During the time many people are waiting to see if they are pregnant, sometimes there is bleeding that causes confusion whether the bleeding is a period or implantation bleeding indicating pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is the blood that comes from the process of a fertilized egg implanting in the uterine lining, usually occurring during weeks 4–6 of pregnancy. It has characteristics different from the period we are familiar with as follows:
- Implantation bleeding is usually light, only a small amount, possibly just staining underwear or a sanitary pad a day is enough.
- Color of the blood is usually light brown, pink, or pale red, not dark or bright like a period.
- Nature of the bleeding is not clotted, does not continue for many days, and usually does not come with abdominal pain.
- Duration lasts only 1–3 days and then stops on its own, unlike a period which usually lasts 3–7 days.
- Timing usually occurs around the time a period is expected or slightly before, which causes many people to misunderstand.
What should you do?
If you have unprotected sex and notice bleeding that is not like a period as described, do not rush to conclude that you are not pregnant because implantation bleeding can occur during this time. The best course of action is to:
- Wait to take a pregnancy test at least 14 days after having sex.
- If the test result is still unclear or you see a faint second line, you should retest in 2–3 days.
- And if you want clarity, you can consult a team of experts to assess the symptoms and recommend the next steps.
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