Implantation bleeding is characterized by scant pink or brown blood that can occur about 10 to 14 days after ovulation. It can last a few hours or up to three days. However, not all women experience this symptom.
Implantation refers to the fixation of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus, which initiates pregnancy. Implantation triggers many changes in hormones to stimulate the formation of of structures that are essential for fetal development.
Implantation bleeding is considered normal and is generally one of the first signs of pregnancy. However, bleeding that is excessive, lasts for more than 3 days or is accompanied by cramps or vomiting should be urgently assessed in an emergency room, as these are signs of more serious health conditions, like a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms of implantation bleeding
Implantation bleeding can be identified through symptoms such as:
- Light bleeding with color varying from brown to pink, it can also look like coffee grounds
- Stains or dots of blood in underwear
- Mild abdominal cramps
Implantation bleeding may occur alongside other early-pregnancy symptoms, such as:
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Nausea or mild queasiness
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Breast tenderness or sensitivity
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Headache or light dizziness
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Mild abdominal cramping (similar to light menstrual cramps)
Read more about pregnancy symptoms and how they may present.
When does it occur
Implantation bleeding emerges after ovulation as a result of unprotected sex that leads to fertilization.
This bleeding is typically scant and occurs 10 to 14 after conception.
Implantation bleeding vs. period - what's the difference?
How long it lasts
When implantation bleeding occurs, it can last from hours to up to 3 days. Blood flow is not heavy, nor does it increase. Bloating and tingling in the belly can also last for up to 3 days. If these symptoms are very intense, if they last for more than 3 days, or if bleeding is bright red, heavy and not period-related. you should see your doctor or gynecologist for assessment. They will examine you to determine a diagnosis and indicate treatment as necessary.
If symptoms disappear in 3 days, there is a good possibility that you could be pregnant. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor or gynecologist so that you can do a blood test to assess your beta-HCG levels. This hormone will be positive in the blood in the presence of pregnancy.
If you have any of the symptoms of implantation bleeding, complete our test below to assess your probability of pregnancy:
Causes & physiology
About six to ten days after fertilization, the tiny embryo (blastocyst) presses into the lining of the uterus. As it burrows in, small blood vessels can break, causing the light spotting known as implantation bleeding.
At the same time, the embryo releases a hormone called hCG, which helps keep the pregnancy going and makes the uterine lining thicker. These changes can also lead to very mild bleeding as the body adjusts to fluctuating hormone levels.
Other causes of spotting
Vaginal bleeding can also occur for the following reasons:
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Ectopic pregnancy: When the embryo implants outside the uterus—often in a fallopian tube—it can cause light bleeding and pain on one side
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Threatened or incomplete miscarriage: Early loss of pregnancy may start with spotting before heavier bleeding or cramps develop
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Cervical changes or polyps: In early pregnancy, the cervix has more fragile blood vessels that can bleed lightly, especially after sex or an exam
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Infection: Common vaginal or cervical infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or other irritations, can lead to spotting
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Molar pregnancy: A rare condition where abnormal tissue grows instead of a normal embryo, often causing irregular bleeding
Therefore, it is important to speak to your health care provider about abnormal vaginal bleeding you may be experiencing.
Advice & what to do
You should report any abnormal vaginal bleeding to your health care provider. Until you are able to book an appointment, you are encouraged to continue monitoring your vaginal bleeding at home.
For home monitoring, you should:
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Use panty liners rather than tampons to track spotting without disrupting the bleeding pattern
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Note timing, color, and flow each day to share accurate details with a health care provider
If you suspect you may be pregnant:
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Wait at least 7 days after a missed period (or about 3 weeks after ovulation) for urine tests to minimize false negatives
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Consider a quantitative blood beta-hCG test for earlier and more accurate detection when bleeding has resolved
When to seek care
Emergency evaluation is recommended if vaginal bleeding is heavy (soaking more than one pad per hour), persists beyond three days, or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or dizziness.