A slight spotting or small blood loss can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. While this does not necessarily happen with every pregnancy, this bleeding can occur when a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine wall, as some small blood vessels rupture. It is often difficult to distinguish implantation bleeding from the start of the menstrual cycle, but there are indicative differences that you can pay attention to. For example, implantation losses tend to be much lighter and shorter in duration than menstrual bleeding. You can also check if you have any other symptoms associated with pregnancy. However, the only sure way to know for sure if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test and see a doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Most Common Symptoms of Implant Leaks
Step 1. Check to see if bleeding starts a few days before your next period is due
Implantation blood loss typically occurs 6-12 days after conception; usually this means that they occur within a week before the date the next cycle should start.
If the bleeding occurs before or after that window of time, it is less likely to be due to implantation of an egg, but not impossible. The time it takes for implantation to take place can vary
Suggestion:
if you have regular menstrual cycles, it is helpful to keep track of them so you know when the next one is likely to start. If you're not sure how long your cycle is, it can be more difficult to tell if it's an implantation leak or the start of your period.
Step 2. Check if the leaks are pink or brown in color
Menstruation may begin with brownish or pinkish discharge, but typically become a dark red or bright stream within a day or so. Implant losses usually remain brown or pink.
- Keep in mind, though, that implantation bleeding is not always the same for all women. In some cases, bright red blood may be found, which is more like the beginning of menstrual flow.
- If there is bright red bleeding and you know or suspect that you are pregnant, see a doctor as soon as possible. It can help you identify or rule out any serious causes of the bleeding.
Step 3. Check for a light, clot-free stream
In most cases, implantation losses are small, more like spotting than actual bleeding, and there should be no blood clot or clot.
You may notice steady but weak blood flow, or you may only see occasional blood marks on your underwear or toilet paper when you clean yourself
Step 4. Notice if the bleeding lasts no longer than 3 days
Another typical feature of implantation losses is that they last for a relatively short time, from a few hours to a maximum of 3 days. Menstruation usually lasts a little longer, on average 3-7 days (although it can vary a lot from person to person).
If the bleeding lasts more than three days, it may still be your menstrual cycle, even if it is lighter than usual
Step 5. Take a home pregnancy test a few days after the bleeding stops
Vaginal bleeding can have many different causes. The best way to be sure you've actually had implantation leaks is to take a home pregnancy test. Most of these tests work best if done a few days after your period is due, so wait at least three days after your bleeding has stopped before doing one.
You can purchase a DIY pregnancy test at most drugstores. If you can't afford to buy one, look for a clinic near you that offers free pregnancy tests
Part 2 of 3: Check for Other Pregnancy Symptoms
Step 1. Notice if you have mild uterine cramps
Implantation blood loss is often accompanied by mild cramps, usually less severe than those normally experienced with menstruation. You may feel dull pain in your lower abdomen or feel a feeling of tension or discomfort.
If you are experiencing sharp pains or intense cramps and are not menstruating, see your doctor to rule out any serious underlying causes
Step 2. Check if your breasts are swollen and tender
Women typically experience breast changes in the early stages of pregnancy. Around the same time that implantation leaks occur, your breasts may be sore, heavy, swollen, or sensitive to the touch. It may even look bigger than usual.
You may notice that the nipples are also unusually sensitive
Step 3. Notice if you feel more tired than usual
Another common early symptom of pregnancy is fatigue. You may feel very sleepy even after a good night's rest or realize that you tire more quickly and easily than normal.
The feeling of fatigue can be very strong: it sometimes makes it difficult to work or perform other normal daily activities
Step 4. See if you experience nausea, vomiting or changes in appetite
Although commonly referred to as "morning sickness," the feeling of nausea and food aversions are not limited to any time of day or night. These symptoms usually appear after the first month of pregnancy, but you may notice them earlier as well.
- Not everyone has these symptoms, so don't rule out pregnancy just because you don't have an upset stomach.
- You may find that certain foods or smells make you sick or your appetite has reduced.
Step 5. Pay attention to mood changes
The rapid hormonal changes that occur in early pregnancy can affect how you feel emotionally. If you notice physical symptoms of pregnancy, keep an eye out for emotional and mental ones as well, such as:
- Mood swings
- Unexplained sadness or tears;
- Irritability and anxiety;
- Difficulty concentrating.
Step 6. Notice if you have a headache or dizziness
The rapid changes in your body in early pregnancy can make you feel unwell overall, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or fainting. You may also have a slightly elevated body temperature, which can give you the impression that you are battling the onset of a cold or flu.
Did you know that?
Nasal congestion is an often overlooked pregnancy symptom. It is caused by the increased blood supply in the nasal cavities.
Part 3 of 3: Contact the Doctor
Step 1. Make an appointment with your doctor if unusual spotting appears
Regardless of whether the pregnancy test came back positive, it is important to see a doctor if you are bleeding outside of your period. Make an appointment with your primary care physician or gynecologist so they can see you and investigate the possible cause of the bleeding.
- In addition to the implantation of the egg, vaginal bleeding can indicate a number of other problems, such as a hormonal imbalance, an infection, irritation following sexual intercourse, or certain types of cancer.
- It is especially important to see your doctor if the bleeding is heavy and you know you are pregnant. Try not to worry, because something is not necessarily wrong.
Suggestion:
While some causes of vaginal bleeding between periods can be serious, try not to worry. In most cases, slight spotting is not a cause for concern.
Step 2. Report any other symptoms you are experiencing
When you see your doctor, he will likely ask you questions about your general health, any other symptoms you have noticed, and whether you are sexually active at the moment. Provide as much information as possible so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Some medications, such as birth control pills, can cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting
Step 3. Request a pregnancy test
Even if you have already done a domestic one, it is advisable to carry out specific analyzes; they will be used to rule out or confirm that the cause of the bleeding or other symptoms is pregnancy. Tell your doctor that you think you are pregnant and would like to make sure.
You can check if you are pregnant by analyzing a urine or blood sample
Step 4. Agree to additional tests recommended by your doctor
If the test comes back negative or your doctor suspects there may be some other problem, they may want to run further tests. Either way, he'll likely want you to have a full gynecological examination to make sure your reproductive organs are healthy. Additionally, he might recommend:
- A Pap smear to rule out the presence of cancer or other abnormalities in the cervix
- Testing for sexually transmitted diseases;
- Blood tests to check if you have hormonal or endocrine disorders, for example thyroid disease or polycystic ovary syndrome.
