# Implantation bleeding: what it looks like and when

> Light spotting around the time your period is due, and how to tell it from a period.

Category: Fertility & TTC · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/implantation-bleeding

## 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](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/implantation-bleeding) is light [spotting](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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](https://splash.care/tools/period-calculator), so it is easy to mistake for a light period. Many people who are [pregnant](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) never notice it at all.

## When does implantation bleeding happen?

Implantation usually happens 6 to 12 days after [ovulation](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ovulation). In a well-known study of 189 pregnancies, most implanted 8 to 10 days after [ovulation](https://splash.care/learn/phases/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?

Table: 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](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/late-period). Testing earlier can give a false negative because there is not yet enough [hCG](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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](https://splash.care/learn/contraception/methods-overview), 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.

> **Splash says:** log it as spotting, not as day 1. If a full period follows, Splash will count from the first proper bleed.

### When to see a doctor

Bleeding in pregnancy is common and often harmless, but always tell your GP or midwife. Get urgent help (call NHS 111 or 999, or 911 in the US) if you have a missed period or positive test with tummy or pelvic pain on one side, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or heavy bleeding, as these can be signs of ectopic pregnancy.

## 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.

## Sources

1. [Wilcox AJ, Baird DD, Weinberg CR. Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy. NEJM, 1999](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199906103402304)
2. [NHS: Signs and symptoms of pregnancy](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/signs-and-symptoms-of-pregnancy/)
3. [NHS: Doing a pregnancy test](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/doing-a-pregnancy-test/)
4. [ACOG: Bleeding during pregnancy](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/bleeding-during-pregnancy)
5. [NHS: Ectopic pregnancy](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/)
6. [NHS: Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-bleeding-between-periods-or-after-sex/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).