Implantation Bleeding

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is very light bleeding (also called spotting) that occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the lining of your uterus. It’s one of the first processes that occurs in pregnancy, typically within 10 to 14 days of ovulation. About 1 in 4 pregnant people will experience implantation bleeding. It’s a normal part of pregnancy and usually not a cause for concern.

Implantation bleeding is usually pink or brown. Most of the time, you’ll see it as a spot in your underwear or on toilet paper when you wipe. Some people will have implantation bleeding for a few days while others may notice implantation bleeding one time. Heavy bleeding isn’t typical for implantation bleeding and could be a sign of an underlying issue. If you’re unsure what type of bleeding is going on, it’s OK to contact your healthcare provider for advice.

When does implantation bleeding happen?

The exact time varies, but most implantation bleeding occurs about 10 to 14 days after ovulation. In most cases, people haven’t taken a pregnancy test yet and haven’t missed their period.

Because implantation bleeding can occur close to the time when you expect to get your menstrual period, it can be easy to mistake implantation bleeding for your period.

Why does implantation bleeding happen?

Implantation happens when a fertilized egg attaches to your uterine lining. Your uterine lining is thick and filled with blood vessels. When the fertilized egg attaches to your uterine lining, it can disrupt these blood vessels, causing them to bleed. This is the blood you see during implantation bleeding.

Does implantation bleeding always mean you’re pregnant?

Not always. There are more things that need to occur to result in a healthy pregnancy. Even if a fertilized egg implants, it can result in pregnancy loss.

How can you tell if it’s implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. The main symptom of implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that lasts a day or two. It may require you to use a thin pad to catch the blood, but you shouldn’t be soaking through several pads or passing clots. If you have cramping, it should be very light or mild and feel less intense than period cramps.

Sometimes, implantation bleeding comes with other early pregnancy symptoms like:

• Headache.
• Sore breasts.
• Bloating.
• Nausea.
• Feeling tired.

What does implantation bleeding look like?

Implantation bleeding is:

• Brown, dark brown or pink.
• Light in flow or spotty. It shouldn’t soak through a pad.

Implantation bleeding resembles the flow of typical vaginal discharge more than it resembles the flow of your period. If your blood is bright or dark red, heavy or contains clots, it’s usually not implantation bleeding.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding can last a few hours or a few days. The length of time you have implantation bleeding varies. It should stop on its own after about two days.

What do I do to treat implantation bleeding?

There’s no treatment to stop or reduce implantation bleeding since it goes away on its own in a healthy pregnancy. In most cases, wearing a panty liner in your underwear is all you’ll need. If your bleeding is soaking through a pad or contains clots, it’s probably not implantation bleeding.

What are the complications of implantation bleeding?

There aren’t any complications of implantation bleeding. It’s a normal part of pregnancy that happens to many people. If the bleeding is light, lasts a day or two and doesn’t come with cramping or pain, there are typically no complications to the pregnancy. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re unsure what type of bleeding you have.

What are other causes of vaginal bleeding other than implantation?

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is common, especially in the first trimester. In some cases, it can indicate a serious condition.

Some serious causes of bleeding during early pregnancy are:

• Ectopic pregnancy. This is when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than your uterus.
• Placenta previa or placental abruption. These are conditions that affect the placenta and can lead to complications.
• Infection. Certain infections can cause you to bleed.
• Miscarriage. This is losing a pregnancy before 20 weeks.

A friable cervix (when your cervix bleeds easily, especially after sex) is another nonserious cause of vaginal bleeding early in pregnancy. Sometimes, though, no source of bleeding is found.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Implantation bleeding doesn’t harm you or the fetus. If your bleeding is light and goes away within a day or two, there’s usually nothing to worry about.

Call your healthcare provider if the bleeding is heavy or contains clots, or if you have cramping and pain. They can help you determine if you’re getting your period or if something else is going on.

Will a pregnancy test be positive during implantation bleeding?

Probably not. After implantation is complete, you begin producing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is important because it’s the hormone that at-home pregnancy tests check for in your pee.

If you take a pregnancy test too soon, it might give a negative result because your body hasn’t made enough HCG yet. For the most accurate result, you should wait until implantation bleeding stops and you’re sure you’ve missed a period. Or you can contact your healthcare provider for a pregnancy blood test, which gives you results sooner.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Implantation bleeding is a common and normal sign of early pregnancy. It can be difficult to figure out if you’re bleeding due to implantation, your period or something else entirely. Call your healthcare provider if you’re unsure. Not everyone experiences implantation bleeding, and it looks a little different for everyone. Your provider will be able to explain the signs to you and advise if further treatment is necessary.