Implantation bleeding or menstruation?
Sometimes a woman may experience bleeding around the time that her period is due to start. This is called implantation bleeding and has nothing to do with menstruation but is actually a sign of early pregnancy. But how can you tell the difference? Read on to learn what implantation bleeding looks like, and how to distinguish it from menstruation.
When does implantation bleeding occur?
Implantation bleeding can occur when a fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. If you experience implantation bleeding, it occurs as a small – with emphasis on small – amount of blood about 1–2 weeks after fertilisation; in other words, quite close to the time when you would otherwise have gotten your period.
How can I tell the difference between menstruation and implantation bleeding?
Although, in terms of timing, it is easy to assume that the bleeding is associated with your period, it is possible to see clear differences between menstruation and implantation bleeding. For one thing, implantation bleeding is lighter (usually only a few drops) than the bleeding that occurs during a regular period. There is also a difference in appearance, as implantation bleeding is more brown or light pink in colour.
Sometimes, you may also experience a little period-like pain in your stomach during implantation bleeding. This pain will not be severe, but it is worth knowing that it is therefore quite possible to mistake implantation bleeding for a period.
Do all pregnant women experience implantation bleeding?
Although implantation bleeding is common, many women do not notice any bleeding when the egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. In other words, just because you don’t experience any implantation bleeding, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t pregnant (unless you get your period, of course). But if you think that you might be pregnant and you also experience bleeding that resembles implantation bleeding in terms of colour and extent, it is probably a good idea to take a pregnancy test. Often, pregnancy also produces other symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, so if the pregnancy test is negative but you still think that something feels a little different, it could be a good idea to take the test again in a couple of days, as you may simply have tested a little too early for the test to detect the pregnancy.
Implantation bleeding or miscarriage?
Sometimes, bleeding during early pregnancy can also be caused by a miscarriage, which naturally can lead to great concern if it is suspected that this is the cause of the bleeding. But it should be known that, as a rule, a miscarriage usually results in much heavier bleeding than implantation bleeding, sometimes in the form of clots, and often accompanied by severe stomach pains. However, for peace of mind, you should of course always arrange a check-up with the maternity care service if you are pregnant and feel concerned about the bleeding you have experienced. And even if you are not pregnant but you experience bleeding that is not consistent with your menstrual cycle, it is always sensible to contact the healthcare service – just to make sure that everything is as it should be.
Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.
