Implantation Bleeding Can Look a Lot Like Your Period – How to Spot the Difference

Light spotting before your period isn’t always a cause for concern. But in some instances, it can be a sign of implantation bleeding. According to the Mayo Clinic, implantation bleeding is a normal (and often common) cause of first-trimester bleeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that up to 25 per cent of people experience bleeding in the first trimester.

But this type of unexpected bleeding can be tricky to recognize. “Sometimes, implantation bleeding is mistaken for a light period. If this happens, you might not realize that you’re pregnant,” according to the Mayo Clinic. At times, the light spotting goes unnoticed altogether. Never heard of it? Well, we spoke to experts to explain the ins and outs of implantation bleeding and how to spot the signs.

When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

Implantation bleeding is thought to result from a fertilized egg “planting” or attaching itself to the uterine lining. “Implantation bleeding is a real experience for some,” says Jennifer Makarov, MD an OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at New Hope Fertility. The result is often light spotting which can happen about 10-14 days after an egg fertilizes, she says. The bleeding usually occurs around the same time your menstrual period would occur, according to the Mayo Clinic.

But there has been some debate around whether or not the bleeding actually stems from implantation. One 2003 study of 151 pregnant women, found that there’s, “no support for the hypothesis that implantation can produce vaginal bleeding” and a more recent 2016 study found that vaginal bleeding occurs during the menstrual cycle, but outside of normal menstruation, actually decreases the odds of conceiving in that cycle in general. So not everyone will experience implantation bleeding – and this type of bleeding is not always a guaranteed sign that you’re pregnant. If you’re concerned about irregular bleeding, it’s best to consult your doctor to determine the cause.

Related: A Guide to Vaginal Burning, Including When to Seek Treatment

What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?

The most common symptom of implantation bleeding is a flow of blood from the vagina, particularly light spotting. Other symptoms include:

• Cramping
• Discharge
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Mood swings

Implantation Bleeding vs. Period Bleeding

Many of the symptoms of implantation bleeding are very similar to PMS or menstruation – meaning it’s often difficult to tell if you’re experiencing normal period bleeding or an implantation flow.

But implantation bleeding can be an early sign of pregnancy, whereas menstruation is a definitive sign that you are not pregnant. So how do you spot the difference? Well, implantation bleeding reportedly happens a few days to a week before your regular period – and the most important distinction is the flow itself, which tends to be much lighter than your regular period. Check out the colour of the blood, too. Implantation bleeding tends to be darker brown or more rust-coloured, rather than the signature bright red of menstruation.

“Other common symptoms you may have during implantation bleeding can be lower back pain or mood swings, some women will get nausea or breast tenderness and this can be a sign of pregnancy as well. But they are not a definite marker that you are pregnant,” says Dr Makarov.

If you’re not sure what kind of bleeding you are experiencing, Dr Makarov recommends that you take a pregnancy test or consult your doctor so that they can assess your symptoms.

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Implantation bleeding is generally much lighter and shorter than menstruation, with the bleeding lasting “between a couple of hours to three full days,” according to the American Pregnancy Association. “If the bleeding you are experiencing is bright or dark red blood, lasts more than three days, and is a full flow in that you are filling up pads/tampons, it is very unlikely you are experiencing implantation bleeding.”

Does Implantation Bleeding Smell?

Implantation bleeding should not have a strong odour. If you notice an odour along with bleeding, an infection may be the cause, says Carolyn Moyers, DO, FACOG and founder of Sky Women’s Health – and you should see your provider. If they’re not available, you can go to your nearest ER for evaluation. “Many hospitals now have Obstetric Emergency departments who can help you determine the cause,” says Mr Moyers.

How Long After Sex Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

Implantation bleeding happens around 10-14 days after fertilization, says Dr Makarov. But fertilization isn’t instantaneous – meaning it doesn’t always happen immediately during or after sex. Sperm can survive for up to five days in the female reproductive tract, and as long as the sperm is alive, fertilization is possible. Usually, implantation bleeding happens a few days to a week before your expected period.

Related: 4 Unexpected Symptoms You Might Experience Around Your Period

How Soon After Implantation Bleeding Can I Test?

Implantation bleeding can be an early sign of pregnancy, but it’s not a definitive marker that you are pregnant, says Dr Makarov. “The best way to tell is to take a home pregnancy test.” That being said, it may be too soon to test positive at the first sign of implantation bleeding, says. Dr Makarov. If you think you’re experiencing implantation bleeding, the American Pregnancy Association recommends waiting three days after the bleeding/spotting stops before taking a pregnancy test for best results.

Plan B Spotting vs. Implantation Bleeding

Plan B, or the morning-after pill, is a type of emergency contraceptive taken after unprotected sex or after your normal birth control method has failed (think: a condom breaking during penetrative sex, for example). Plan B can have some mild side effects including nausea, vomiting, tenderness of the breasts, cramping, or bleeding between periods and changes in menstrual bleeding. This may cause some confusion between Plan B spotting and implantation bleeding.

But there are a few differences when it comes to the onset of symptoms, as well as how they present. You can experience spotting as soon as 8 hours after taking Plan B and it should go away within a few days, whereas implantation bleeding occurs 10-14 days after fertilisation and typically can last anywhere between a few hours to a few days. You should also note the colour of the spotting: Plan B-related spotting tends to be pink or reddish, unlike implantation bleeding which tends to be much darker.

Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it’s not 100 per cent guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Again, if you think you’re experiencing implantation bleeding, the American Pregnancy Association recommends waiting three days after the bleeding/spotting stops before taking a pregnancy test.

Additionally, “if you have bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than a week or develop severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking the morning-after pill,” contact your provider, per the Mayo Clinic. “These can indicate a miscarriage or that the fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy).”