It’s just about time for your period to begin. But instead of the intense cramps and heavy bleeding, you find just a spot or two of light pink blood on your underwear. This partnered with the tell-tale signs of nausea, fatigue, and frequent trips to the bathroom may have you wondering, is this my period or implantation bleeding?
During the very early days of your pregnancy, you may experience a very light, barely there bleeding called implantation bleeding. You’ll know the difference between this type of bleeding and your regular period because it is significantly lighter in flow and color, and it lasts only a couple of days, as compared to the four to seven days a typical menstrual cycle lasts.
We’ll discuss what to expect if you take a pregnancy test during implantation bleeding, how accurate it will be, and when you should call your doctor.
When does implantation bleeding occur?
Can implantation bleeding be heavy? Questions to ask your doctor
The early days of pregnancy can be incredibly exciting as well as anxiety-inducing. The best advice about when to call your doctor is to err on the side of caution. There is no wrong question when it comes to your health and the health of your pregnancy.
“If you feel something different in your pregnancy… or anything that just doesn’t make sense — it shouldn’t be happening — the best thing to do is to contact your provider,” OB-GYN Daniela Carusi, MD, told Today.
Light spotting — during implantation and throughout your pregnancy — can be normal. But if something doesn’t feel right, or if you’re unsure, it never hurts to give your provider a call to double-check. While every pregnancy will be different, there are a few things that can be cause for concern, and you should see your doctor about.
Call your doctor if:
- You experience severe, intense, long-lasting, painful cramps.
- You experience more blood flow or clotting than just light, periodic spotting.
- The bleeding you experience is bright red, as opposed to a light pink or brown color.
It’s also worth noting that some of the above-listed occurrences can be related to more serious conditions, like ectopic and molar pregnancies, miscarriage, or subchorionic hemorrhage.
