One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is implantation bleeding.
Implantation happens when the fertilized egg implants the uterine wall.
Light bleeding may occur when this happens. Some women may even mistake implantation bleeding for their period.
If you plan to conceive, you may wonder: Is implantation bleeding heavy?
This is a normal part of early pregnancy that many women experience.
If you experience implantation bleeding, it shouldn’t be heavy.
Today, we will discuss how heavy implantation bleeding is and everything else you should know. Read on to learn more.
Is Implantation Bleeding Heavy?
Implantation bleeding doesn’t have a heavy flow like normal period blood. Instead, it’s very light and spotty and looks more like tinted vaginal discharge than menstrual bleeding.
There’s no reason for implantation bleeding to be heavy under any circumstance. Very light bleeding occurs if blood vessels are broken in the uterus when the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall.
If you notice heavy bleeding, it isn’t implantation bleeding and may be due to something else.
If you have already taken a pregnancy test and received a positive reading, the implantation bleeding stage will have passed. When implantation occurs, there isn’t enough pregnancy hormone (HCG) in your system to read positive on a pregnancy test.
If you have already tested positive and are bleeding, it won’t be from implantation.
It is common to experience light spotting during your first trimester. However, heavy bleeding is not a good sign during early pregnancy.
If you experience vaginal bleeding (except for light spotting) during the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy, you must see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
You should seek emergency medical care for pains, cramping, dizziness, or bleeding.
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be a cause for concern. Since implantation bleeding isn’t heavy, any heavy bleeding can be due to one of the following reasons.
- Infection
- Molar pregnancy
- Pregnancy loss
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Subchorionic hematoma
When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Implantation bleeding will likely occur before you take a pregnancy test.
Most women experience implantation bleeding 6 to 12 days after ovulation. It takes place around the same time as a women’s menstrual period, which is why some women mistake implantation bleeding for menstrual blood.
Why Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?
To understand why implantation bleeding happens, we must explain how it occurs.
When women ovulate, their ovaries will release an egg. This egg needs to be fertilized with sperm within 24 hours, or else it will die off and leave the body during the next menstrual period.
If the egg is fertilized, it becomes an embryo and travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus.
Once it reaches the uterus, the fertilized egg implants onto the uterine wall. From here, it will develop into a fetus.
The uterus is filled with blood vessels and tissue. When the fertilized egg enters the uterus, it breaks some tissues and blood vessels. This is what causes the spotting to occur.
How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?
Every woman will have a different experience with implantation bleeding.
It’s generally very short compared to the length of a period.
Some women will only experience implantation bleeding for a few hours, while others may have light bleeding or spotting for an average of 2 to 3 days.
While it’s rare, there have been women that experience up to a week of light spotting.
If you are spotting but still feel like your normal self, then this typically isn’t anything to worry about.
However, you should consult your healthcare provider if you experience a week of spotting or light bleeding with pain, nausea, or dizziness.
Does Implantation Bleeding Mean That I’m Pregnant?
There are several reasons why light bleeding can occur. While implantation bleeding is usually an early pregnancy sign, it doesn’t guarantee you have conceived.
The only way to know if you’re pregnant is by seeing a positive pregnancy test.
You may wonder if implantation bleeding is your clue to taking a pregnancy test.
Always wait until after the date of your missed period to take a pregnancy test. This is because you will want to wait long enough for your body to produce enough HCG for the test to read.
If you don’t want to wait, you can arrange a pregnancy blood test at the doctor’s office as early as ten days after ovulation.
Blood tests can show accurate results sooner than home pregnancy tests.
Telling The Difference Between Implantation Bleeding and Period Bleeding
Women who experience light or irregular periods may confuse implantation bleeding with their normal period.
You likely won’t have any difficulty telling the difference if you usually have a heavy period. Here are some key ways to spot the difference between implantation bleeding and menstrual blood.
- Color- menstrual blood is bright red to dark red; implantation bleeding is much lighter in color. It can range from light pink to rusty brown.
- Clotting- implantation bleeding won’t contain any clotting, while period blood could.
- Thickness- period blood has a thick consistency.
- Protection- most women need maxi pads or tampons to absorb their menstrual period; a panty liner or leakproof underwear is enough protection for implantation bleeding.
- Flow- period starts heavy then gets light; implantation bleeding is very light. It spots instead of flows.
- Length- periods could last as long as a week; implantation bleeding rarely lasts longer than three days.
Other Signs of Implantation Bleeding
You may experience early pregnancy symptoms along with implantation bleeding.
A lot of women notice these symptoms are similar to PMS. That is another reason why it’s not uncommon for some women to mistake implantation for their menstrual cycle.
Other signs of early pregnancy, along with implantation bleeding, include:
- Mild cramping, similar to PMS cramps but not as intense
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Sore nipples
- Dark areolas
- Headache
- Bloating
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood
Other Reasons You May Be Bleeding
Not all vaginal bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy or your menstrual cycle.
Let’s take a look at some of the other reasons why bleeding may occur.
1. Birth Control Pills
Irregular vaginal bleeding is normal for women who take birth control pills. During your first 3 to 6 months of taking a new type of birth control, you may experience light spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods.
2. Infection
Bleeding can also be a sign of infection. Certain types of infections can lead to vaginal bleeding.
If you use an IUD for birth control, you’re at a higher risk of infection because the device can trap bacteria.
A sexually transmitted infection is another reason a woman can experience vaginal bleeding.
You should contact a healthcare provider if you believe you have an infection.
Infections can be treated with antibiotics. If they are left untreated, they can cause worse problems.
3. Bleeding Disorder
Heavy bleeding can also be a sign of a bleeding disorder.
Conditions like subchorionic hematoma and von Willebrand disease can lead to irregular bleeding.
Subchorionic hematoma is a risk for women 10 to 12 weeks into pregnancy. This condition will need to be treated by a healthcare provider.
4. Issues With The Uterus
Several conditions with the uterus can lead to irregular heavy bleeding.
This includes:
- Polyps
- Fibroids
- Cancer
If there is an overgrowth of cells in your uterus, it can lead to polyps. These polyps can cause vaginal bleeding when you experience hormonal changes.
Fibroids are growths in the uterine. However, they aren’t cancerous.
While uterine cancer is a cause of irregular vaginal bleeding, it’s also very rare.
When To Consult A Doctor (Spotting vs. Heavy Bleeding)
If you can rule out that heavy bleeding is not your menstrual period, you should consult your healthcare provider asap.
Implantation bleeding is very light in color and consistency. It won’t last for very long, either.
Heavy bleeding is generally a sign of something else.
Even after implantation bleeding, you may experience occasional spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
Very light bleeding is common. However, if you notice any of the following signs along with the spotting/bleeding, make sure you contact a doctor:
- Dizziness
- Severe cramping
- Pelvic pain
- Abdominal pain
Final Words
Implantation bleeding isn’t heavy.
Most women experience normal spotting or very light bleeding. They don’t need a pad or tampon to manage the flow.
If you experience heavy bleeding early during pregnancy, it is likely due to another reason.
Always contact a doctor because irregular bleeding during pregnancy is usually a reason to be concerned.
Do you have any more questions about how implantation bleeding occurs? Let us know in the comments below.