In this article
It’s just about time for your period to begin. But instead of the intense cramps and heavy bleeding, you find just a spot or two of light pink blood on your underwear. This partnered with the tell-tale signs of nausea, fatigue, and frequent trips to the bathroom may have you wondering, is this my period or implantation bleeding?
During the very early days of your pregnancy, you may experience a very light, barely there bleeding called implantation bleeding. You’ll know the difference between this type of bleeding and your regular period because it is significantly lighter in flow and color, and it lasts only a couple of days, as compared to the four to seven days a typical menstrual cycle lasts.
We’ll discuss what to expect if you take a pregnancy test during implantation bleeding, how accurate it will be, and when you should call your doctor.
When does implantation bleeding occur?
At-home pregnancy tests produce a positive or negative result based on the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) found in your urine. This hormone is detectable when you’re pregnant because it is released when a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus or to your uterine lining.
Taking a pregnancy test after your missed period is about 99% accurate, but what about before then? When exactly does implantation bleeding occur? Implantation bleeding can occur just before when your period would usually start, but because hCG becomes detectable once the egg is fertilized, there is a chance it can come back with a positive result.
Keep in mind that even though you have a positive at-home result, your provider will still set up an appointment to have you come in and do blood work to confirm your pregnancy.
“I knew I was pregnant — thank goodness for those early pregnancy tests — but the news still seemed surreal,” mom Gretchen Bossio previously shared with Mom.com. “Baby might be small, but they — and my pregnancy hormones — are quite mighty,” she added.
Implantation bleeding vs. your period: Taking a pregnancy test during this time
Even though you are technically pregnant once your egg has been fertilized and implanted, the level of hCG created still might not be enough to register a positive test result.
According to MedicineNet, “The amount of hCG can vary due to many factors. Typically about a week after ovulation, soon after implantation bleeding, hCG levels can be as low as 5 mUI. But at the time your period is due, your hCG levels can range from 10 to over 700 mUI.”
So if you take an at-home test during implantation bleeding and it comes back negative, keep an eye out for other symptoms. Remember, implantation bleeding versus your period will look and feel different. If your regular period doesn’t come after implantation bleeding, take another test around when you would expect to get your period or after you miss it.
“Keep in mind that home pregnancy tests typically detect pregnancy at hCG levels greater than 20 mUI,” says Jabeen Begum, MD.
Can implantation bleeding be heavy? Questions to ask your doctor
The early days of pregnancy can be incredibly exciting as well as anxiety-inducing. The best advice about when to call your doctor is to err on the side of caution. There is no wrong question when it comes to your health and the health of your pregnancy.
“If you feel something different in your pregnancy… or anything that just doesn’t make sense — it shouldn’t be happening — the best thing to do is to contact your provider,” OB-GYN Daniela Carusi, MD, told Today.
Light spotting — during implantation and throughout your pregnancy — can be normal. But if something doesn’t feel right, or if you’re unsure, it never hurts to give your provider a call to double-check. While every pregnancy will be different, there are a few things that can be cause for concern, and you should see your doctor about.
Call your doctor if:
- You experience severe, intense, long-lasting, painful cramps.
- You experience more blood flow or clotting than just light, periodic spotting.
- The bleeding you experience is bright red, as opposed to a light pink or brown color.
It’s also worth noting that some of the above-listed occurrences can be related to more serious conditions, like ectopic and molar pregnancies, miscarriage, or subchorionic hemorrhage.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
