When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, which usually happens 10 to 14 days after conception, it sometimes causes part of the uterine lining to shed. When this occurs, it results in implantation bleeding, which can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. But here's the frustrating part: The blood that's released is nearly indistinguishable from normal spotting or breakthrough bleeding that can occur mid-cycle—especially in people who are on birth control pills or have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Show
The only surefire way to tell the difference is by taking a pregnancy test. "People are so anxious about knowing whether or not they're pregnant, they want to have definitive signs to look for, but unfortunately, only time will tell," says Anuja Vyas, M.D., FACOG, with Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates. That said, certain symptoms can offer hints that you could be experiencing implantation bleeding rather than period-related spotting. Here, experts share what you need to know. 9nong/ShutterstockIs It Implantation Bleeding or Period Spotting?Some experts claim spotting that starts brown or wine-colored and becomes a brighter red is most likely the start of your period. But George Patounakis, M.D., Ph.D., FACOG, a fertility specialist in Florida, says Googling pictures won't help if you're wondering if your bleeding is due to implantation. "There's no way to tell the difference between intermenstrual bleeding and implantation bleeding just by looking," he says. To determine whether you have implantation bleeding or your period, you should pay attention to the following three characteristics instead. Symptom #1: CrampingDr. Vyas says that cramping associated with implantation, while sometimes intense, doesn't typically last as long as it would during a menstrual cycle. But Dr. Patounakis cautions that each person experiences uterine contractions differently. "A little blood inside your uterus can cause severe cramps in some women and no cramps in other women," he says. Therefore, paying attention to what feels out of the ordinary for your body is important. Symptom #2: Flow"Some people experience implantation bleeding as heavy as the first day of their menstrual cycle, but it typically only lasts a couple of days," says Jay M. Berman, M.D., FACOG, chief of gynecological services at Detroit Medical Center's Harper Hutzel Hospital and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Wayne State University. "When it ends, the person may feel like their period is about to start or might have breast tenderness or some nausea and may even start to feel pregnant." Symptom #3: ConsistencyImplantation bleeding can be off-and-on for a couple of days. More consistent blood flow—starting light and getting heavier as the days progress—is likely a menstrual cycle. Should I Take a Pregnancy Test If I'm Spotting?Anyone who's been sexually active in the previous month and could possibly be pregnant should take a pregnancy test after irregular bleeding of any kind, says Dr. Vyas. Keep in mind that implantation bleeding will happen before a missed period. If you experience bleeding that isn't implantation- or period-related (after a positive pregnancy test, for example), it could be what's known as the first trimester bleeding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), this common phenomenon occurs in 15% to 25% of people early in their pregnancy. "But it might also be the first sign of a pregnancy loss or even an ectopic pregnancy," a potentially fatal condition where the embryo implants outside of the uterus, says Dr. Berman. Those who experience abnormal first-trimester bleeding should see a health care provider. "There are pregnancies that bleed early on that do just fine," says Dr. Patounakis, "but your health care provider needs to evaluate to make sure you're safe." Implantation bleeding is light bleeding from the vagina that happens in some women 10 to 14 days after conceiving a baby. You may think it’s just a light period, but it’s an early sign of pregnancy. It’s not dangerous, and you don’t need treatment. But heavy bleeding (more than you’d have with a typical period) can be a sign of a problem. Call your doctor if you bleed a lot, with or without fever, chills, or have cramps that get worse. After a sperm fertilizes your egg, the combination becomes an embryo.
It travels to your uterus, where it implants itself into the lining. Sometimes, as the embryo attaches, it causes a little bleeding. This usually happens about the time you would have your period. You may even confuse it with your period and not realize you’re pregnant. Implantation bleeding is normal and doesn’t mean you or your baby will have problems. Implantation bleeding tends to happen before you notice morning sickness. You might have: It’s probably implantation bleeding if you have some of the other signs of early pregnancy, including: If you’re not sure whether you’re having implantation bleeding or your period, take a pregnancy test or talk to your doctor. How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?Unlike most periods, it usually stops after 1 or 2 days. Implantation Bleeding TreatmentIt will stop on its own. If you're worried that you've bled a lot, call your doctor. They may want to know how much blood you saw and what color it was. Other Causes of Bleeding During PregnancyMany things can cause bleeding in pregnant women, some of them harmless and some serious. If you’re bleeding a lot, with or without pain or cramping at any time, call your doctor. If you’re pregnant and see blood in your underwear, it may be caused by: Sex. Hormonal and physical changes may be to blame for this. It should stop on its own. Fibroids and polyps. Your doctor might do some tests to check for these growths on your uterus. Cervical problems. Conditions like infection or growths on your cervix can also cause bleeding. Infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis can cause light bleeding as well as more serious problems. Starting treatment as soon as possible will keep your baby healthy. Ectopic pregnancy. This is when an embryo implants outside your uterus. You may have bleeding with pain and cramps. It’s dangerous and needs medical care right away. Miscarriage. About 15% of known pregnancies end during the first few months. Most women bleed and cramp afterward. Call your doctor right away if you know that you're pregnant and you have these symptoms. When to See a DoctorCall your doctor if the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few days or if you’re worried about how much you are bleeding. How can I tell if it's implantation bleeding?Signs of implantation bleeding. Color. Implantation bleeding is more likely to be a pinky-brown color. ... . Strength of flow. Implantation bleeding is usually super-light spotting. ... . Cramping. Cramping that signals implantation is usually light and short-lived. ... . Clotting. ... . Length of flow. ... . Consistency.. What are the signs of early implantation?Early signs and symptoms include implantation bleeding or cramps, which can occur 5–6 days after the sperm fertilizes the egg.. Breast tenderness. ... . Fatigue. ... . Headaches. ... . Food cravings. ... . Food aversion. ... . Urinating more frequently. ... . Mood swings. ... . Morning sickness.. |
Early pregnancy what does implantation bleeding look like
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