Implantation bleeding: what it looks like and when

Quick answer

Implantation bleeding is light pink or brown spotting that can happen when a fertilised egg attaches to the womb lining, usually 6 to 12 days after ovulation, around when your period is due. It is lighter and shorter than a period, with no clots. Many pregnant people never have it, and only a test can confirm pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding is light pink or brown spotting, usually 6 to 12 days after ovulation.

It is lighter and shorter than a period, without clots, and many pregnant people never have it.

Only a pregnancy test can tell; most work from the first day of a missed period.

Implantation bleeding is light spotting that some people notice when a fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the womb. It usually happens around the time your period would be due, so it is easy to mistake for a light period. Many people who are pregnant never notice it at all.

When does implantation bleeding happen?

Implantation usually happens 6 to 12 days after ovulation. In a well-known study of 189 pregnancies, most implanted 8 to 10 days after ovulation (Wilcox et al., NEJM, 1999). In a 28-day cycle that is roughly days 22 to 26, a few days before your period is due.

Implantation bleeding vs a period: what is the difference?

Typical differences (everyone varies)
	Implantation bleeding	Period
Timing	A few days before your period is due	When your period is due
Colour	Pink or brown	Starts pink or brown, then red
Amount	Spotting: a few drops or streaks	Gets heavier, needs a pad, tampon or cup
Clots	No	Can have small clots
How long	Hours to about 2 days	Usually 2 to 7 days
Pain	None or mild twinges	Cramps are common

Colour and amount alone can’t confirm pregnancy. A pregnancy test can.

When should I take a pregnancy test after spotting?

Most pregnancy tests work from the first day of your missed period. Testing earlier can give a false negative because there is not yet enough hCG in your urine. If you test early and it is negative but your period still does not come, test again a few days later.

What else can cause spotting before a period?

Hormonal contraception, especially in the first few months.
The start of your period arriving gently.
Ovulation spotting, earlier in the cycle.
Irritation after sex or a smear test.
Infections such as chlamydia, which need checking.

Questions people ask

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Usually from a few hours to about two days. Bleeding that gets heavier, turns red and lasts several days is more likely to be a period.

Can I take a pregnancy test during implantation bleeding?

You can, but it may be too early to show positive. Most tests are reliable from the first day of a missed period; if an early test is negative and your period does not come, test again in a few days.

What colour is implantation bleeding?

Usually light pink or brown, rather than the bright or dark red of a period.