Overview
Are you trying to get pregnant? If yes, then you must be aware of the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy. Implantation bleeding and menstrual blood often look the same. But it's important to understand the differences between the two. Knowing the differences can help you take a pregnancy test at the right time. In this article, you can learn about what implantation bleeding is, the difference between implantation bleeding and regular periods, when it occurs, and when to test for pregnancy.
What is Implantation Bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is generally the earliest sign of pregnancy. It occurs when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining. How does that happen? When an embryo embeds in the endometrium, small blood vessels may rupture, leading to spotting or light bleeding. It occurs for a short period and is often the first sign of pregnancy. But note that only some women experience implantation bleeding.
When Does Implantation Bleeding Usually Occur?
Implantation bleeding generally occurs 7-14 days after ovulation or a week before your expected period. The window relates to when an embryo reaches the uterus and attaches to the uterine lining. The time overlaps with the days leading to regular periods; therefore, women get confused. But, implantation bleeding generally appears earlier than regular periods and has a light colour and flow. The menstrual cycle is a complex process that happens every month. The cycle starts on day one of the period. An egg is usually released on day 14 in most women. If pregnancy does not take place, the uterine lining sheds 28 days later. Regular menstrual cycles range from 24 to 38 days. Implantation bleeding can occur before the normal period date.
How to Recognize Bleeding After Implantation?
The common symptoms or features of implantation bleeding are:
- It occurs 7-14 days after ovulation.
- It is light in flow, as it is not enough to fill a single large sanitary pad in a day. No big clots are shed.
- It occurs before expected periods, though it may occur around the time of the menstrual period.
- The blood looks light pink or brown in colour.
- It occurs for a short period and may disappear soon.
Implantation bleeding is associated with early signs of pregnancy; therefore, women may experience the following symptoms as well:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mood changes
- Frequent urination
- Breast tenderness is more than usual
- Mild cramps
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The uterus sheds its lining if a woman does not get pregnant. It is called regular periods or menstrual bleeding. It is a part of the monthly cycle, and your body gets prepared for a chance to get pregnant.
Phases of the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle occurs in different phases:
- In the early days, a woman experiences heavy flow with bright red bleeding. It may last for 1-2 days.
- The mid-phase includes moderate bleeding. A woman may experience cramps, mood changes, and weakness. Clots start appearing during this phase.
- In the last days, the flow becomes light and the blood colour changes to dark or brown.
A woman may experience other symptoms as well, such as irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, loss of appetite, and cramps.
Quality of Menstrual Bleeding
The quality of menstrual bleeding includes its colour, flow, duration, and other associated symptoms.
- Follicular phase: It starts on the first day of the menstrual period and continues till ovulation. In this phase, an egg is formed, ready for fertilization. The uterine lining becomes thick.
- Ovulation: The mature egg is released from the ovary and occurs during the middle of the menstrual cycle.
- Luteal phase: When the egg is released, the uterus lining becomes thick to prepare for a pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels drop, and menstrual bleeding starts.
- Menstrual periods: When pregnancy does not occur, the uterine lining sheds, causing bleeding.
The average period of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it may vary from 21-35 days.
Phases of Menstrual Bleeding (Period)
Menstrual bleeding indicates the beginning of a new cycle, and it lasts for 5-7 days. Different phases of menstrual bleeding are:
- The colour of menstrual blood may be bright red to dark brown. The blood colour changes throughout the menstrual period.
- The flow during the first days of menstruation is heavy and gradually decreases over the course of the cycle. Clots may occur in the first few days.
- The menstrual period lasts for 5-7 days.
A woman may experience cramps, blood clots, mood swings, bloating, loss of appetite, breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting during periods. The symptoms may vary from one woman to another.
Key Differences Between Implantation Bleeding and Period Bleeding
Key differences between implantation bleeding and period bleeding are listed below:
| Feature | Implantation bleeding | Menstrual bleeding |
|---|---|---|
| Time | It occurs 5-12 days after ovulation. | It occurs 7-14 days after ovulation if pregnancy does not take place. |
| Colour | Blood is pink or brown in colour. | Period blood is bright red to dark red in colour. |
| Flow | Light spotting occurs with no clots. | Heavy flow with clots for one to two days. |
| Duration | It occurs for a few hours or one day. | It occurs for 5-7 days. |
| Cramps | Mild or no cramps | Moderate to strong cramps occur. |
| Associated symptoms | Any other symptoms are not present | Other symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and nausea may occur. |
Conclusion
Implantation bleeding and menstrual blood look the same, but a woman must know the differences. Timing, colour, and flow can help to distinguish between the two. If you experience light spotting, wait for 4-5 days to test for pregnancy. Not every woman experiences implantation bleeding. If you are unsure about the symptoms, you should visit a doctor for proper guidance. A doctor can guide you about the proper symptoms and recommend necessary tests to diagnose the condition.
Common Questions Asked
Does implantation bleeding smell like a period?
No, implantation bleeding does not have any kind of smell. But menstrual bleeding may have a musty smell due to the breakdown of the uterine lining.
Can you bleed like a period in early pregnancy?
No, a woman cannot bleed like a period in early pregnancy. You must consult with a doctor for proper evaluation and rule out early miscarriage or other health problems.
Is implantation bleeding watery?
Yes, implantation bleeding may be slightly watery and light in colour. The menstrual blood is thick and dark red in colour.
Are the cramps milder during implantation vs the period?
Most women do not experience any cramps during implantation. But if a woman experiences cramps during implantation, they are milder than period cramps.
What if implantation-like bleeding persists or is heavy?
If implantation bleeding lasts for many days or becomes heavier with time, you must consult with a doctor to rule out the cause. It may occur due to miscarriage or other health problems.