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 differs 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 stops on its own, unlike a period which usually lasts 3–7 days.
- Timing often coincides with when the period should come 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 with a team of experts to assess the symptoms and recommend the next steps.
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