For many women, tracking a consistent menstrual cycle can be a challenge. And to make things trickier, in the early stages of pregnancy, many pregnancy symptoms can resemble symptoms experienced during a monthly period. Trying to determine if what you’re experiencing is due to early pregnancy or just a funky period may bring confusion or stress, especially in the case of an unplanned pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy that can sometimes be confused with a regular period (though not all women will experience it). This blog will help you understand what implantation bleeding is, give you tips for distinguishing it from your monthly period, and provide some next-steps for those who think they may be pregnant.  

Menstrual cycle and early pregnancy basics

In order to distinguish between implantation bleeding and your period, let’s first go over some menstrual cycle basics in relation to pregnancy. The menstrual cycle begins with your menstrual period–bleeding that typically lasts 3-7 days. Around day 14 of the cycle is when ovulation – the release of an ovum or “egg” from an ovary – occurs. Once released, the egg will be alive for around 12-24 hours, and must be fertilized by sperm in this time period in order for pregnancy to occur. That may seem like a very small window of time, but it’s important to know that sperm can live in your reproductive system for up to 5 days. So, even if you’ve had sex before your body releases an egg, it’s still possible to become pregnant since there may still be live sperm cells present in your system a few days after sex when ovulation occurs. If a sperm cell meets and fertilizes the egg, this is called conception–the very beginning of a pregnancy. The newly combined cells will then replicate over and over, growing from a tiny zygote to a many-celled blastocyst, on the journey towards the uterus. The exact time varies, but the blastocyst will implant or attach to the uterine wall approximately 6-14 days after ovulation.

Note: Keep in mind that these numbers are based off of a menstrual cycle that lasts 28 days, but in real life cycles may range from 21-35 days. 

Implantation bleeding

When the blastocyst implants into the lining of the uterus, some of the uterine tissue is disturbed or displaced, which can result in a small release of blood. So, implantation bleeding is a light vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs in some women (roughly 25% of the population) in the early stages of pregnancy.

It is important to be aware of this potential sign of pregnancy for the following reasons: 

1. The timing for implantation bleeding is around the same time when your period would have begun if a pregnancy did not occur, therefore…

2. You may think that implantation bleeding is actually your period, leading you to believe that you aren’t pregnant when you actually are.

3. Knowing whether you experienced implantation bleeding, as opposed to a lighter period, can help you estimate how far along you are in your pregnancy. An ultrasound is the best way to accurately confirm gestational age. This can be done cost-free with us at Thrive Medical Clinic!

What are the signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding?

The challenge is distinguishing implantation bleeding from your usual period. However, there are some specific signs and symptoms that can make things clearer:

• Examining the color and volume of the blood is helpful. The blood that occurs with the implantation of the fertilized egg is typically light pink or brown in color, and the volume is light—more like spotting and not enough to soak pads or tampons. On the other hand, bleeding seen with the average period is usually bright or dark red with dark red/brown clots, and the volume is enough to fill or soak pads and tampons.

• Pay attention to the length of time you experience the bleeding. Implantation bleeding may occur for a few hours and up to 2 days, whereas menstrual bleeding may last 3-7 days.

• Implantation bleeding can be associated with mild cramping, but many people report no cramping at all. Whereas, stronger cramping and pain are common symptoms of menstrual bleeding.

You know your body and menstrual cycle best. If you’ve recently had sex and think you may have experienced implantation bleeding, it may be a good idea to take a pregnancy test, especially if you’re experiencing any other early pregnancy symptoms. Keep in mind that most pregnancy tests do not show a positive result until you’ve officially missed a period, so if you take a test during implantation bleeding, it may be too early to show a positive result.

Thrive Medical Clinic offers clinical pregnancy tests at no cost with no insurance needed. If you’ve already had a positive pregnancy test, the best next step is a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound, since pregnancy tests cannot confirm a viable pregnancy on their own.

Can bleeding during pregnancy be caused by things other than implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is a normal process and does not mean that anything is wrong with your pregnancy or your baby. However, if you know that you are pregnant and you’re experiencing bleeding outside of the expected window for implantation, bleeding that lasts longer than 2 days, heavy bleeding, or feel concerned that something is wrong at any time, please call your healthcare provider or 911. It is possible that bleeding during pregnancy can be caused by conditions other than implantation, including aggravation of cervical tissue from sex, problems with your cervix (infections or abnormal growths), abnormal growths in the uterus (fibroids and polyps), infections caused by sexually transmitted infections, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage.

Thrive Medical Clinic is here to support you

We understand that the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy can bring a variety of questions, concerns and emotions. Whatever your circumstances, our caring team of professionals and licensed medical personnel are here to support and empower you. We offer clinical pregnancy tests, early confirmation ultrasounds, and a safe place to gather accurate and unbiased information about your pregnancy options. 

If you think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment by calling 231-929-3488 or click here to schedule online.

Sources:

Conception: Fertilization, Process & When It Happens. | Cleveland Clinic

Fetal Development: Week-by-Week Stages of Pregnancy. | Cleveland Clinic

Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases. | Cleveland Clinic

What Is Implantation Bleeding? | Cleveland Clinic

Implantation Bleeding: Causes and Symptoms. | WebMD

Implantation Bleeding: Common in Early Pregnancy? | Mayo Clinic

Signs You’re Ovulating (besides Taking a Test) | Mayo Clinic

Sperm: How Long Do They Live after Ejaculation? | Mayo Clinic