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When I was very newly pregnant with my second baby (but didn’t know it yet; she was a surprise!), my cycle was funky. I experienced a few days of light bleeding, enough that I thought it was my period slowly getting started, but it stopped fairly quickly. I didn’t think much of it until a week or two later when my actual period never came…then it dawned on me: That could have been implantation bleeding. I took a pregnancy test and it was positive! While researching for this post I spoke with several friends whose experiences matched what the stats will tell you – implantation bleeding happens about 25% of the time, with different women experiencing it during all, none, or only some of their multiple pregnancies.

What is Implantation Bleeding?

implantation bleeding in pregnancy occurs when the blastocyst imbeds into the uterine lining. Property of
Credit: Stocktrek Images

Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus (made of blood vessels and uterine cells), which has been forming in preparation to receive a fertilized egg during the follicular phase of your cycle.

If you don’t get pregnant, this uterine lining will shed during your period.

If you do get pregnant, the process of implantation causes small disruptions in the uterine lining as the egg attaches, leading to light vaginal bleeding or spotting. 

When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

The exact timing of implantation and implantation bleeding varies since each woman’s cycle is different. For the typical 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14, and implantation may happen between days 20-26, around one week before your period is due to start. For most women who experience implantation bleeding, it will occur only a few days before your regular period is expected to start.

What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?

Implantation bleeding can vary from woman to woman, but it often appears as:

  • Light spotting or a few drops of blood, sometimes only noticeable when wiping after using the toilet
  • A pink or brown color
  • No flow or clotting

How Long Does this spotting Last?

Generally, implantation bleeding lasts at most one to two days and is very light.

implantation bleeding infographic from alpha center fort collins 

What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?

What implantation bleeding looks like can vary from woman to woman, but it often appears as:

  • Light spotting or a few drops of blood, sometimes only noticeable when wiping after using the toilet
  • A pink or brown color
  • No flow or clotting

“Bleeding” may be a strong word for the experience as it’s spotty and could be missed altogether. If you have a true flow, it is likely your normal period.

Can implantation cause cramps?

Implantation can cause light cramping or a twinge sensation, but not everyone with implantation bleeding will feel this. If you have severe cramping, make sure to see a doctor as this could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.

Is Implantation Bleeding a Sign of Pregnancy?

Yes, implantation bleeding is a symptom of pregnancy. However, only about 25% of women experience implantation bleeding, and the absence of it doesn’t mean that you aren’t pregnant or that the pregnancy isn’t viable. 

How do you confirm implantation?

The only way to tell that the embryo is implanted is to have a positive pregnancy test, which will be most accurate after you miss your period.  There are no tests to tell you whether or not the spotting you are experiencing is implantation bleeding.

Should I Contact a Doctor if I Experience Implantation Bleeding?

If you suspect you’re pregnant and experience implantation bleeding, it is generally not a cause for concern. However, if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or other unusual symptoms, you should contact your doctor or go to your nearest emergency room to see if they need to provide further examination or care.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, at least 50% of women who experience implantation bleeding will go on to have a healthy pregnancy. It is important to note that 10-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies will result in pregnancy loss. 

If I don’t experience implantation bleeding, is something wrong?

Whether or not you experience implantation bleeding has no bearing on the viability of you pregnancy. – Since it’s very easy to miss it is also possible to have it and not notice.

What Are the Other Signs of Early Pregnancy?

Implantation bleeding is a symptom of pregnancy that is common but not guaranteed. Other symptoms of early pregnancy may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Sore or tender breasts
  • Headache
  • Nausea

What Now?

Typically, if you are pregnant, a test will not reliably show a positive result until the day your period is due and does not arrive, or even a few days after that. Though it can be so hard to wait to test, make sure that you take a test at the right time and follow the test’s instructions to get an accurate result.

If your pregnancy is unexpected (about 50% of pregnancies are), it’s important to remember that you are not alone. As you begin to consider your options, be kind to yourself and share the news with someone you trust.

If you’re considering an abortion, make sure to find out how far along you are, whether it is a viable pregnancy, if it could be ectopic, and whether or not you have an STI before making your decision. At Alpha Center, all of these questions will be answered during a pre-abortion screening. Schedule your free appointment today by calling 970.239.2272 or fill out the appointment request form on the side of this page. 

If your pregnancy was planned, now is a good time to make a call to your OBGYN or primary care provider for advice on what to do next. 

This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice.

Originally published November 2024. Written by Kristen Long for Alpha Center, reviewed by Meghan Downing, RN, Nurse Manager

References

Alves, C., Jenkins, S. M., & Rapp, A. (2023, October 12). Early Pregnancy Loss (Spontaneous Abortion) – StatPearls. NCBI. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560521/

Am I Pregnant? Early Symptoms of Pregnancy & When To Test. (2022, July). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant

Harnish, A. (2023, May 17). When Does Implantation Occur? Symptoms. What to Expect. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from https://www.whattoexpect.com/getting-pregnant/ovulation/implantation/

Implantation Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms & What To Expect. (2024, August). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24536-implantation-bleeding

What Is Implantation Bleeding & How to Recognize It. (n.d.). American Pregnancy Association. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-symptoms/what-is-implantation-bleeding/