregnancy as they increase the risk of infection. Using sanitary pads helps to keep track of and measure the bleeding. If you are saturating one sanitary pad in two hours or less, contact your doctor. If an ectopic pregnancy has occurred, this means that the embryo has implanted outside the uterus and is considered a medical emergency. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you are experiencing bleeding with pain and cramps. Miscarriage is a common occurrence, with a high percentage of pregnancies ending in the loss of the fetus. Call your doctor if you have bleeding and cramping or think you may be experiencing a miscarriage. At this stage of development, you may start to have some symptoms of pregnancy including breast tenderness, headaches, low backaches, and nausea. Now may be a good time to take a pregnancy test if you are late for your period, as this is the earliest possible time that a home pregnancy test will be able to detect a pregnancy. Fetal development at 4 weeks pregnantAt 4 weeks pregnant, the fetus is the size of a poppy seed. The fetus is growing rapidly, and its development is composed of three layers, the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, which will eventually form the baby’s organs and tissues. The nervous system and brain, epidermis (outermost layer of the skin), hair, lens of the eye, pigment cells, nails, mammary glands, sweat glands, and tooth enamel will develop from the ectoderm layer. The heart, lymph cells, sex organs, skeleton and skeletal muscles, connective tissues, urogenital system, dermis of the skin, the kidneys, and spleen will develop from the mesoderm layer. The endoderm layer will develop into the lungs, liver, pancreas, pharynx, stomach, urinary bladder, parathyroid, intestines, thyroid, and the lining of the urethra. Fetal size at 4 weeks pregnantRight now, the fetus is still quite tiny, the size of a poppy seed, measuring only approximately 0.078 inches. This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a series of articles on pregnancy. It provides a summary of each stage of pregnancy, what to expect, and insights into how your baby is developing. Take a look at the other articles in the series: First trimester: fertilization, implantation, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12. Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!Related PostsHow many weeks pregnant are you considered at implantation?Implantation can be completed as early as eight days or as late as 18 days after fertilization, but usually takes about 14 days. Between one-third and one-half of all fertilized eggs never fully implant. A pregnancy is considered to be established only after implantation is complete.
Are you 4 weeks pregnant at implantation bleeding?Implantation bleeding is generally light and short, just a few days' worth. It usually occurs 10-14 days after conception, or around the time of your missed period. However, vaginal bleeding has been reported anytime in the first eight weeks of pregnancy.
Does implantation bleeding happen at 5 weeks?Early pregnancy symptoms (at 5 weeks)
You might notice some light bleeding, and think it's your period, but it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding (when an embryo attaches to the lining of the womb).
Can implantation bleeding happen at 6 weeks?It's not unusual to see some spotting at six weeks, but it should be light, not even enough to cover a small pantyliner. This implantation bleeding is normal, but if you see a lot of blood, if the spotting lasts longer than two days, or you have any concerns, be sure to see your doctor right away.
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How far along in pregnancy does implantation bleeding occur
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