How many days do you spot when pregnant

How Long Does Spotting Last? Implantation, Pregnancy, and More

Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Jacquelyn Cafasso — Updated on July 11, 2019

Overview

Spotting is the term used for very light vaginal bleeding that isn’t your regular menstrual period. It’s often described as just a few drops of blood that isn’t heavy enough for you to need a pad, tampon, or menstrual cup.

Bleeding outside your period can be really alarming, but most of the time it’s nothing to worry about. There are several reasons why a woman might experience spotting. Spotting can be an early symptom of pregnancy, a side effect of birth control, or a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

The amount of time the spotting lasts depends on the cause.

Between 10 and 14 days after you conceive, the fertilized egg — now called a blastocyst — implants itself into the lining of the uterus. The implantation can irritate and move the lining, which can cause spotting. This is usually referred to as implantation bleeding. Only about a third of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding after they get pregnant, but it’s considered a normal symptom of pregnancy.

In most cases, implantation spotting only lasts from a few hours to a couple days, but some women report having implantation spotting for up to seven days.

You may experience some light cramping and soreness during implantation. For this reason, women often mistake implantation spotting for their regular period. However, implantation spotting typically won’t last as long as a normal period. Bleeding from implantation also doesn’t get heavier like a regular period.

Implantation spotting will stop on its own and doesn’t require treatment. You’ll likely develop other early pregnancy symptoms, likely nausea, sore breasts, and fatigue, shortly after implantation.

About half of all pregnant women experience a small amount of bleeding during pregnancy. While spotting can occur at any stage of pregnancy, it occurs most often in the first trimester (weeks 1 through 12).

Early pregnancy spotting

Spotting during early pregnancy usually isn’t serious. Most women who experience light bleeding during pregnancy go on to deliver healthy babies.

However, spotting could also be a sign of a miscarriage. Miscarriages occur in roughly 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies. If this is the case, the spotting may get heavier and you may also pass fluid and tissue from the vagina. The bleeding may last just a few hours, or up to two weeks.

Sometimes during a miscarriage, the embryo is absorbed into your body. In this case, you may not have a lot of bleeding at all. Following a miscarriage, you should start having regular periods again in three to six weeks.

Spotting during the first trimester could also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Bleeding can occur if the fallopian tube ruptures. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and must be removed with medication or surgery.

Late pregnancy spotting

In the second or third trimester, spotting could indicate a problem with the cervix or placenta, such as an incompetent cervix, infection, or a placental abruption.

You may also experience some light spotting if you have sex while you’re pregnant. Spotting after sex typically only lasts a few hours.

Right before giving birth, you might also have some light spotting, often mixed with mucous. This could be a sign that labor is starting.

A small percentage of women have light spotting every month at the same time they ovulate. Ovulation is when a woman’s ovary releases a mature egg. It occurs roughly 11 to 21 days after the first day of your last period. Ovulation spotting usually only lasts a day or two at the same time as ovulation.

As a reminder, any type of hormonal birth control (like the pill, implants, or injections) prevents normal ovulation symptoms. You shouldn’t be experiencing ovulation spotting if you’re on any of these methods of birth control.

Some forms of birth control (contraception) increase the likelihood of experiencing spotting. This is also known as breakthrough bleeding.

Some women experience spotting on and off for the first couple months after getting an IUD, implant, contraceptive shot, or after beginning birth control pills. The spotting will most likely stop after the first two or three months after starting on birth control. If it continues for longer than that, see your doctor.

Spotting after sex, also known as postcoital bleeding, is fairly uncommon and usually not serious.

Spotting after sex can be caused by vaginal dryness, infections, vaginal tearing, rough sex, uterine fibroids, or cervical polyps. While not as common, spotting after sex could also be a symptom of cervical cancer.

Minor spotting or bleeding often goes away within an hour or two after sex.

If there’s a chance you may be pregnant and you experience spotting before your next period, it may be a good idea to take a pregnancy test.

If you know you’re already pregnant and you experience any amount of spotting, you should see your doctor or OB-GYN right away. While not all bleeding is a sign of complications, your doctor will likely want to rule out potentially dangerous causes of spotting in pregnancy, including cervical polyps, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage.

