Implantation bleeding what does it look like

However, while menstrual flow will usually get progressively heavier, implantation bleeding will not. The appearance of implantation bleeding can vary from person to person, but it is usually light pink or a rusty brown.

A person may also notice early pregnancy symptoms alongside implantation bleeding. These may include:. However, some people may not have implantation bleeding at all, just as they may not have many, if any, noticeable early pregnancy symptoms.

Learn more about the early symptoms of pregnancy here. If a person has very regular periods, and implantation bleeding occurs about 2 weeks after fertilization, the bleeding may initially seem like the start of a period.

However, there are some key differences. These include the following:. If someone is unsure whether their bleeding is pregnancy-related or a period, they can take a home pregnancy test.

These tests detect the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin hCG hormone. The body starts to make hCG once the fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus. Therefore, the production of this hormone will begin just after the time when implantation bleeding might occur. While home pregnancy tests have become increasingly sensitive to hCG, waiting until the first day after a missed period is likely to yield a more accurate result. Learn about how and when to take a pregnancy test here. Keep in mind that conception may not occur on the same day you had sex.

You can take a home pregnancy test during implantation bleeding. Keep in mind that the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG that pregnancy tests detect only starts being produced in your body the moment the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus — which is the trigger for implantation bleeding. The earlier you take the test, the less hCG there is to detect, meaning that the test may not yet be accurate. If you get a positive test result, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy.

Often, taking a pregnancy test before the missed period or during implantation bleeding is just too soon for tests to offer conclusive results. Ideally, waiting a week after the spotting or missed period is most desirable as the results should prove more accurate. Implantation bleeding is a sign of a potential pregnancy.

If you have waited until after your period was due and taken a pregnancy test that delivered a negative result, there is a good chance you are not pregnant. Watching for implantation bleeding while trying to get pregnant is fine, but many women do not experience nor notice implantation spotting even when it does occur. Norwitz ER, et al. Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women. Moore KL, et al. Answers to clinically oriented questions.

Philadelphia, Pa. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Months 1 and 2. Washington, D. Implantation bleeding is a small amount of spotting or bleeding that happens after a newly fertilized egg burrows into the lining of your uterus. Since the uterine lining is rich with blood, some women spot a little at this point. So how much do you bleed during implantation? According to the American Pregnancy Association , approximately one third of women experience implantation bleeding in early pregnancy.

According to him, about 25 to 30 percent of women will experience some bleeding—including implantation bleeding—in the first trimester. So, when does implantation bleeding occur? Not so fast, though. According to the Cleveland Clinic , your body starts producing human chorionic gonadotropin hCG about 10 days after conception, which is around the same time implantation bleeding may occur. At this early stage in a healthy pregnancy, hCG levels double every two days.

Still, it takes time for the hormone to build up in your system and reach a volume that can be detected by an over-the-counter urine test. Some tests may be able to detect hCG about 10 days after conception, but waiting until after a missed period can lower the chance of a false negative.

Blood tests are more sensitive to hCG and can detect the hormone 9 to 12 days after conception. It depends on the woman, but some claim it lasts for one day, while others say three or four. Depending on how you typically experience menstruation, this could be a bit of a waiting game.

Implantation bleeding is usually lighter than a normal period.