Differences between implantation bleeding and your period

Implantation bleeding or your period? If you're hoping to get pregnant or you want to find out whether you're pregnant, you've probably heard about the bleeding that often happens during embryo implantation, but blood always raises lots of questions, which is why our team of midwives has prepared the following post for you.

Implantation bleeding

I'm spotting, is that normal?

To help you answer this question, let's look at the difference between implantation bleeding and your period. First of all, we'll take into account the intensity of the spotting, since implantation bleeding is usually much lighter than your period. We'll also take into account how long the bleeding lasts.

After all, implantation bleeding can last just a few hours or, sometimes, stretch over several days, with spotting that is light and intermittent. Unlike menstrual bleeding, which follows a more regular pattern.

What's more, with implantation bleeding you'll often notice a delayed period afterwards, with pain similar to period pain, breast swelling, or it can even cause nausea and tiredness.

And always bearing in mind that these signs don't always mean for certain that there's a pregnancy. They're very common symptoms of other physical and/or emotional states, so they're not the most reliable way to tell the difference between period spotting or implantation spotting.

Why does implantation bleeding happen?

This type of implantation bleeding usually happens in the first weeks of pregnancy, when your womb is more irrigated and can bleed more easily. When the fertilised egg attaches to the wall of your womb, it "anchors" itself by breaking tiny veins and arteries in the endometrium (the lining of the womb), which can cause that bleeding.

This implantation happens because the fertilised egg, called an embryo and destined to become your baby, has to stay perfectly connected to you by fixing itself in the endometrium, thereby ensuring the supply of nutrients it will develop with throughout the whole pregnancy. During implantation, the embryo breaks small surface capillaries in the endometrium and forms new ones that will join you together and become the basis of the future placenta.

And this is what we know as implantation bleeding, and it's the reason why it's different from the normal bleeding of a period, making it possible to tell them apart. And, as we mentioned earlier, this spotting isn't always a sign that there is a pregnancy, since the endometrium is always highly irrigated and these losses of blood could also be caused by other, equally normal reasons.

Is this implantation bleeding a bad thing?

Implantation bleeding poses no risk at all. There is currently no evidence linking bleeding after implantation to any pregnancy problem. Nor is there any link between implantation bleeding and miscarriages or other dangers to your baby.

The opposite could be true, however: when there are problems with the pregnancy, especially those related to miscarriage, they can be associated with bleeding, but this bleeding has characteristics similar to those of menstruation. It is more intense and usually comes with pain and other characteristic symptoms.

And as regards ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages, it's worth mentioning that there are a great many cases that happen without any bleeding at all, so there is no reason to associate implantation bleeding with miscarriage.

How can I tell if the bleeding I have is implantation bleeding?

To find out whether the bleeding you have is implantation bleeding, we'll take several points into account:

• Texture: The texture of implantation bleeding will be lighter than that of period bleeding
• Colour: Characterised by a dark red that is almost brown
• Duration: The duration of implantation bleeding varies, from a few hours to a couple of days
• Intensity: Implantation bleeding is lighter than period bleeding
• Amount: Intermittent and light bleeding

What should I do if I have implantation bleeding?

If you have bleeding, the most advisable thing is to see your gynaecologist to rule out the cause. The specialist is the one who will be able to confirm what type of bleeding you're having, and whether or not it's implantation bleeding. And after the diagnosis, they'll give you the steps to follow if necessary.

In any case, this implantation bleeding generally causes nothing more than mild discomfort, and even then only in the worst case, so it usually doesn't require any additional care.

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What colour is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is usually characterised by being lighter, with a finer texture and a less intense colour. It also tends to be a darker colour, although you might find a bright red or pinkish colour, but always lighter than that of your period.

Period or brown implantation bleeding

The brown implantation bleeding is caused by old blood. Unlike regular menstrual bleeding, which is bright red because the blood is fresh, implantation bleeding is lighter and can take longer to leave the body. During this time, the blood oxidises, which gives it a brown tone. This process is completely normal and shouldn't be a cause for concern.

What's more, implantation bleeding tends to be lighter and shorter than a regular menstrual period, usually lasting from a few hours to a couple of days. If you notice bleeding that is brown and light around the time you expect your period, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. However, if you have any doubts or the bleeding is excessive, it's always a good idea to consult a health professional to make sure everything is fine.

