Implantation Bleeding or Period? [Quiz]

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Andrea Fernando

By Andrea Fernando

For fertilization to occur, fusion of an egg and sperm must occur in the female reproductive tract. This usually happens in the fallopian tube. Once the egg is fertilized, it travels down the fallopian tube and attaches to the lining of the uterus. When it attaches here, some blood vessels are ruptured and the lining of the uterus is disrupted. This causes symptoms of light bleeding and cramping.

Uterus - Implantation bleeding

This is known as "implantation bleeding" - discharge that occurs due to the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall. It is the first sign of pregnancy.

When does implantation bleeding occur?

Implantation bleeding occurs about nine days after ovulation on average (but can range between 6-12 days after ovulation).



How do I know it isn't just my period?

1. Timing

If you experience spotting before your period is due to begin, this may be due to implantation bleeding. The timing of the bleeding depends on the length of your cycle and when and where fertilization occurred. It can occur anywhere from a week to the day before your period is due to begin.

Implantation bleeding timing Click the image above to zoom.

2. Duration

Your normal period may last from three days to a week, but implantation bleeding usually occurs for less than two days. Some women may only see the spotting or light discharge on one day or for a few hours.

Implantation bleeding duration

3. Color

Implantation bleeding is normally a pinkish or brown colored discharge rather than the sharp, red color of a normal menstrual period. There is no change in the color through the duration of the spotting.

Implantation bleeding color

4. Quantity

Where during a normal period you may need to change a tampon or pad once every four-five hours, implantation bleeding is generally a few drops and very light in quantity.

Implantation bleeding quantity

5. Other symptoms

The symptoms you might expect from your normal period such as acne, mood swings and painful cramps do not usually occur with implantation bleeding. You may find light abdominal cramping which is completely normal, but the other hormonal impacts of menstruation do not occur in implantation bleeding.

Implantation bleeding other

6. Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature is the lowest resting temperature of your body, usually at rest. Immediately following ovulation, BBT increases and stays elevated until the next period. If you are monitoring your BBT for ovulatory purposes, in implantation bleeding, a slight rise in BBT will be seen around nine days after ovulation.

Implantation bleeding bbt basal body temp rises
Are you trying to get pregnant? We remove the guesswork

Implantation Bleeding or Period Quiz

If you're still unsure about whether you're experiencing implantation bleeding or a regular period, take the interactive quiz now.



The bottom line: Don't forget that once you're pregnant, you will no longer have your normal menstrual period. If you notice that your period is early, very light in quantity, and has changed to a pink or brown color, this may be the first sign of pregnancy. See your doctor for a blood test, which can then accurately confirm the pregnancy.

Did you know that on your most fertile day of your cycle you only have a 35% chance of getting pregnant? Maximise your chances of pregnancy with Ovulation Calculator by knowing exactly when the odds are at their greatest by clicking here.

Did you do the quiz? What was your result? Leave a comment below.

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  1. Letha Sep 08, 2018
    I been spotting pinkish/ brownish looking blood. However, my cycle starts in two more days.Ladies tell me what you think these signs are????
    Reply
  2. Shanty Sep 25, 2018
    I was suppose to start my period on the 22/09/2018 but it started on 20/09/2018 and lasted about 5 days it was very light bleeding the colour was pinkish an brown.ive took a preg test and it was negative. The problem is it was different from previous menstruation colour,amount and the length of bleeding. So now I don't understand whether it was my period or it was implantation bleeding?
    Reply
  3. Bomie Oct 18, 2018
    Hi , my normal circle is 30 day and my period last for 6 days but this month it delayed for 6 days making my circle 36 days. I also noticed my flow is no as heavy as it used to be I don’t have to use a pad , pant liner would do . Also noticed that during this particular circle I experienced egg white discharge from ( 30th of September up till 14th October the day before this present flow). Also noticed some discharge from my breast. I need help
    Reply
  4. Dorthy Nov 04, 2018
    I'm usually have reg cycles, my last period was aug26-1 then I spotted oct27-31 barely kinda reddish brown after having relations. So cld that be implantation bleeding or period?
    Reply
  5. Tiffany Nov 15, 2018
    I had my period twice in one month now it's time again fory period an it's not here ....
    Reply

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