Trying to conceive a baby can be exciting or anxiety-inducing, depending on when you are on your journey and how long it’s been. You may be looking out for implantation bleeding with some anticipation or surprised to discover it around the day you expect your period. Either way, we hope learning a bit more about when and why it happens will make you feel calmer and more confident when you see it or when asking your doctor the right questions.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is blood spotting from the vagina that happens in very early pregnancy. It is usually pink or brown and appears much lighter than your period.

Why does implantation bleeding happen?

Seven to nine days after ovulation, a successfully fertilised embryo (or blastocyst) enters the uterine cavity and starts to implant. The disruption this causes ruptures blood vessels in the uterine lining, causing blood spots to appear in your underwear.

What does implantation feel like?

You cannot physically feel the implantation, but the rise in progesterone that follows comes with symptoms similar to the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. These include breast tenderness, fatigue, constipation, headaches, mood changes, and increased sensitivity to smell and taste. Not everyone will have them. It’s important to remember that the symptoms of implantation bleeding are also common to PMT, so don’t worry if you experience them and don’t see implantation bleeding.

How long will implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding can last a few hours or a few days.

What if I don’t have implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding does not happen in every pregnancy. Implantation bleeding isn’t that common; only 25% to 30% of women will experience it. It is not a bad sign for your pregnancy if implantation bleeding doesn’t happen to you. It is important to have any unusual vaginal bleeding checked out, as it could also be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

How do I tell the difference between implantation bleeding and my period starting?

Implantation bleeding will typically be much lighter than your period. There won’t be any clots, which some women experience during their periods, and the colour will likely be faint pink or brown, compared with the bright or deep red of menstrual blood. We realise this can be upsetting if you’re trying for a baby and would much rather your menstruation blood be a sign implantation has occurred. You can learn more about supporting preconception naturally or through fertility testing and treatments on Unii’s Preconception Journey video course with Dr. Shree Datta.

Should I take a pregnancy test when I see implantation bleeding?

Pregnancy tests measure HCG, or human growth hormone. After successful implantation, the amount of hcG starts to increase, doubling each day after it happens. Implantation bleeding usually happens around the time you expect your period, and, given that a missed period is a strong sign of pregnancy, you may like to give a pregnancy test a try. Some tests could be sensitive enough to react to your increased hcG this early. If it’s negative and you still feel you may be pregnant, try again in three days.

You can learn more about what to look out for when you're trying to conceive a baby from Unii's Preconception Journey with Dr. Shree Datta.

What is implantation bleeding?

Unii looks at this blood spotting in early pregnancy, what's normal, and when to speak to a doctor.