How long after conceiving does implantation bleeding occur

When a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, where it can begin growing, some light spotting may occur. This is called implantation bleeding, and it can be one of the earliest clues that you are pregnant. Some women don’t experience this type of bleeding, and some simply don’t notice it. If it happens, it doesn’t indicate a problem with your pregnancy. If you’re wondering if you might be pregnant, take our Am I Pregnant? quiz for a little fun and grab a home pregnancy test.

Table of Contents Show

Is It Implantation Bleeding or My Period?
When Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?
Should I Take a Pregnancy Test During Implantation Bleeding?
Should I See a Doctor?
How can I tell if it's implantation bleeding?
How soon can you tell if implantation was successful?

Is It Implantation Bleeding or My Period?

It’s possible to mistake implantation bleeding for a very light and early period at first. However, there are some differences to pay attention to. Although every woman’s period is different, it’s still possible to guess that it's implantation bleeding by the color and amount of bleeding, and by where you are in your menstrual cycle, as well as by looking out for other early signs of pregnancy — more frequent bathroom trips, fatigue, and nausea (i.e., morning sickness).

These are the main signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding compared to a period:

The amount of blood. Implantation bleeding isn’t heavy; it’s more like a discharge or light spotting that’s about a few drops of blood on your underwear.
The color of the spotting. The blood from implantation is more of a pinkish or brown color, rather than a bright red some women normally see during a period.

When Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?

You may notice implantation bleeding around 10 to 14 days after conception, when a fertilized egg becomes attached to the lining of your uterus. Keep in mind that conception may not occur on the same day you had sex. Sperm can live as long as five days inside a woman’s reproductive tract, and conception might not occur for several days after sex.

Should I Take a Pregnancy Test During Implantation Bleeding?

You can take a home pregnancy test during implantation bleeding. Keep in mind that the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (or hCG) that pregnancy tests detect only starts being produced in your body the moment the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus — which is the trigger for implantation bleeding. The earlier you take the test, the less hCG there is to detect, meaning that the test may not yet be accurate. If you have the patience to wait, you’ll get a more accurate test result if you wait until after the first day of your missed period.

If you get a positive test result, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy. And you can get an estimate of when to expect your baby by using our handy tool to calculate your due date.

Should I See a Doctor?

Implantation bleeding is generally nothing to be concerned about, but it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about any bleeding you experience during pregnancy. Although light bleeding in early pregnancy can be totally normal, there are some reasons for bleeding in early pregnancy that need to be addressed immediately. These can include infection, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding can be one of the early signs of pregnancy. How long it lasts can vary.

It may be helpful to think of it as implantation spotting or discharge instead of bleeding, because the flow is not as heavy as someone’s average period. It would not fill a tampon, which people should not use at this point, or a pad, and should not contain any clots.

The blood it produces differs from menstrual blood. It is usually a different color from a person’s typical menstrual blood.

Implantation bleeding occurs during the implantation process. The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, usually within two weeks after fertilization. This lining is full of veins and arteries, and when the embryo connects to it, it breaks capillary walls, which causes the bleeding.

Share on PinterestImplantation bleeding may begin as early as five days after implantation.

The duration of implantation bleeding varies. Some may notice spotting for a few hours, while others might experience a light flow that lasts a few days. Some people may have implantation bleeding with one pregnancy and not with others.

Researchers found it was common for people to experience a few days of bleeding during early pregnancy. Studies also determined that bleeding begins five days after implantation.

Implantation bleeding does not usually last as long as a woman’s typical menstrual period. If a person notices a significant change in their usual period, such as spotting instead of regular flow, or a color change in their blood, it may indicate implantation bleeding.

A person who suspects they may be experiencing implantation bleeding instead of a period can take a pregnancy test or speak to their doctor to confirm the pregnancy.

Learn more about implantation bleeding here.

Implantation bleeding may develop around the same time as when someone would usually have their period. Below is a general timeline of how implantation occurs:

Ovulation: After the ovaries release an egg, there is a 12–24-hour window for fertilization.
Day 0 (fertilization): A viable sperm reaches the egg.
Days 1–2: The fertilized egg transits through the fallopian tube for about 30 hours.
Days 2–6 (mitosis): The fertilized egg goes through cell divisions that transform it from a zygote, a single-celled embryo, to a blastocyst, an embryo with multiple cells.
Days 6–9 (implantation): Starting 6–7 days after fertilization, implantation is itself a process, which consists of:
- Adplantation: The blastocyst first begins to stick to the uterus lining.
- Implantation: The migration of the blastocyst is typically completed nine days after fertilization.
- Coagulation plug: A blood clot seals the part of the uterine wall where the embryo first attached.
Days 6–10: Implantation bleeding usually takes place 10–14 days after conception.

Implantation bleeding does not typically require treatment, and it usually goes away on its own.

The following self-care practices can help those who notice spotting early in their pregnancies feel more comfortable:

getting enough rest
elevating the feet
refraining from sexual intercourse
avoiding use of tampons

In general, it is a good idea for pregnant people to speak to a doctor if they notice any spotting or bleeding.

This will help give people peace of mind during these stages of their pregnancy. And in cases where someone needs medical intervention, it will allow for prompt treatment.

It can be difficult for someone to distinguish implantation bleeding from other causes of bleeding. Although bleeding during pregnancy is common, in some cases, it can be a symptom of a serious complication, such as an ectopic pregnancy or early pregnancy loss.

People should a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur alongside bleeding:

stomach ache
cramping, especially in the lower abdomen
pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or shoulder
fluid or discharge from the vagina
feeling dizzy
fever

Implantation bleeding lasts anywhere from a few hours to several days. It usually presents as a lighter flow with a different color from typical menstrual blood.

Implantation bleeding is a relatively common occurrence in early pregnancy, and it typically resolves on its own without treatment.

How can I tell if it's implantation bleeding?

Signs of implantation bleeding.

Color. Implantation bleeding is more likely to be a pinky-brown color. ... .

Strength of flow. Implantation bleeding is usually super-light spotting. ... .

Cramping. Cramping that signals implantation is usually light and short-lived. ... .

Clotting. ... .

Length of flow. ... .

Consistency..

How soon can you tell if implantation was successful?

The first sign of implantation is implantation bleeding which occurs 6-12 days post conception. If the implantation is successful, spotting or light cramping can be experienced. If unsuccessful, your period will start.