Implantation Bleeding Vs Menstrual Period – What’s The Difference?

Implantation bleeding happens when the fertilized egg sticks to the uterine lining. In such a case, you may experience some light spotting, which may propel you to think: Am I pregnant? Or have my periods begun?

If the blood colour is pinkish-brown, you may be pregnant. Women who are trying to conceive may misinterpret the early sign of pregnancy with periods. Implantation bleeding may look similar to that of bleeding, but it is entirely different from the menstrual periods.

In this blog we will discuss the cause of implantation bleeding, its symptoms and how to differentiate it from the periods.

Implantation vs Periods Symptoms

Colour: Implantation bleeding is usually pink-brown. Menstrual bleeding is typically crimson red.

Flow Strength: In implantation bleeding, the flow is extremely light and lasts a few hours. In periods, the flow starts weak but becomes fuller within a few hours.

Cramping: You may feel cramping for a short period in case of implantation. Cramping experienced during periods lasts longer and is more intense.

Clotting: Some women pass small clots during a menstrual period. Implantation bleeding, however, is never accompanied by clotting. 

Flow Length: Implantation bleeding typically lasts a few hours; periods last for 4-7 days.

Other Pregnancy Symptoms

If you are pregnant, you may experience

• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Tender breasts
• Lower back pain
• General fatigue

All these pregnancy symptoms are because of hormonal changes in your body to support pregnancy. However, you may experience similar symptoms during your periods as well.

Implantation Vs Period Bleeding

It may be frustrating to wait 2 weeks from ovulation to the next menstrual cycle, especially when you want to conceive. Furthermore, it is difficult to sense the early signs of pregnancy, but if you pay attention to the aforementioned symptoms, you may figure out your condition.

Implantation bleeding and regular periods don’t happen at the same time. Implantation bleeding occurs a bit earlier than your expected period date. 

Day 1 of your period will be the first day of your last menstrual cycle. Most women ovulate within 14-16 days. The egg will become viable after 24 hours of being released, but sperm can survive inside the body for 3-5 days. No one can predict when fertilization will happen, but the fertility window is usually 6 days around ovulation.

In case of pregnancy, the fertile egg will attach to the uterine wall around 22-26 days of your cycle. So if you have a 28-day cycle, you won’t get periods even until 28 days since your last period.

If you are experiencing early bleeding, which is probably lighter than usual, it is possibly implantation bleeding. 

When to Go With a Pregnancy Test?

Because there is no significant difference between implantation bleeding and menstrual bleeding, you must take the pregnancy test if you miss your periods.

A pregnancy test determines the level of hCG hormone in your blood. The placenta secretes this hormone to nourish the developing embryo. You can go with the home urine test as well, which is 99% accurate. You can also go with a blood test at a doctor’s office, which can determine pregnancy after 11 days of conception. 

Another Bleeding During Pregnancy

Women may experience some bleeding even after missing their periods. For example, it is common to bleed in the first trimester. However, blood during pregnancy is considered abnormal, and you must consult a doctor in such a situation.

Light bleeding can happen if your cervix is extra sensitive. In such a case, having sex can result in bleeding. However, heavier bleeding during pregnancy can be a sign of other serious issues like:

Subchorionic Haemorrhage: It may happen if the placenta detaches from the implantation area.

Ectopic Pregnancy: It occurs in 1-2% of women, where egg fertilization happens outside the uterus. In such cases, the patient will feel pain on one side of the abdomen. You must contact your doctor immediately to get appropriate treatment in such a case.

Molar Pregnancy: It happens when a mass of tissues is developed from egg implantation instead of a baby.

Miscarriage: Miscarriage is a spontaneous abortion and usually happens in less than 20 weeks. It is a common complication in around 15-20% of women. Additionally, 80% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester.

If you are pregnant and continue to bleed, you must immediately contact your doctor.

Conclusion

Keeping track of what is happening in your body can be a frustrating task, and it can be more agonizing when trying to figure out whether you are pregnant.

Check your calendar and know the first day of your last period, through which you can figure the date of conception. Next, you can note your symptoms and the timeline and accordingly take a pregnancy test.

If you notice any abnormal bleeding, you must contact your doctor.