When a fertilized egg moves down the fallopian tubes and into the uterus, anywhere from six to 12 days after conception, it secures itself to the uterine wall in what’s known as implantation. This process can affect small blood vessels in the walls of the uterus, causing bleeding that appears externally as small amounts of pink, reddish, brown or black discharge.

What Is Implantation Bleeding?

Healthcare providers define implantation bleeding as a small amount of light spotting or bleeding that occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It’s normal and not an indication of a problem with the pregnancy.

When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

People often ask, “When does implantation bleeding usually occur?” The typical timing of spotting and implantation is that some light bleeding happens 10–14 days after conception. The spotting happens around the time that a menstrual period is expected but is lighter than menstrual bleeding.

Can Implantation Bleeding Be Off and On?

If you’re wondering, “When does implantation bleeding occur?” you might also want to know if it can start and stop. The answer is yes, it can occur off and on for a few days.

Implantation Bleeding Symptoms

How does implantation bleeding feel and look? There are a few symptoms:

• It can cause spotting with blood that is pink, brownish or both.
• The bleeding is lighter and for a shorter time than your period.
• Potential cramping is milder than period cramping.

How Common Is Implantation Bleeding? Is it Normal?

Implantation bleeding is common, occurring in approximately 25 percent of pregnancies. For many women, this is the first sign that they’re pregnant. However, it can be hard to know whether what you’re experiencing is implantation bleeding or just a light period. So, is implantation bleeding normal? Yes—light spotting at this stage is considered a normal part of early pregnancy and is not usually a cause for concern. If the bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by pain, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.

Implantation Bleeding vs. Period

There are certain characteristics to look for and some steps you can take to determine the cause of your spotting or light bleeding, including:

• Menstrual bleeding tends to start heavy and taper off over 3-5 days, whereas implantation bleeding is light and lasts 24-48 hours.
• Menstrual blood is typically bright red for at least some of the days of your period. Implantation bleeding is more often brown, pink or black.
• A regular period may be accompanied by intense cramping. With implantation, there’s little or no cramping.
• Implantation bleeding typically occurs before you’d normally expect your period to start.
• If it has been more than two weeks since you had sex, it’s unlikely that you’re experiencing implantation bleeding.
• Implantation bleeding may be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and low backache.
• If you suspect you might be pregnant, you can wait a few days and then take a pregnancy test.

Other Causes of Non-Menstrual Vaginal Bleeding

Besides implantation bleeding, various other conditions can cause vaginal bleeding between periods, including:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Placenta previa (when the placenta covers the opening in the cervix) or placental abruption (detached placenta)
• Miscarriage
• Infection
• Sexual intercourse
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Certain hormonal or fertility treatments

How Should I Handle Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding doesn’t require treatment, and there are no associated complications. It resolves on its own as the pregnancy progresses. You can simply wear a panty liner or pad until it stops. If blood soaks through a pad, it probably isn’t implantation bleeding.

Implantation Bleeding FAQs

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Unlike a regular period, implantation bleeding is typically very short-lived. In most cases, implantation bleeding only lasts 24-48 hours.

What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?

Implantation bleeding can be difficult to distinguish from a typical period or spotting that can sometimes occur at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. In general, implantation bleeding often presents as light spotting, or blood that appears when you wipe, or a light, consistent flow that may require the use of a light pad. Implantation bleeding may or may not be mixed with cervical mucus, causing it to present in a wide range of colors, but most often pink or brown.

Does Implantation Bleeding Hurt?

While the bleeding itself does not generally cause pain, some women do experience cramping during the process of implantation.

Are Cramps a Symptom of Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation cramping is usually mild and brief. Some women describe a feeling of pinching or tingling in the lower abdomen or back, while menstrual cramping is often more severe and long-lasting.

Are Clots a Symptom of Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding will not usually produce a mixture of tissue and blood. If you see clots, you can be fairly sure it is part of your period, not caused by implantation bleeding.

Can You Take a Pregnancy Test During or After Implantation Bleeding?

You can certainly take a pregnancy test at any time. There is no harm in testing at any point during the conception process, although there are windows that will likely produce a more accurate result. hCG, the hormone detected by home pregnancy tests, doubles every 48 hours after implantation. Thus, it may be beneficial and produce a more trustworthy result to wait a few days after implantation bleeding to take a pregnancy test.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Vaginal bleeding can be caused by a variety of things, including a pelvic exam, sex or an infection. In many cases, it turns out to be of no concern. However, unexpected bleeding is nevertheless a good reason to talk with your doctor, who may want to perform a vaginal ultrasound.

In particular, you should seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms which can indicate an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage:

• Bleeding bright red blood
• Passing clots
• Significant cramping
• Feeling dizzy or especially tired following a positive pregnancy test

If these occur at night, you can call your doctor’s office and speak with the on-call physician. Or, if you feel the situation is emergent, you can go to the emergency room for evaluation or call 9-1-1.

We Focus on You, So You Can Focus on Them

We’re committed to helping moms before, during, and after baby is born. Learn more about our facilities and schedule a tour today.

Take a Virtual Labor and Delivery Tour