Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs a woman is pregnant and occurs several days after conception. The bleeding appears when the fertilized egg travels from the fallopian tubes and attaches to the uterine wall. About 30 percent of women experience this early sign of pregnancy. Some women may confuse implantation bleeding with their menstrual cycle; however, the length and color of the bleeding are very different.
Time
Implantation bleeding occurs between 6 and 12 days after conception. The length of bleeding various from woman to woman. While one woman may experience one small episode of spotting another may experience spotting for 2 days or slightly longer. Some women may confuse the bleeding with their menstrual period as it occurs several days before the expected new menstrual cycle to begin. It is too early to take a pregnancy test if implantation bleeding is occurring. Take a pregnancy test 10 days or more after ovulation.
Color
Implantation bleeding develops light pink or dark brown blood released through the cervix and vagina. The blood may be mixed with vaginal discharge. The blood is scant enough where only a panty liner is necessary. The American Pregnancy Association encourages women to avoid tampons. Wearing a panty liner allows a woman to identify the color and amount of bleeding.
Cramps
Abdominal cramping occasionally occurs for some women alongside implantation bleeding. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cramps feel similar to those felt during menstruation. Stronger cramps felt in the lower abdominal region may be signs of a miscarriage and not implantation bleeding; the cramps are stronger than a menstrual period.
