Implantation bleeding: when it occurs and how to recognise it

Implantation bleeding can be rather confusing. When and why does it happen? How long does it last, and how do you tell it apart from your period?

If you're not planning a pregnancy, it's important to know the differences so you don't mistake implantation bleeding for your period. And if you are hoping for a baby, it's worth knowing that light bleeding 10 to 14 days after intercourse is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

What is implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding, also known as nidation bleeding, refers to light vaginal bleeding that occurs roughly 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. It is an early sign of pregnancy and shouldn't be confused with menstrual bleeding.

Nidation bleeding is normal and needn't worry you, as long as it doesn't become heavy and isn't accompanied by severe pain or other unusual symptoms.

When does implantation bleeding occur and what does it mean

Let's talk briefly about what you feel when pregnancy takes hold. To understand what implantation bleeding means and how it comes about, you first need to know what happens in your body after fertilisation.

Following unprotected intercourse, fertilisation of the egg creates an embryo, which then implants itself in the womb. At the moment this embryo moves to embed itself in the lining of the uterus, light bleeding can occur. That's precisely why it's called implantation bleeding.

It usually happens at around the time your period would normally have arrived. Hence the frequent confusion between an early sign of pregnancy and menstruation.

Certain studies suggest that around one in three pregnant women notices nidation bleeding – particularly common among women becoming mothers for the first time, as the lining of the womb responds more sensitively to the embryo's movements.

How long does implantation bleeding last

As a rule, implantation bleeding lasts anywhere from a few hours to a maximum of three days. This doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you or your baby – simply that the lining of the womb is reacting more sensitively to the embryo implanting.

If you bleed for longer than 3 days, the bleeding is heavy and you need pads or tampons to avoid staining, then in all likelihood it isn't implantation bleeding but your period.

That said, we should also consider the case where you're not expecting a pregnancy and mistake the signs of implantation for your period. If you lose less blood than usual, for less than 3 days, and in the form of pinkish discharge, then it may well not be your period but nidation bleeding. In that case, pregnancy is worth considering.

Implantation bleeding vs. menstruation – the differences

The key difference between menstrual and implantation bleeding is, first and foremost, the volume (the heaviness). With your period you need highly absorbent sanitary products to prevent leaks and stains on your clothes. With implantation bleeding, a panty liner is enough to keep your underwear clean. Both Enroush pads and tampons and the panty liners are made from 100% absorbent organic cotton, giving you reliable protection – without any mishaps.

Duration, the colour of the bleeding and the presence of clots are further aspects that help you tell the two apart – though to do so, you first need to know your own period. To help you understand everything important about your menstrual cycle, we discuss this topic in detail HERE.

Once you know your body's natural rhythm and what your menstrual bleeding looks like month after month, here's how to distinguish it from implantation bleeding:

• Volume: Implantation bleeding is more of a spotting than genuine bleeding. The flow is very light and resembles a bloody discharge more than anything else. Menstrual bleeding is heavier and fills a pad or tampon within a few hours.
• Duration: Implantation bleeding stops after a few hours or at most 3 days, whereas a period usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
• Colour: Menstrual bleeding is what you know each month – red (bright or dark), with changes in the first and last days. Implantation bleeding is considerably lighter, ranging from pale pink to rusty brown.
• Clots: Blood clots can occur during your period, especially with a heavy flow. Implantation bleeding, however, isn't heavy, so clots aren't typical of it.
• Pain: Your period may be accompanied by strong abdominal pain. With implantation bleeding, pain is either absent or very mild.

Accompanying symptoms of implantation bleeding

The symptoms of implantation bleeding itself are precisely those we described above, and they help you recognise it:

• Bloody discharge in a pink, rusty or brownish tone
• Spotting or short-lived bleeding with a lighter flow than your period
• No cramps, or cramps milder than menstrual pain

Other pregnancy symptoms

We said that the signs listed above are typical of implantation bleeding itself, because it can often be accompanied by further symptoms too. These aren't to do with the bleeding as such, but are early signs of pregnancy:

• Morning sickness
• Vomiting
• Migraine
• Headaches
• Tender breasts
• Fatigue
• More frequent need to urinate
• Mood swings
• Food cravings
• Aversion to certain smells or foods

We've already written about the first signs of pregnancy on the Enroush blog – so do read up on how to tell whether you're pregnant, to help you interpret your body's natural signals more easily.

Implantation bleeding – risks and complications

Normally, implantation bleeding is no cause for concern and poses no risk to you or your baby's development. If you bleed heavily 10 to 14 days after fertilisation, in most cases it isn't implantation bleeding but your period.

Risks in pregnancy rarely arise during the implantation phase. Where they do, we're talking about bleeding that occurs later than your period would have been due – in which case it's already bleeding during pregnancy.

If you experience such light bleeding, the cause may be a small injury from penetration, a vaginal infection, irritation of the cervix, excessive physical strain, or the presence of polyps or fibroids.

Implantation bleeding – when should you see a doctor?

Implantation bleeding is normal and doesn't require a visit to the doctor.

If, however, you notice that the bleeding is heavy and accompanied by fever, chills or severe period-like pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Whether it's implantation bleeding or something else entirely, these symptoms aren't normal and further examination is needed to establish the cause.

 Frequently asked questions about implantation bleeding

We've explained above when implantation takes place, how long it lasts and how to recognise nidation bleeding. But we know that any bleeding can raise plenty of further questions – and we want to give you as many answers as possible. Below we address the most common questions about implantation bleeding.

How long after implantation bleeding can I take a pregnancy test?

When we talk about pregnancy tests you take yourself at home, these detect pregnancy via the level of the hormone HCG in your urine. If you test too early, the HCG concentration may not yet be high enough to be detected, and you'll get an inaccurate result. It's recommended that you wait at least 3 to 6 days after implantation bleeding before taking a urine test.

If you visit your doctor's surgery, a blood test can detect HCG even at lower concentrations – so you can be tested considerably earlier there.

 Can implantation bleeding be red?

Implantation bleeding usually has a light shade – pink, rusty or brownish. If the bleeding is red and heavy, it is most likely not implantation bleeding.

Can implantation bleeding be heavy?

If the bleeding is heavy and fills a pad or tampon every few hours, it is most likely menstrual bleeding. Implantation bleeding is light and resembles a discharge or spotting, for which a panty liner is perfectly sufficient. Enroush panty liners have a neutral pH and contain no toxic chemicals – for the gentlest, most natural protection for your intimate area and your pregnancy.