Implantation Bleeding Vs Period Bleeding: How To Tell The Difference
If youre in limbo, waiting until enough time has passed to take a pregnancy test, you may be looking for early signs that a baby is on the way. Implantation bleeding blood that results when a fertilized egg nestles into your uterine lining can be one such sign.
If you notice some light spotting on your underwear, the million-dollar question will start zinging through your head: Am I pregnant or is this the start of my period?
Timing Of Implantation Bleeding
The 2-week waiting time from ovulation to the next menstrual period can be pretty frustrating if youre hoping to be pregnant. Interpreting the signs correctly can be tricky, but luckily, sometimes timing in addition to the symptoms above can help you pinpoint whats going on.
Implantation bleeding and menstrual bleeding dont happen at quite the same time. Implantation bleeding happens a bit earlier than when you would expect to get your period.
Lets walk through the timing, so you can compare dates on your calendar. Day 1 of your menstrual cycle is the first day of your last period. Most women with normal cycles ovulate, releasing an egg from the ovaries, around day 14 to 16.
The egg itself is only viable for about 24 hours after being released, but sperm can live inside your body for 3 to 5 days. Its hard to know exactly when fertilization occurs, but the fertilization window is likely the 6 days sandwiched around ovulation.
The fertilized egg then implants into the uterine wall around days 22 to 26 of your cycle. If your body follows a 28-day menstrual cycle, you wont get your period until after day 28.
So, if youre bleeding earlier and lighter than normal, theres a good chance its implantation bleeding, not your period.
Why Spotting Between Periods Happens And When To Be Concerned
Bleeding or spotting between regular monthly periods can be alarming. When this happens, you may see just a spot or two of blood on your underwear or toilet tissue, or you may be bleeding as if youve started your period.
I often get questions about spotting between periods from my patients. While most of the time spotting isnt anything to worry about, it can point to a more serious issue that might need treatment.
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You Are Taking Certain Drugs Such As Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are drugs that help prevent your blood from clotting or prevent existing clots from growing. These drugs help keep clots from forming in your heart, veins, or arteries. These drugs should only be taken if advised by your doctor. While anticoagulants help with clotting, one side effect is spotting before your period or bleeding more than normal on your period.
Also medications like phenothiazides, which are antipsychotic tranquilizers and tricyclic antidepressants which affect serotonin uptake can as well result to spotting. Spotting is also common in women who are taking corticosteroids medications. Taking blood thinning medications like Heparin, Warfarin or Aspirin also result to spotting.
Spotting At 10 Weeks Pregnant: Is It Normal
While it is natural to feel concerned, there is no need to panic. Spotting or light bleeding is quite common in pregnancy, especially in the first few weeks of pregnancy. You need to know that spotting means that you only notice a few drops of blood in your underwear it is usually not enough to cover a panty liner. Anything heavier than this should be evaluated by your doctor. However, spotting in most cases is nothing to worry about in fact, more than 20% of pregnant women experience it during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Common Causes of Spotting at 10 Weeks Pregnant
- Implantation Bleeding: It is a common cause of spotting in the first trimester and is the result of the fertilized egg attaching itself to the uterine lining. This may lead to a few days of bleeding, but is usually nothing serious. Many women take it as pending period, as the implantation bleeding occurs when most women do not know that they are already pregnant.
- Cervical Polyps: A cervical polyp is a harmless growth on your cervix that may rupture and bleed due to a number of reasons. With estrogen levels increasing in the first trimester, there is a high possibility that these polyps can bleed. You may also notice some bleeding when you engage in sexual intercourse or go for a gynecological exam.
Some Serious Causes of Spotting at 10 Weeks Pregnant
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How To Stop Spotting After Period
While bleeding isnt necessarily normal after a period ends, its not usually a cause for concern. It is quite common to spot in-between periods. But, how do you make your spotting stop? Aside from keeping your general health in check and taking care of any existing medical conditions, theres not much you can do to stop spotting on your own after your period. If you are spotting, consult with a doctor about what can be done to stop spotting after your period.
Normal vaginal bleeding occurs each month during a womans menstrual period. During different stages of your life, you may experience different levels of vaginal bleeding. Basically, bleeding between menstrual cycles refers to vaginal bleeding that occurs after your period. Blood loss afer a menstrual cycle can be light, heavy, or both.
You may ask, If I have already had my period, why am I spotting? A number of things can cause blood spotting after the period is over. It may be due to changes in your hormone levels, the use of hormonal contraception or contraceptive devices, an infection, or an injury.
