Implantation bleeding or early period?

Hello Anonymous,

Thank you for reaching out to us with your concern. I can appreciate how confusing this early spotting must be.

About one third of all women who conceive experience implantation bleeding, which can be confused as an early period.

The fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the lining of the uterus. When it does, the tissue that forms around the egg may damage some of the mother's blood vessels in the uterus, resulting in a small amount of blood leaking from the cervix and down the vagina.

Implantation bleeding usually occurs about 6 to 12 days following conception.

Anonymous, when was the last time you had unprotected sex? Did the onset of the spotting occur 6 to 12 days following possible conception?

Implantation bleeding typically consists of a discharge with a pink or brownish tint. It is often darker than period blood. The reason is it takes time for the blood to travel from the uterine wall through the vagina.

Implantation bleeding might some mild cramping as the egg implants and the uterus is changing to accommodate the embryo. The cramping with implantation bleeding is usually much lighter than what women might experience with a regular period.

The symptoms of early pregnancy are similar to the symptoms you may feel right before your period. Wait and if your period is late by at least seven days, take a home pregnancy test.

Please keep us updated.
Regards,
Maryann