For those taking birth control, spotting will usually go away over time, but if it becomes a nuisance or gets heavier, see your doctor. You may need to change your birth control prescription to a different type.

Contact a doctor if:

you experience bleeding after menopause
you observe vaginal bleeding in a child before the onset of menstruation
you have heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks a pad in less than an hour

You should also see a doctor if you have vaginal bleeding with additional symptoms, including:

fever or chills
vomiting
dizziness
vaginal discharge
vaginal itching
increased pelvic pain
fluid or tissue coming from the vagina
painful intercourse
painful or burning urination

If you have minor spotting or bleeding that goes away quickly, you probably don’t need to see a doctor, but if you’re concerned or worried or you experience spotting all the time, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor to share your concerns.

Last medically reviewed on June 13, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding. (2018).
health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/abnormal-vaginal-bleeding
Bleeding and spotting from the vagina during pregnancy. (2014).
marchofdimes.org/complications/bleeding-and-spotting-from-the-vagina-during-pregnancy.aspx
Ford HB, et al. (2009). Recurrent pregnancy loss: Etiology, diagnosis, and therapy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2709325/
Hansan R, et al. (2011). Patterns and predictors of vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy. DOI:
ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20538195
Sakornbut E, et al. (2007). Late pregnancy bleeding.
aafp.org/afp/2007/0415/p1199.html

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Jacquelyn Cafasso — Updated on July 11, 2019

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How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last? Color, Cramping, and More

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ashley Marcin on March 8, 2018

Implantation bleeding may occur in early pregnancy. It’s generally light and lasts just a few days. It usually occurs 10-14 days after conception, or around the time of your missed period.

How long does it last?

Implantation bleeding is one type of bleeding that may occur in early pregnancy. Some doctors believe that implantation bleeding occurs when an embryo attaches itself to the lining of your uterus. However, not everyone will experience implantation bleeding or spotting.

Implantation bleeding is generally light and short, just a few days’ worth. It usually occurs 10-14 days after conception, or around the time of your missed period. However, vaginal bleeding has been reported anytime in the first eight weeks of pregnancy.

Spotting is also common before the start of a menstrual period. So — is your bleeding pregnancy-related? Here are some additional identifiers, other early pregnancy symptoms to watch for, and notes on when to see a doctor.

Implantation bleeding may appear as light spotting — blood that appears when you wipe — or a light, consistent flow that requires a liner or light pad. The blood may or may not be mixed with cervical mucus.

You may see a range of colors depending on how long the blood has taken to exit the body:

A fresher bleed will appear as a shade of light or dark red.
Blood may look pink or orange if it’s mixed with other vaginal discharge.
Older blood may look brown due to oxidation.

Be sure to take note of the color and consistency — as well as the frequency — of your bleeding. These are details you’ll want to share with your doctor for diagnosis.

Implantation bleeding is diagnosed through a process of elimination. This means that your doctor will rule out other possible causes of bleeding, such as polyps, first.

If you experience heavy bleeding or clotting, see your doctor right away. This may be a sign of an early miscarriage.

The color and consistency of implantation bleeding may vary from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy. But if you think you might be pregnant, there are other symptoms that you can watch for.

Frequent urination, fatigue, and nausea are some of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. Your breasts may also become tender or swollen due to the hormonal changes that occur shortly after conception.

Other pregnancy symptoms include:

cramping
constipation
bloating
moodiness
food aversions

Early symptoms aren’t always the best indicator of whether you’re pregnant. Some women will have all of these symptoms even when they aren’t pregnant, and others may have none of these symptoms even though they are pregnant.

One of the most reliable symptoms is a missed menstrual period. But if your cycles are irregular, it may be difficult to tell if you’ve truly missed your period.

If you do think you’ve missed a period — or are experiencing other unusual symptoms — it may be time to pick up a home pregnancy test. You can also get a pregnancy test done at your doctor’s office.

Pregnancy test makers claim home pregnancy tests are up to 99 percent accurate. Tests may pick up the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as soon as the first day of your missed period, sometimes earlier.

This hormone doubles in concentration every two or three days in early pregnancy. How soon you may test positive or negative depends on the sensitivity of your test and how long it’s been since the embryo has implanted inside the uterus.