Why Am I Spotting A Week After My Period
You may already have had a period, but spotting could happen if the uterus hasnt been able to flush out all the unused lining during your menstrual cycle. It isnt necessary to be concerned unless your period starts again shortly after it ends.
Hormonal changes, injury, or an underlying health condition may be reasons for bleeding between periods. Additionally, spotting or bleeding before or after your period can be caused by oral medication, sexually transmitted infections , and PCOS. Less commonly, spotting can be caused by an ectopic pregnancy or cancer.
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When Should You Take A Pregnancy Test
Its usually recommended that you take a pregnancy test after youve missed your period. This is because pregnancy tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotrophin in your body, which is a hormone that starts to build up when you conceive. It can take around three to four weeks from the first day of your last period for there to be enough hCG in your body to show up on a test.
Can You Feel Pregnant Before You Miss Your Period
Yes, you can feel pregnant before you miss your period. Some people say theyve felt pregnancy symptoms within a week of conception .
Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and not be pregnant?
Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy overlap with other medical conditions, as well as your typical menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms can be very similar to pregnancy symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell the difference. You can also miss a period and not be pregnant. This can happen when you lose or gain a lot of weight or are stressed. Breastfeeding can also cause your period to stop.
The best way to know youre pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription.
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Reasons Not To Ignore Spotting After Period
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health
When the menstrual period is over, most women expect that any vaginal bleeding will stop until the next period. So, you may be worried if you have noticed signs of spotting after your period has ended. Thankfully, noticing some pink or brown spots on your underwear or having light vaginal bleeding a week or more after your period isnt usually anything to worry about.
Spotting after a period can happen because of using some birth control methods, it could be the first sign of pregnancy , or it could be just the normal part of your menstrual cycle when ovulation happens. Even stress has been connected with spotting between periods. Depending on the cause of the spotting, you may also experience vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, pelvic discomfort, or cramping.
Because bleeding after your period has ended is classed as abnormal vaginal bleeding, doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend seeing a doctor or gynecologist for a checkup.1 This is because spotting between periods could also be a symptom of a more serious medical condition like ovarian cysts, thyroid disease or cancer in the reproductive organs.
If you are concerned about spotting after your period, please read on to find out what could be causing this abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Track Your Cycle In A Journal Or App
Its a really good idea to start tracking your cycle and any other non-period bleeding in a journal or app. This can help you understand the rhythms of your own body and track the likelihood of pregnancy. Remember, everybody has their own cycle and flow and it may be affected by many factors, both internal and external.
When youre tracking, pay attention to spotting, but also other symptoms, including:
- Vaginal discharge
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Breast tenderness
You can even make notes about sudden increases in libido or mood changes. Remember that spotting may be a symptom of many different causes.
If spotting continues, seek medical advice. Have the information you’ve tracked in your diary medically reviewed by your doctor. This will help you speak to your doctor with more certainty and provide them valuable information to help with a diagnosis.
For women trying to get pregnant, tracking their cycle in an app or journal will also help track ovulation and understand the “fertile window”. Your most fertile days are the 5 days leading up to and including ovulation. Having sex during the fertile window gives you the best chance of pregnancy.
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When Should You See A Doctor About A New Pregnancy
If youve taken a pregnancy test and its positive, go ahead and make your first prenatal visit right away. This is also a great time to start looking into educational resources like the myHealthyPregnancy app.
At the first prenatal visit, youll get a physical exam and other tests to make sure everything is looking healthy, and youll learn about the rest of your prenatal appointment schedule. Youll also get to talk through any expectations and questions you have, such as which foods to eat and avoid while pregnant.
Questions or concerns about your symptoms? Our 24/7 nurse line is free for our members and patients.
Positive pregnancy test? Schedule a visit.
Can You Bleed Heavy And Still Be Pregnant
Its best to follow up with your healthcare provider about any unusual uterine bleeding, especially if its on the heavier side or is accompanied by clots. If youre already pregnant and experiencing what seems like implantation bleeding, you may just be experiencing a fairly common symptom in early pregnancy.
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Why Am I Spotting At 10 Weeks Pregnant
It is quite normal to feel concerned when you experience spotting during pregnancy, especially when it occurs early in your pregnancy. In most cases, spotting is no cause for concern. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor to rule out the possibility of something serious. Your doctor will run some tests and perform a physical exam to confirm that you and your baby are healthy.
