How long after implantation does implantation bleeding occur

What Is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is light bleeding from the vagina that happens in some women 10 to 14 days after conceiving a baby.

You may think it’s just a light period, but it’s an early sign of pregnancy. It’s not dangerous, and you don’t need treatment.

But heavy bleeding (more than you’d have with a typical period) can be a sign of a problem. Call your doctor if you bleed a lot, with or without fever, chills, or have cramps that get worse. 

When Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?

After a sperm fertilizes your egg, the combination becomes an embryo. It travels to your uterus, where it implants itself into the lining.

Sometimes, as the embryo attaches, it causes a little bleeding.  This usually happens about the time you would have your period. You may even confuse it with your period and not realize you’re pregnant. Implantation bleeding is normal and doesn’t mean you or your baby will have problems.

Implantation Bleeding Symptoms

Implantation bleeding tends to happen before you notice morning sickness. You might have:

  • Blood that’s brown or pinkish
  • Blood that’s lighter in flow and doesn’t last as long  as your period
  • Mild or no cramping
  • Unlike your period, you won’t see any blood clots or tissue in the blood

It’s probably implantation bleeding if you have some of the other signs of early pregnancy, including:

  • Tender, swollen breasts or nipples
  •  Fatigue
  •  Headache
  •  Upset stomach
  • Vomiting (morning sickness)
  • Food cravings or aversions
  • Mood swings
  • Peeing more than usual

If you’re not sure whether you’re having implantation bleeding or your period, take a pregnancy test or talk to your doctor.

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Unlike most periods, it usually stops after 1 or 2 days.

Implantation Bleeding Treatment

It will stop on its own. If you're worried that you've bled a lot, call your doctor. They may want to know how much blood you saw and what color it was.

Other Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Many things can cause bleeding in pregnant women, some of them harmless and some serious. If you’re bleeding a lot, with or without pain or cramping at any time, call your doctor.

If you’re pregnant and see blood in your underwear, it may be caused by:

Sex. Hormonal and physical changes may be to blame for this. It should stop on its own.

Fibroids and polyps. Your doctor might do some tests to check for these growths on your uterus.

Cervical problems. Conditions like infection or growths on your cervix can also cause bleeding.

Infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis can cause light bleeding as well as more serious problems. Starting treatment as soon as possible will keep your baby healthy.

Ectopic pregnancy. This is when an embryo implants outside your uterus. You may have bleeding with pain and cramps. It’s dangerous and needs medical care right away.

Miscarriage. About 15% of known pregnancies end during the first few months. Most women bleed and cramp afterward. Call your doctor right away if you know that you're pregnant and you have these symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

Call your doctor if the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few days or if you’re worried about how much you are bleeding. 

When you're trying to get pregnant, your senses are on high alert for any indication that you're officially a parent-to-be. One of the earliest pregnancy symptoms can be implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. About one-third of pregnant people will experience implantation bleeding, according to the American Pregnancy Association, and it often resembles a light period. Here's everything you need to know.

When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

Only about one-third of people experience implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. If it happens to you, it will occur 10 to 14 days after fertilization, says Lauren Barlog, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health at Rutgers NJ Medical School. "It typically occurs around the time of your next expected period."

In fact, because of the timing, some people might confuse implantation bleeding for a light menstrual period. They don't realize what it is until a pregnancy test comes up positive, says Zev Williams, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Medical Center.

What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?

Implantation bleeding will probably look different than your normal monthly period. The color usually ranges from light pink to dark brown (period blood is typically red), and it doesn't contain any clots. Also, implantation bleeding is usually lighter than a menstrual period. Some people don't even notice it at all—or they see a small amount of blood when they wipe. In some cases, implantation cramping can occur along with the bleeding.

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Typically, implantation bleeding appears for a day or two (though some people only bleed for a couple of hours). Rather than consistent blood flow, it might be off-and-on.

How Soon After Implantation Bleeding Will You Get a Positive Pregnancy Test?

If you think you're experiencing implantation bleeding, what's the best course of action? Take a pregnancy test, says Dr. Barlog. Every test has a different threshold for sensitivity, but the absolute earliest you should take one is about four or five days before your expected period, says Dr. Williams. Otherwise there might not be enough pregnancy hormone (hCG) to give a positive result. If the pregnancy test is negative, repeat it in a few days.

When Should I Visit the Doctor?

Implantation bleeding isn't cause for concern, but if you're experiencing unusual spotting, it's important to recognize when symptoms might require a visit to the doctor. "If you are spotting but also have pain that's concentrated on one side, rectal pain, or a history of infertility or tubal disease, you should see a doctor immediately," says James Segars, Jr., M.D., director of Reproductive Science and Women's Health Research, and a professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine. "These are signs that you could have a tubal or ectopic pregnancy, when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, usually within the fallopian tubes."

And you also should see your doctor if you've had bleeding or spotting between periods for several months, because you may be dealing with other conditions such as fibroids or polyps.

Does implantation bleeding happen after implantation?

Implantation bleeding can occur about 10-14 days after conception when the fertilized egg attaches to the interior lining of the uterus. This movement of the egg can result in light bleeding or spotting, which is completely normal and should not require any kind of medical attention.

How many days after implantation do you get a positive?

If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of HCG. This typically takes seven to 12 days after successful implantation of an egg. You may receive an inaccurate result if the test is taken too early in your cycle.

How do I know if it's implantation bleeding?

implantation bleeding is most likely to be light pink or brown (as opposed to the bright or dark red of your period) implantation bleeding is more like spotting than an actual flow of blood.