The closer you are to the start of your normal menstrual period, the less chance you’ll have a false negative on a pregnancy test. You may consider testing if your period is late or you have many early pregnancy signs. For the most reliable reading, consider waiting a week past when your period should have started.

If you’re unsure of your results, you may also request a blood pregnancy test through your doctor. Concentrations of hCG reach the blood before the urine, so a blood test may give a positive result sooner than a urine test.

It’s important to tell your doctor whenever you experience abnormal spotting or bleeding — regardless of whether you’re pregnant. Although light bleeding during early pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean anything negative, you should still see a doctor to be safe.

If you do get a positive home pregnancy test, make an appointment with your doctor. They can confirm your test result and discuss your options for family planning. This may mean navigating prenatal care or discussing choices.

No matter what you decide, your doctor can connect you with resources for support and answer any questions you may have.

Last medically reviewed on March 8, 2018

Parenthood
Pregnancy
Getting Pregnant

How we reviewed this article:

Harville EW, et al. (2003). Vaginal bleeding in very early pregnancy. DOI:
doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deg379
Intermountain Healthcare [IntermountainMoms]. (2014). How do I know if I’m having implantation bleeding? [Video file].
youtube.com/watch?v=Gls-I7K9V0c
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results?
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Miscarriage.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Getting pregnant: Other signs and symptoms.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifesty le/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853?pg=2
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Bleeding during pregnancy: Causes.
mayoclinic.org/symptoms/bleeding-during-pregnancy/basics/causes/sym-20050636
Norwitz ER, et al. (2017). Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women.
uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-etiology-and-evaluation-of-vaginal-bleeding-in-pregnant-women
Tobah YB. (2016). Is implantation bleeding normal in early pregnancy?
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/implantation-bleeding/faq-20058257

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Mar 8, 2018

Written By

Ashley Marcin

Edited By

Frank Crooks

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ashley Marcin on March 8, 2018

Pregnancy calendar

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Here are some of the basic steps you will need to take during pregnancy. We labeled them as the "Calendar of physiological (normal) pregnancy":

When planning pregnancy - Folic acid intake 3 months before the expected date of conception.
Delayed period by 7 days => pregnancy test. With a positive test → the first visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist of the antenatal clinic (approximate gestational age is 5-7 weeks): a doctor’s examination, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, a blood test for hCG to determine the gestational age, exclude ectopic pregnancy. Continue taking Folic Acid for another 12 weeks, i.e. the entire first trimester.
7-8 weeks of pregnancy – pregnancy registration. Complete clinical and laboratory examination: clinical and biochemical blood tests, hemostasiogram, blood test for RW (syphilis), HIV, HbsAg (hepatitis B and C), TORCH, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), clinical urinalysis. Primary consultation of specialists: therapist, ENT, ophthalmologist, dentist.
11-13 weeks of pregnancy - I (first) screening: ultrasound of the fetus + biochemical blood test to detect chromosomal diseases in the fetus.
19-21 weeks of pregnancy - visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist of the antenatal clinic. Carrying out the II (second) screening.
23-24 weeks of pregnancy - visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist of the antenatal clinic. Conducting a glucose tolerance test to detect latent diabetes mellitus.
30 weeks of pregnancy - visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist of the antenatal clinic. Registration of maternity leave (issuance of a disability certificate for pregnancy and childbirth) + receipt of a birth certificate. Repeated full clinical and laboratory examination. Repeated consultation of specialists (therapist + ophthalmologist). Carrying out III (third) screening (fetal ultrasound + vascular Doppler).
32 weeks pregnant - CTG (fetal cardiotocography).
36 weeks pregnant - taking a bacteriological culture of the cervical canal.
38 weeks pregnant - CTG (fetal cardiotocography).
40-41 weeks of pregnancy - hospitalization in the maternity hospital for childbirth.

Please note that if there are indications for a caesarean section, the terms of hospitalization in the maternity hospital depend on the specific somatic pathology, and the date of hospitalization will be assigned to you by the obstetrician-gynecologist of the antenatal clinic or the obstetrician-gynecologist of the maternity hospital.

We are always ready to provide you with the necessary medical assistance!

Be healthy and happy!

Are you pregnant? Early signs of pregnancy.

