For many women, spotting or light bleeding can be a sign of pregnancy. Although not always the case in all pregnancies, this bleeding can occur when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. Implantation bleeding from the start of your period can often be hard to tell apart, but there are some specific signs to look out for, for example, implantation bleeding tends to be much lighter and shorter than menstrual bleeding. In addition, you can also pay attention to the early signs of pregnancy. However, the only way to be sure is to take a pregnancy test and see a doctor.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Watching for Common Symptoms of Implantation Bleeding
Step 1. Observe for bleeding that starts a few days before menstruation
Implantation bleeding usually occurs about 6-12 days after conception. This means that implantation bleeding will occur 1 week before the next menstruation.
Any bleeding that occurs before or after that timeframe is most likely not implantation bleeding, although that doesn't mean it's completely impossible. The time required for implantation may vary
Tip:
if you have regular menstrual cycles, it may be helpful to monitor them. So, you can predict when your next period will start. If you don't know the exact length of your normal menstrual cycle, implantation or early menstrual bleeding can be difficult to tell.
Step 2. Observe the blood pink or brown
At the start of your period, the discharge may be brown or pink, but then turn bright red or dark red after about a day. Meanwhile, implantation bleeding will usually remain brown or pink in color.
- Keep in mind that the color of implantation bleeding may not be the same in all women. In some cases, you may have blood that is a lighter color than the start of your period.
- If you have bright red blood and think you are pregnant, see your doctor immediately. The doctor can help confirm or identify the cause of the bleeding you are experiencing whether it is serious or not.
Step 3. Watch for light bleeding without clots
In most cases, the implantation bleeding will be very light, more like spotting than actual bleeding. Usually, you shouldn't find clots or blood clots in implantation bleeding.
You may experience light, but constant bleeding, or find occasional blood spots on your underwear or on the toilet paper you use to wipe after a bowel movement
Step 4. Note that this bleeding does not last for more than 3 days
The hallmark of implantation bleeding is its short duration, ranging from a few hours to about 3 days. Meanwhile, menstruation usually lasts longer, between 3-7 days (though it can vary from one person to another).
If the bleeding lasts for more than 3 days, even if it is lighter than usual, it may be menstruation
Step 5. Use a pregnancy test a few days after the bleeding stops
Vaginal bleeding can occur due to various things. The best way to determine if you have implantation bleeding is to use a pregnancy test kit. This test is generally best done a few days after the first day of your next scheduled period. So, wait at least 3 days after your bleeding stops before using a pregnancy test.
You can buy a pregnancy test kit at most pharmacies. If you can't afford this kit, visit a local health center that provides free pregnancy tests
Method 2 of 3: Watching for Other Pregnancy Signs
Step 1. Observe mild cramping in the uterus
Implantation bleeding is often accompanied by mild cramping which is usually lighter than during menstruation. These cramps may feel like a dull ache in the lower abdomen, or a stabbing, pulling, or tingling sensation.
If you have sharp pain or severe cramping, and you are not having your period, see your doctor to make sure you are not experiencing a serious illness
Step 2. Pay attention to the size of the breast that is enlarged and easy to the touch
Breast changes are a very common sign in early pregnancy. Around the same time as implantation bleeding, your breasts may also be painful, heavy, or sensitive to touch. Breast size may also appear larger than usual.
In addition to overall pain in the breast, the nipple area may also be much more sensitive to touch
Step 3. Notice if you feel very tired
Another common sign of early pregnancy is fatigue. You may feel very sleepy despite a good night's sleep, or tire more easily and more quickly than usual.
Fatigue in early pregnancy can be very severe, and sometimes make it difficult for you to carry out your usual daily activities
Step 4. Observe for nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite
Although referred to as morning sickness, nausea and lack of appetite during pregnancy does not only occur during the day or night. Although these symptoms usually begin to appear around 1 month of gestation, you can experience them earlier.
- Not everyone experiences these symptoms. So, don't ignore the possibility of pregnancy just because you don't have stomach problems.
- There may be certain foods or smells that can trigger symptoms of nausea in you, or reduce your appetite.
Step 5. Observe mood swings
The brief hormonal changes during early pregnancy can affect how you feel emotionally. If you feel physical symptoms of pregnancy, pay attention to emotional and mental symptoms, such as:
- Mood swings
- Feeling sad or crying for no reason
- Easily angry and anxious
- Difficult to concentrate
Step 6. Watch for headaches or dizziness
The rapid changes in your body in early pregnancy can make you feel unwell and cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Your body temperature may also rise slightly, making you feel like you have a cold or flu.
Do you know?
Nasal congestion is often overlooked as an early symptom of pregnancy. This symptom is caused by increased blood flow in the nasal cavity.
Method 3 of 3: Finding Out the Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice unusual blood spots
Whether you are pregnant or not, you should see your doctor if you experience bleeding outside of your period. Make an appointment with your doctor or obstetrician so they can examine and find out the cause of the bleeding.
In addition to implantation bleeding, vaginal bleeding can be a symptom of a number of other conditions, such as hormonal imbalance, infection, or irritation from sexual intercourse, as well as certain types of cancer
Tip:
While some of the causes of vaginal bleeding between periods can be serious, try not to worry too much. Most cases of light bleeding or spotting are not a cause for concern.
Step 2. Tell your doctor about any other symptoms you are experiencing
When consulting with your doctor, he or she will likely ask you questions about your general health condition, other symptoms you are experiencing, and whether you are sexually active. Provide as much information as possible so that the doctor can give the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Tell your doctor what medicine you are taking. Some medications, such as the contraceptive pill, can cause bleeding or spotting between periods
Step 3. Take a pregnancy test at the doctor's clinic
Even if you have done a home pregnancy test, it's a good idea to have the same test at the doctor's office. This test can help your doctor determine if the cause of your bleeding or other symptoms is pregnancy. Tell your doctor that you suspect you are pregnant or want to take a pregnancy test.
Your doctor may take a urine or blood sample to do a pregnancy test
Step 4. Take any other tests your doctor recommends
If your pregnancy test result is negative, or if your doctor suspects you have other problems, you will be asked to undergo further tests. If so, your doctor will likely perform a physical and pelvic exam to make sure your reproductive organs are healthy. In addition, your doctor may recommend:
- Vaginal smear examination (pap smear) to check for cancer or other abnormalities of the cervix.
- Test for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Blood tests to check for hormonal or endocrine problems such as problems with the thyroid or polycystic ovary syndrome.
