When you're trying to get pregnant, your senses are on high alert for any indication that you're officially a parent-to-be. One of the earliest pregnancy symptoms can be implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. About one-third of pregnant people will experience implantation bleeding, according to the American Pregnancy Association, and it often resembles a light period. Here's everything you need to know.
When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?
Only about one-third of people experience implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. If it happens to you, it will occur 10 to 14 days after fertilization, says Lauren Barlog, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health at Rutgers NJ Medical School. "It typically occurs around the time of your next expected period."
In fact, because of the timing, some people might confuse implantation bleeding for a light menstrual period. They don't realize what it is until a pregnancy test comes up positive, says Zev Williams, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Medical Center.
What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?
Implantation bleeding will probably look different than your normal monthly period. The color usually ranges from light pink to dark brown (period blood is typically red), and it doesn't contain any clots. Also, implantation bleeding is usually lighter than a menstrual period. Some people don't even notice it at all—or they see a small amount of blood when they wipe. In some cases, implantation cramping can occur along with the bleeding.
How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?
Typically, implantation bleeding appears for a day or two (though some people only bleed for a couple of hours). Rather than consistent blood flow, it might be off-and-on.
How Soon After Implantation Bleeding Will You Get a Positive Pregnancy Test?
If you think you're experiencing implantation bleeding, what's the best course of action? Take a pregnancy test, says Dr. Barlog. Every test has a different threshold for sensitivity, but the absolute earliest you should take one is about four or five days before your expected period, says Dr. Williams. Otherwise there might not be enough pregnancy hormone (hCG) to give a positive result. If the pregnancy test is negative, repeat it in a few days.
When Should I Visit the Doctor?
Implantation bleeding isn't cause for concern, but if you're experiencing unusual spotting, it's important to recognize when symptoms might require a visit to the doctor. "If you are spotting but also have pain that's concentrated on one side, rectal pain, or a history of infertility or tubal disease, you should see a doctor immediately," says James Segars, Jr., M.D., director of Reproductive Science and Women's Health Research, and a professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine. "These are signs that you could have a tubal or ectopic pregnancy, when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, usually within the fallopian tubes."
And you also should see your doctor if you've had bleeding or spotting between periods for several months, because you may be dealing with other conditions such as fibroids or polyps.
So there’s a chance you could be pregnant, but you want to take a test to be sure. But how soon after implantation can you test?
Implantation is a key moment in your pregnancy journey.
The fertilized egg (now technically called a “blastocyst”) has traveled down your fallopian tube and attached itself to the wall of your uterus, preparing to grow into a baby.
But how can I know that implantation has happened? you ask. And how soon after implantation can I test for pregnancy?
Let’s find out.
In this article 📝
- When does implantation happen?
- How can you know that implantation has happened?
- How soon after implantation can I test?
- Other FAQs about how soon after implantation can I test?
When does implantation happen?
So, we know what happens at implantation—but when does it happen?
Well, every woman is different, but it typically takes a fertilized egg about 6 to 12 days to make it to your uterus and implant.
If we imagine, then, that you ovulate on day 14 of your menstrual cycle (which is about average for a 28-day cycle), and the egg is fertilized within 24 hours, implantation could take place between days 20 and 26. Quite a wide time frame!
How can you know that implantation has happened?
There are a few possible implantation symptoms that could give you a clue that the fertilized egg has set up home successfully.
For example, you might have some implantation bleeding.
This looks like the kind of light spotting you may get at the beginning or end of your period and can be pinkish or brown in color.
It might also be quite watery if it’s mixed with vaginal discharge.
Other potential symptoms of implantation include:
- Tender breasts
- Bloating
- Light cramping (it can feel like mild period cramps)
- Headaches
- Mood swings
Side note: If any of these symptoms sound familiar, that might be because they’re also common signs that your period is about to start.
That can make identifying true implantation symptoms a little tricky (especially considering that implantation can happen right around the time you’re expecting your period).
Implantation can also happen without giving you any odd symptoms—a missed period might be the first sign that anything has changed.
How soon after implantation can I test?
It’s totally understandable if you’re impatient to take a pregnancy test after implantation bleeding (or any other symptom that’s making you suspicious).
But when’s the best time to take a test?
To answer that, we first need to talk about how pregnancy tests work.
Both a home pregnancy test (of the pee-on-a-stick variety) and a blood test at your doctor’s office work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Your body starts to produce hCG soon after implantation, and a pregnancy test will pick up on this once levels of the hormone are high enough.
How quickly after implantation does hCG rise?
Your hCG levels start to rise right after implantation, and they should double about every 48 to 72 hours in the first four weeks of pregnancy.
How many days after implantation can you test?
When to test after implantation bleeding or another symptom depends on the type of pregnancy test.
A blood pregnancy test is more sensitive, so it may be able to detect hCG about six to eight days after conception—in other words, very soon after implantation.
A home pregnancy test, though, might only detect hCG about 10 days after conception—maybe four days or so after implantation.
But for the highest chance of an accurate result (rather than a false negative), it’s best to leave taking a home pregnancy test until at least the day after your missed period.
Yep, even if you’ve noticed implantation symptoms. (We know—waiting is hard!)
➡️ You might also be interested in: 5 Tips for Surviving the Two-Week Wait
Other FAQs about how soon after implantation can I test?
How early after implantation can you test positive?
As we discovered above, it depends on the kind of pregnancy test you take.
A blood test might be able to detect hCG for a positive result very soon after implantation.
On the other hand, you might need to let your hCG levels build up for a few more days after you’ve spotted implantation bleeding to give a home pregnancy test a better chance of an accurate result.
What if I have implantation bleeding but a negative test?
It’s possible that either:
- You’ve taken the test too soon, and your hCG
levels aren’t high enough to detect yet, or;
- What looks like implantation bleeding could actually be the start of your period.
That said, if you ever notice any abnormal vaginal bleeding or any bleeding in early pregnancy, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.
And if you ever need a compassionate ear on your TTC journey, the Peanut Community is here for you.