What is the difference between implantation and period

This results in implantation bleeding, which might be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. But here's the frustrating part: The blood that's released is nearly indistinguishable from normal spotting or breakthrough bleeding that can occur mid-cycle—especially in women who are on birth control pills or have polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS. The only surefire way to tell the difference is taking a pregnancy test. That said, certain symptoms can offer hints that you could be experiencing implantation bleeding.

Here, experts share what you need to know. Some experts claim spotting that starts off brown or wine-colored and becomes a brighter red is most likely the start of your period. But George Patounakis, M. If you want to determine whether you have implantation bleeding or your period, you should pay attention to the following three symptoms instead. Vyas says that cramping associated with implantation, while sometimes intense, doesn't typically last as long as it would during a menstrual cycle.

But Dr. When you should and shouldn't worry during your pregnancy Often seen as a time of bump-patting, nursery-decorating and eager anticipation, pregnancy can a When you should and shouldn't worry during your pregnancy.

Should you worry about pelvic pain in pregnancy? Does mindfulness help during pregnancy and delivery? What behaviour changes should you expect during pregnancy? Read next. What your pregnancy cravings could mean. Review: High-street pregnancy tests. Are you protected against flu? Related Information When you should and shouldn't worry during your pregnancy Should you worry about pelvic pain in pregnancy?

Epilepsy and Pregnancy. What to do if you miss alcohol during pregnancy. Quiz: Am I pregnant? Join the discussion on the forums. Health Tools Feeling unwell? Assess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker. If the pregnancy test is positive, the next step is to make an appointment with a doctor. The doctor can confirm whether the home test is correct. Anyone who already knows they are pregnant and is experiencing heavy bleeding or cramping should speak to a doctor.

These symptoms may indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Sometimes, individuals who are not pregnant may experience painful cramping or bleeding in between periods. If this occurs, it is a good idea to discuss the issue with a doctor. Implantation cramping and light bleeding may be an early sign of pregnancy.

It is easy to mistake these symptoms as menstrual cramping or light bleeding. For this reason, it is important to recognize the other early signs of pregnancy. However, these symptoms alone do not prove a pregnancy. Taking a home pregnancy test and having the results verified by a doctor is the best way to confirm pregnancy.

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, individuals can consider the option of continuing with the pregnancy. A person can discuss all options with a doctor. While an impending pregnancy can be associated with feelings of excitement or anxiety, it is often accompanied by harmless bleeding that can cause…. Menstruation is a natural effect of the production of an egg in the ovaries. It can cause a range of effects across the body and its systems.

Periods start when girls are 12 or 14 or as young as 8 or up to 16 years old. They continue until the menopause in midlife, and all women experience…. A person may also notice early pregnancy symptoms alongside implantation bleeding. These may include:. However, some people may not have implantation bleeding at all, just as they may not have many, if any, noticeable early pregnancy symptoms. Learn more about the early symptoms of pregnancy here.

If a person has very regular periods, and implantation bleeding occurs about 2 weeks after fertilization, the bleeding may initially seem like the start of a period. However, there are some key differences. These include the following:. If someone is unsure whether their bleeding is pregnancy-related or a period, they can take a home pregnancy test. These tests detect the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin hCG hormone.

The body starts to make hCG once the fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus. Therefore, the production of this hormone will begin just after the time when implantation bleeding might occur.

While home pregnancy tests have become increasingly sensitive to hCG, waiting until the first day after a missed period is likely to yield a more accurate result.

Learn about how and when to take a pregnancy test here. Implantation bleeding occurs during the first trimester , usually about 1—2 weeks after a sperm fertilizes an egg. The following is a typical fertilization cycle timeline :.