Spotting For Over A Week After Sex While On Bc
Hi guys! I’m an incredibly anxious person and have a tendency to overthink quite a lot, but I do really need some advice. I’ve been experiencing brown spotting mixed with some blood for well over a week, it started right before I had sex . At first, it was just a little bit of blood mixed with normal discharge, but exactly a week ago it turned brown and hasn’t stopped since. I haven’t skipped any pills and my last period was around the beginning of November, I’ve skipped one period. I don’t experience any other symptoms aside from mild cramping every now and then, but I’m terrified of pregnancy. I can’t take a test yet since it’s not even been two weeks, so I can’t ease that worry. I’ve been taking ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel 0.02/0.10 mg since August, could it just be prolonged breakthrough bleeding?
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Other Menstrual Cycle Related Causes
- Light or Irregular Periods: If your menstrual period is light or irregular, you may experience light bleeding, like spotting, or irregular bleeding, like bleeding in between periods. This can be due to hormonal changes or many other causes.
- Ovulation: When an ovary releases an egg, a tiny follicle ruptures and allows the egg to be released. This can also be a cause of light bleeding or spotting for a day or so.
What Is Normal Menstrual Bleeding
Normal menstrual bleeding lasts for about five to seven days. The average menstrual cycle has about 28 days between periods, but it’s still normal to have a cycle that’s anywhere from 21 to 35 days.
Most people who menstruate get to know their cycles over time. Although it may seem like you are losing a lot of blood, it usually only adds up to around 2 to 3 tablespoons per period.
About 14 days after the start of your period, your ovaries release an egg. This is called ovulation. Some people notice spotting during ovulation, which can be normal. However, you should tell your provider if you notice it.
If the egg is not fertilized, a period starts approximately two weeks after ovulation. During a period, the uterine lining is shed because it’s not needed to support a pregnancy.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
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Changes To Your Hormone Levels
Young women often spot, or bleed very slightly, when they ovulate . It happens about 10 to 14 days after their period and is usually caused by a temporary drop in levels of the hormone oestrogen. This is quite normal.
As well as reduced oestrogen levels, you may also experience other hormonal imbalances, which are completely harmless. This could be as a result of stress, or a recent change of diet.
Girls who have just started their periods and women going through menopause are more likely to have irregular periods, which can be confused with bleeding between periods.
Your doctor may organise a blood test to investigate your hormone levels and will advise you on possible treatments.
Light To Heavy Bleeding Between Periods
More substantial bleeding in between periods may or may not be worrisome:
- Light bleeding: This type of bleeding occurs just before or after your period. It’s not technically spottingit’s considered part of your period.
- Breakthrough bleeding: Breakthrough bleeding happens if you are taking oral contraceptives. This type of bleeding between periods is usually caused by low estrogen levels.
- Abnormal bleeding: Any heavy bleeding that requires the use of a tampon or pad that happens outside of your cycle and is not caused by hormonal birth control pills is abnormal. It is also called abnormal uterine bleeding or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
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What Is Vaginal Bleeding In Early Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding is common in early pregnancy and does not always mean there is a problem. However, bleeding can be a warning sign of a miscarriage.
What are the causes of early bleeding?
There are a number of causes of bleeding in early pregnancy which include:
Spotting or bleeding may occur shortly after conception, this is known as an implantation bleed. It is caused by the fertilised egg embedding itself in the lining of the womb. This bleeding is often mistaken for a period, and it may occur around the time your period is due.
Hormonal bleeding is when some women experience a light bleed at around four to eight weeks of pregnancy, or around the time their period would have been due. This can be very confusing for women who are pregnant and is the reason many women do not realise they are pregnant for a while. Again, it is totally normal. This usually settles around the 13th week of pregnancy as by this time the placenta is sufficiently developed to produce all of the hormones needed to sustain the pregnancy.
After the egg is fertilised, the fertilised egg then goes on to implant itself into the lining of the womb . Sometimes this results in a little bleeding that shows up on an early scan as a haematoma . This is not anything to worry about. When it happens, the woman may notice a small amount of vaginal bleeding, but this is not necessarily the case.
The haematoma will gradually disappear and in most cases, the pregnancy remains safe.
How Is Bleeding Between Periods Treated
If you have not yet discussed your vaginal bleeding with your doctor, its important you make an appointment to do so, as vaginal bleeding cannot be treated without knowing the cause.
If your doctor has diagnosed the cause of your bleeding, you can treat the bleeding by following their advice, such as by taking a course of antibiotics if you have an infection, or by changing to a different form of contraception if the bleeding is caused by the contraception you have been taking. If the bleeding is light and isnt bothering you, and a serious cause of the bleeding has been ruled out, it may not be necessary to do anything at all.
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