Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It LooksCausesOther CausesWhen to Get Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Looks
Causes
Other Causes
When to Get Help
Implantation bleeding usually refers to light vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy when the fertilized egg burrows into the uterine lining. While most people only experience spotting, you could also have heavy implantation bleeding with a constant flow that can last up to three days.However, this heavy implantation bleeding would still be lighter than your normal period flow.
If you notice clots or experience pain alongside the bleeding, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition or early pregnancy loss.Check with your healthcare provider immediately if you’re experiencing heavy bleeding to ensure it doesn’t indicate a problem.
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What Implantation Bleeding Looks Like
Implantation bleeding may look like very light spotting, but it’s sometimes more like the beginning of your usual period flow.
Light implantation bleedingis typically pink, rust-colored, or light red. It may last anywhere from a few hours to a day or two. Many people notice it in their underwear or when they wipe after using the restroom. It may present as barely noticeable spotting or a light intermittent flow.
Heavy implantation bleedingmay look somewhat like the beginning or end of your menstrual flow. It may be pink, rust, or light or bright red. Unlike light implantation bleeding, it could go on for up to three days. The flow might be either constant or intermittent. You may need to wear a pantyliner.
Implantation bleeding does not typically fill up a normal menstrual pad or tampon, and it doesn’t cause clots. If you notice clots, you are most likely starting your period or bleeding for another reason.
Implantation bleeding occurs around two weeks after conception, when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. During this process, blood cells sometimes burst in the uterine lining, leading to vaginal bleeding. Usually, there’s only light spotting for a few hours or a single day.
One of the primary causes of heavy implantation bleeding is a first-time pregnancy. If you’ve never been pregnant before, you’re significantly more likely to notice heavier bleeding during the implantation process.
Some people experience heavy implantation bleeding due to an underlying bleeding disorder. Possible examples include:
Other Reasons for Heavy Bleeding
If your vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy is as heavy as a typical period, includes clots, and/or goes on for more than a few days, it’s most likely not implantation bleeding. Your bleeding could be due to one of the following health complications:
Do Twins Cause Heavy Implantation BleedingThere is no evidence that twins cause heavy implantation bleeding, but bleeding during the first trimester is more common in twin pregnancies. This is due to the increased activity from two embryos attaching to the uterine lining.While light bleeding can be normal, heavier bleeding or cramping should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Do Twins Cause Heavy Implantation Bleeding
There is no evidence that twins cause heavy implantation bleeding, but bleeding during the first trimester is more common in twin pregnancies. This is due to the increased activity from two embryos attaching to the uterine lining.While light bleeding can be normal, heavier bleeding or cramping should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you suspect that you may be experiencing implantation bleeding, the first thing to do is to take a pregnancy test.
Along with implantation bleeding, other symptoms of early pregnancy you may experience include:
Together with a pregnancy test, these symptoms may help to suggest that your bleeding is due to implantation. Contact a healthcare provider to confirm if you are pregnant through anultrasound.
You should also reach out to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing pain and bleeding. Implantation bleeding is usually painless. Some people experience very light cramping or a “twinge” during implantation, but it should not be severely painful or as painful as typical menstrual cramps.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Reach out to a healthcare provider if your bleeding doesn’t resolve on its own. If your bleeding becomes very heavy (i.e., filling a pad in an hour or less), go to the emergency room or call 911.
Summary
Approximately two weeks after conception, some people experience vaginal bleeding known as implantation bleeding when a fertilized egg implants into the womb.
Light implantation bleeding can last a few hours or just a day or two. It’s often pink or light red and may look like spotting. Some people experience heavy implantation bleeding, which may be more consistent, require a pantyliner, and last up to three full days.
Implantation bleeding is not typically a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing heavy bleeding or pain, seek medical help right away. You could be experiencing a miscarriage or a medical emergency, such as an ectopic pregnancy.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Pregnancy Association.What is implantation bleeding?.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.American Pregnancy Association.Spotting during pregnancy.National Health Service.Von Willebrand disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hemophilia.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders - types.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.Mount Sinai.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Pregnancy Association.What is implantation bleeding?.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.American Pregnancy Association.Spotting during pregnancy.National Health Service.Von Willebrand disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hemophilia.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders - types.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.Mount Sinai.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Pregnancy Association.What is implantation bleeding?.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.American Pregnancy Association.Spotting during pregnancy.National Health Service.Von Willebrand disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hemophilia.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders - types.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.Mount Sinai.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.
American Pregnancy Association.What is implantation bleeding?.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.
American Pregnancy Association.Spotting during pregnancy.
National Health Service.Von Willebrand disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hemophilia.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders - types.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.
Mount Sinai.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.
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