Some people notice light bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy, around the time a fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Because it often happens close to when a period is due, it is easy to confuse the two.
When does implantation bleeding happen?
Implantation usually happens 6 to 12 days after ovulation, so any bleeding tends to appear a few days before, or around, the date your period is due. Not everyone has it: many people have no bleeding at all.
Key differences
- Colour: implantation bleeding is usually light pink or brown. A period is usually bright or dark red.
- Flow: implantation bleeding is spotting or very light, often only noticed when wiping. A period usually gets heavier and needs a pad or tampon.
- Length: implantation bleeding lasts from a few hours to about two days. A period usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
- Clots: implantation bleeding does not contain clots.
- Cramps: any cramps with implantation tend to be mild.
How to know for sure
You cannot tell for certain from the bleeding alone. Take a pregnancy test from the day your period was due, or a few days after the bleeding stops.
When to get help
Contact a doctor straight away if you have a positive test and heavy bleeding, severe tummy pain, pain in your shoulder tip, or feel faint. Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and often harmless, but it should always be checked.
Estimate your implantation window with our Implantation Calculator, then find your best test day.