Finally! Your period is delayed. If you want a baby, there is great hope that you will get pregnant this time. A pregnancy test will soon show you more. At the same time, you can observe yourself - perhaps you have already noticed any changes. Your body usually clearly shows you that fertilization has taken place. Most of the symptoms are associated with an increase in hormone levels.

Of course, not every sign means you are pregnant. But the more typical symptoms you notice, the more likely it is. However, in the end, only a doctor can make the final decision: "You are pregnant - congratulations!"

Share this information

Uncertain early signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy are as varied as they are vague. Often the early signs of pregnancy appear even before the missed period. These could be early pregnancy symptoms:

- Nausea and vomiting

- "Lead" tiredness and fatigue

- Frequent urination

- Increased food cravings and unusual eating habits

- Sensitive breasts and darkened nipples

- Changes in smell and taste, slight bleeding in the abdomen
- discharge

- Growth of hair and nails

- Skin changes

- Forgetfulness

- Mood swings

- Bloating or constipation

- Bad sleep

Nausea and vomiting

You've seen the most famous first sign of pregnancy a thousand times in the movies: the heroine runs away in a hurry, she suddenly feels sick. She doesn't know she's having a baby yet, but everyone in the movie theater has already taken the hint.

In fact, nausea is not so typical. Some women feel very ill, others tend to feel a little sick.

"Lead" tiredness and fatigue

Are you as tired during the day as if you had sat up all night? The sofa is calling you at noon, and your eyes start to close as if by magic? A huge need for sleep is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. If you notice unusual tiredness or fatigue, you may be pregnant.

Frequent urination

You constantly have to run to the toilet, even if you drink no more than usual. This could be another early sign of pregnancy: once the embryo is implanted, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released, which makes you go to the toilet more often.

Food cravings and unusual food cravings

Is your body just screaming for chocolate or would you get up at night to buy greasy chips at the gas station? Or do you have other unusual food cravings ? Bingo! It is possible that you are pregnant. Many women report strange eating habits as early signs of pregnancy : for example, they pour hot salsa straight out of a jar or, being convinced vegetarians, feel an irresistible craving to bite straight from a hearty salami stick.

Sensitive breasts and darkened nipples

Your breasts may also show early signs of pregnancy. Pay attention to the following symptoms: the breast begins to thicken and fill up, as before menstruation. To the touch, the mammary glands are more plump and large and very sensitive to touch. Your areola often looks darker than usual. The opposite symptom - discoloration - can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance or a previous pregnancy.

Changes in smell and taste

Every day you find that detergent smells unbearably . Or you complain to your husband that he has been bathing in cologne lately. Are you familiar with this? Hypersensitivity to odors is usually observed in early pregnancy . Some women have a strange metallic taste in their mouths . Another early sign of pregnancy can also be a sudden aversion to alcohol or tobacco.

Abdominal cramps, slight bleeding and discharge

Pulling in the abdomen, as if menstruation is about to begin. You think disappointedly: "It didn't work out with the child again!". Or you even notice a small spot or highlights. But day after day passes, and there are still no periods. Then these symptoms may be early signs of pregnancy. These symptoms are usually harmless and are caused by the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. If you want to be on the safe side, try not to strain yourself and avoid exercise. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor.

Elevated basal body temperature

You can find out if you are pregnant by regularly measuring your basal body temperature: if in the morning after waking up for eighteen days your temperature is higher than usual , then most likely you are pregnant.

When do the early signs of pregnancy appear?

It is impossible to say exactly in which week of pregnancy certain symptoms of pregnancy appear. When the first signs of pregnancy appear and whether they appear at all depends on the individual woman. However, the early symptoms of pregnancy can be roughly attributed to the following weeks.

Week 4: implantation pain and slight bleeding, breast tenderness.

Weeks 5 and 6: mood swings, fatigue, hunger, nausea and vomiting

Weeks 7 and 8: nausea, circulation problems, dizziness, low blood pressure, insomnia , frequent urination,

9th and 10th weeks: breast changes, nausea, shortness of breath

11th and 12th weeks: bloating, constipation

The three surest signs of pregnancy

There are many early symptoms of pregnancy, but the surest signs of how to understand that you are still pregnant:

1.
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