It's important to point out that implantation bleeding, although it can be an early sign of pregnancy, isn't experienced by all pregnant women. What's more, other factors can cause vaginal bleeding, such as hormonal changes, infections or cervical irritation, so you shouldn't always assume that brown bleeding is a sign of pregnancy. In any case, if you're worried about the bleeding or suspect a possible pregnancy, it's advisable to seek the opinion of a medical professional in order to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance.

Bright red implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding can vary in colour from light pink to bright red. Although it's commonly described as a lighter bleeding that is pinkish or brown, it can be bright red in some women.

The colour intensity of the implantation bleeding can depend on the amount of blood and how quickly it's expelled. Faster bleeding may look brighter red, while slower bleeding may be darker or brown.

Bright red implantation bleeding can be a normal variation. However, if you have any concerns or if the bleeding is heavier or longer than expected, it's advisable to consult a doctor to rule out other causes and make sure your pregnancy is progressing properly

Will all pregnant women have post-implantation bleeding?

The answer is no, although this bleeding is considered one of the first signs of pregnancy, and this implantation bleeding is very easy to spot. It usually happens in around three out of every ten women. It's just as normal for it to happen as for it not to, as we mentioned earlier.

If I had implantation bleeding in my previous pregnancy, will I have it in all my pregnancies?

You won't necessarily always have implantation bleeding. Every pregnancy can be different, and not only in this respect but in everything, such as vomiting or nausea, for example. As for implantation bleeding, it doesn't follow a fixed pattern: it may happen in one pregnancy and not in other pregnancies, or it may happen in all of them.

When does implantation bleeding happen?

It can happen between ten and fourteen days after conception, since that's when the embryo attaches to the endometrium. This is because, after the fertilisation of your egg by the sperm, there is a first cell division that will give rise to the embryo. Fertilisation usually takes place in the fallopian tube, generally in the ampullary region (as a bit of general knowledge), and the embryo travels from the fallopian tubes to your womb, where implantation takes place. This process takes between six and ten days after the fertilisation of the egg.

When the fertilised egg reaches the endometrium, the endometrium is fully prepared for this implantation, full of veins and arteries that will feed your embryo, giving it everything it needs for its development during pregnancy.

There are times when this spotting coincides with the luteal phase, (the period of time between ovulation and menstruation), and this bleeding is caused by hormonal reasons and isn't directly related to implantation, although it could be mistaken for this bleeding.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding is light spotting that happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the wall of the womb. This spotting caused by the implantation of the fertilised egg can last from one to three days. Unlike a regular period, the intensity of implantation bleeding is usually much lower. It's important to remember that the intensity of implantation bleeding will be lower than that of your normal period.

Although every woman experiences her menstrual cycle differently, implantation bleeding is generally different and easy to tell apart from menstruation. This type of bleeding is usually pinkish or light brown, and doesn't have the heavy flow that some women experience during their periods. What's more, it isn't usually accompanied by the intense cramps typical of menstruation.

What does embryo implantation consist of?

Embryo implantation is the process in which the fertilised egg implants in the endometrium, attaching to it and, if everything progresses normally, it will be the moment your pregnancy begins.

This implantation usually takes place on the seventh day after fertilisation. And after this implantation of the embryo, your body starts synthesising the pregnancy hormone (Beta-hCG), which is what pregnancy tests will use to detect that you're pregnant.

Conclusion: implantation bleeding or period?

So, how do I know if it's implantation bleeding or my period? As we always tell you, every case is unique and every pregnancy is an extraordinary and personal experience. With any symptom or concern, especially when it comes to bleeding during pregnancy, it's essential to see your trusted gynaecologist. They'll be able to carry out a full assessment, diagnose the cause of the bleeding and recommend the appropriate measures to take.

Remember that your gynaecologist is your best ally during pregnancy, giving you the specialised medical care you need to guarantee your wellbeing and your baby's. As well as answering your questions about whether it's implantation bleeding or your period. At Happymami, we're here to accompany you throughout the process. Don't hesitate to share any concern you have, however small it may seem, as their experience and knowledge will help you navigate this beautiful but sometimes challenging journey into motherhood with confidence and peace of mind.

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