What is implantation bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is light spotting that some people notice when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, usually 10 to 14 days after conception, around when a period would be due. It is typically pink or brown, much lighter than a period, and lasts from a few hours to about two days.
How implantation bleeding differs from a period
| Implantation bleeding | Period | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | About 6 to 12 days after ovulation | About 12 to 16 days after ovulation |
| Color | Light pink or brown | Usually bright to dark red |
| Amount | Spotting, often only on wiping | Fills pads or tampons |
| Length | Hours to 2 days | Usually 3 to 7 days |
| Clots | No | Possible |
Only a minority of pregnant people notice it, and plenty of non-pregnant people have spotting before a period. So spotting alone can't tell you whether you're pregnant. See what implantation bleeding looks like for more detail.
What to do if you notice it
Note the date and color, then wait. A pregnancy test is most reliable from the first day of your missed period, because hCG takes a few days to build up after implantation.
See a doctor urgently if bleeding is heavy, or comes with one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Frequently asked questions
How many days after implantation bleeding can I test?
Wait a few days, ideally until the day your period is due. Testing too early can give a false negative.
Can implantation bleeding be red?
It is usually pink or brown. Bright red bleeding that gets heavier is more likely a period, or worth checking with a doctor if you're pregnant.
Does everyone get implantation bleeding?
No. Most pregnant people never notice any. Having no spotting says nothing about whether you are pregnant, and spotting before a period is common in people who are not pregnant at all.
Sources
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
What does implantation bleeding look like?What does implantation bleeding look like? Light pink or brown spotting, no clots, lasting hours to 2 days. How it differs from a period and when to test.Implantation bleeding or period? How to tellImplantation bleeding vs period: color, flow, timing and how long each lasts. Spot the difference and learn when a pregnancy test will be accurate.Implantation: definition and meaningImplantation is when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, usually 6 to 10 days after ovulation. What happens, timing and signs.
What is spotting?Spotting is very light bleeding outside your normal period, often pink or brown. Common causes, how it differs from a period, and when to see a doctor.
When to take a pregnancy test: find your most accurate dayWhen to take a pregnancy test: enter your last period and cycle length to see the earliest testing day and the day a result is most reliable.