Implantation Bleeding: What You Need to Know

It's almost that time of the month again – you're expecting your period soon. But then you notice brown or pinkish spots on your underwear or toilet paper when you wipe.

You think your period might be coming early, as the timing feels right. But then you remember having intimate moments with your partner 10-14 days ago, and suddenly you wonder, “Could this be the sign of an early pregnancy? You’re not alone – many women face this same uncertainty. This is where implantation bleeding comes in, and understanding it can bring the clarity you’re looking for.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that occurs when a fertilised egg (embryo) implants into the lining of the womb (uterine lining). As this lining contains lots of blood vessels, the implantation process can cause some of them to break, resulting in light spotting.

The timing of implantation bleeding can vary, but it usually occurs 10-14 days after conception happened. If you have a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, it would generally occur between day 24 and your expected date of menstruation.

As implantation bleeding occurs just before a missed period, it can be mistaken for an early, light menstrual period. Yet this condition does not affect all women, with only 15% to 25% of women experiencing it in early pregnancy. However, just because you don't experience this condition, it doesn't mean you're not pregnant.

Implantation bleeding symptoms

Since implantation bleeding usually occurs around the time of your period, it's possible to mistake it for a menstrual period. However, spotting has its own signs that  can indicate an early pregnancy.

• There are no blood clots

• Light bleeding or a light flow

• Brownish or light pink in colour

• Light or mild cramping that feels less intense than period cramps

• It lasts for one to two days, which is shorter than a normal menstrual period

• It may occur alongside other early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, headaches, and bloating

Implantation bleeding is more like typical vaginal discharge than your period flow, meaning it won't soak your pads. If your blood is bright or dark red, heavy, or contains clots, it is usually not implantation bleeding.

Schedule an appointment with Thomson Women's Clinic to confirm whether this light bleeding is a sign of early pregnancy. Our specialists can help perform further assessments, including pregnancy tests, to determine if you're pregnant.

How long after implantation bleeding should I wait before taking a pregnancy test?

After experiencing light bleeding, you might be tempted to take a pregnancy test straight away. However, it is not recommended to do so, as this can lead to a false negative result. This is because the embryo may already be implanted, but your body hasn’t produced enough of the pregnancy hormone, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), yet.

For the most accurate results, it's recommended that you wait after the bleeding stops and you're certain that you've missed a period. After that, you can buy home pregnancy tests at most pharmacies to check your pregnancy. Alternatively, you can contact your healthcare provider for a blood test to confirm the pregnancy, which is more accurate.

Other possible causes of bleeding during pregnancy

During early pregnancy, light vaginal bleeding is a normal occurrence, although not everyone experiences it. However, bleeding is not limited to the symptoms of early pregnancy. There are other causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, including:

• Ectopic pregnancy:

  • An ectopic pregnancy is a condition when the fertilised egg implants outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. This condition can cause cramping and bleeding and requires urgent medical care.

• Infection:

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as trichomoniasis, can cause light bleeding.

• Cervical ectropion:

  • A cervical ectropion happens when soft cells from inside your cervix become visible on the outside surface; that can cause light bleeding after sex

Are you unsure if the light bleeding you're experiencing is an early pregnancy sign or something else? Schedule an appointment with Thomson Women's Clinic. Our specialists can carry out further tests to confirm the cause of the bleeding and determine whether you are pregnant.

When should you consult a doctor?

Although implantation bleeding is usually not a cause for concern and is a normal part of the first trimester of pregnancy for some women, you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience the following:

• Severe cramping or sharp abdominal pain

• Fever, alongside dizziness or weakness

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through your panty liner, pad, or underwear

• Vaginal bleeding containing blood clots that is bright red in colour

• Vaginal bleeding that lasts for more than two days

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or abdominal cramping when you are not expecting your period

FAQ

How do I know if I get implantation bleeding?

Can implantation bleeding stop and start again?

Yes, implantation bleeding can stop and start again during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is intermittent and usually lasts a few hours to two days. However, if your bleeding is persistent for several days with a consistent flow from start to finish, it is unlikely to be implantation bleeding.

How do you confirm implantation?

There’s no way to directly confirm when implantation happens, since it takes place inside your womb (in the uterine lining). The most reliable confirmation of pregnancy – and that implantation has occurred – is a positive pregnancy test taken after your missed period, when pregnancy hormone levels are high enough to be detected.

Can implantation be like a real period?

No, implantation bleeding is always lighter and shorter than a normal period. This light bleeding does not soak through a pad and usually lasts only for 1 to 3 days.

How soon after implantation bleeding can I test?

To get the most accurate results, you should wait at least 3 to 5 days after the bleeding stops or test after your missed period. Testing too early may result in a false negative, as it takes time for the hCG hormone to build up in your body.

How far into my pregnancy am I after implantation bleeding?

These light bleeds typically occur around 10-14 days after conception, usually just a few days before your missed period. Therefore, if you have experienced implantation bleeding, it's likely that you are already in the very early stages of pregnancy.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised fertility recommendations for your specific conditions, schedule an appointment with Thomson Women's Clinic.