Implantation bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy and is experienced by around a third of pregnant women. Since it does not occur in all pregnancies and has many similarities with the period, it is possible to confuse the two.
It can also cause concern in the pregnant woman if she is already aware of her condition and has implantation bleeding. For all this, it is advisable to know what it is, how to identify it and differentiate it with respect to the period.
From the American Pregnancy Association they explain that when the fertilized egg attaches to the inner lining of the uterus, implantation bleeding can occur. The movement of the egg can break some blood vessels within the wall of the uterus, causing light bleeding or spotting.
It should be noted that implantation bleeding is a normal process that does not need to be worried or requires medical attention. Experts from the American Pregnancy Association note that implantation bleeding occurs approximately ten days to two weeks after ovulation, while menstruation occurs approximately 11 to 14 days after ovulation.
This temporal proximity, together with the similarities in their appearance, cause some women to interpret implantation bleeding as their period having come early. However, they entail some differences that will help to distinguish them.
Implantation bleeding may be accompanied by certain symptoms that are also common in premenstrual syndrome or ovulation, such as cramps or cramps, which are usually weaker than during the period. Also mood swings, headache, nausea, breast tenderness, and lower back pain.
It differs from menstruation in that the color of implantation bleeding is typically a light pink, dark brown, or rusty red, while menstruation tends to be bright red or dark red. Another nuance to distinguish them is that implantation bleeding does not present clots, which are present during menstruation for many women.
On the other hand, while periods last between three and seven days, implantation bleeding can last from a couple of hours to three days. Likewise, they differ in their quantity. In the case of menstruation it is more abundant, while implantation bleeding is a small vaginal secretion or light flow.
