Soon can implantation bleeding occur

If you do have some light spotting , does it mean anything? Implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that occurs between seven and 14 days after fertilization. After ovulation and at the moment an egg is successfully fertilized by a sperm in a fallopian tube, the embryo starts dividing and growing.

At this time, the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to change. Around five to six days after fertilization, the quickly growing embryo has moved down the fallopian tube and into the uterus.

When the embryo implants , it can disrupt tiny blood vessels in the spot it burrows into. So-called implantation bleeding will likely arrive earlier than your expected monthly menstrual period, usually around seven to 10 days after fertilization or conception. Since implantation bleeding is a symptom that can often occur before you test positive on a pregnancy test, it can be hard to know whether light bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy or just normal spotting leading up to your period.

The timing of when you last had sex might also help you figure it out. About a third of women who report having experienced implantation bleeding often describe it as distinct from their usual premenstrual spotting — some say the blood is darker and not as red compared with normal period blood.

You can take a home pregnancy test during implantation bleeding. Keep in mind that the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG that pregnancy tests detect only starts being produced in your body the moment the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus — which is the trigger for implantation bleeding. The earlier you take the test, the less hCG there is to detect, meaning that the test may not yet be accurate.

If you get a positive test result, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy. And you can get an estimate of when to expect your baby by using our handy tool to calculate your due date. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required.

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If you experience bleeding or spotting more than a few days after your missed period, it is not likely to be implantation bleeding. True pregnancy concerns rarely come from implantation and usually occur after the missed period.

Though this post-implantation light bleeding during pregnancy is not considered normal, there are a few main reasons it may occur:. Extended bleeding can be a sign of something more serious, especially further on during the pregnancy. Molar pregnancy or miscarriage are two concerns, which is why whenever visiting the OBGYN or other doctors, it is necessary to inform them of current or recent bleeding especially if it is heavy , as well as any other symptoms you are experiencing.

In your first trimester, be sure to let your healthcare provider know about any spotting. Let your healthcare provider know immediately about any spotting in your second or third trimesters. If at any point during your pregnancy you experience heavy bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately or consider seeking emergency care. Cramping is normal during pregnancy, yet if the level of pain during cramping increases, it is recommended to contact a doctor.

Affordable and accurate pregnancy tests can be purchased from our corporate sponsor Fairhaven Health. You are welcome to contact our toll-free helpline at to speak with a pregnancy educator. Often, taking a pregnancy test before the missed period or during implantation bleeding is just too soon for tests to offer conclusive results. Ideally, waiting a week after the spotting or missed period is most desirable as the results should prove more accurate.

Implantation bleeding is a sign of a potential pregnancy. If you have waited until after your period was due and taken a pregnancy test that delivered a negative result, there is a good chance you are not pregnant. Watching for implantation bleeding while trying to get pregnant is fine, but many women do not experience nor notice implantation spotting even when it does occur.

Norwitz ER, et al. Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women. Moore KL, et al. Answers to clinically oriented questions.