What is the difference between your period and implantation bleeding

This hormone is made by the placenta that nourishes the newly developing embryo. A urine pregnancy test — which can be done at home — is 99 percent accurate , as long as the test is not expired and you take it after the first day of your missed period, according to Planned Parenthood. Some highly sensitive urine tests can be used earlier, but know that you run the risk of a getting a negative result when you are, in fact, pregnant.

Bleeding in the first trimester is common. In fact, research shows that a whopping 25 percent of women will bleed early in pregnancy. Still, any blood occurring during pregnancy is considered abnormal, and you should contact your doctor when it happens. When the bleeding is light, it may be caused by pretty simple things. For example, your cervix is more sensitive and developing additional blood vessels, so sex or a pelvic exam can cause bleeding.

However, bright red or heavy bleeding during pregnancy can signal more serious issues. Here are some possible causes:. Take a look back at your calendar to determine when the first day of your last period was, as well as the potential date of conception.

November 11, November 07, November 05, October 22, October 19, How to Recognize and Treat an Ectopic Pregnancy. October 12, Inspire Me. Advise Me. Better Me. Comments 0. If you have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period.

Other symptoms of early pregnancy include fatigue , food aversions or cravings, a stronger sense of smell, swollen breasts and nausea, although sickness usually kicks in from between four and six weeks of pregnancy. Light bleeding or spotting in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can be normal. However, you should speak to your doctor, midwife or Early Pregnancy Unit - at your local hospital - to be checked just in case.

There are a few reasons why you might experience light bleeding or spotting during the first trimester. Pregnancy hormones can cause changes to the cervix , which can sometimes trigger bleeding, particularly after sex.

Occasionally, vaginal bleeding can also be caused by an infection, which should be treated quickly. Bleeding can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. It's important to seek urgent medical attention for any vaginal bleeding if you have had a positive pregnancy test. Your doctor will be able to run some simple examinations and tests to rule out anything serious. A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends before 24 weeks and symptoms can include bleeding that is bright red and needs a pad, cramping, or back and stomach pain.

According to Tommy's, some women may experience what is known as a 'threatened miscarriage '. This is diagnosed where there is ongoing bleeding with or without pain but the woman is still pregnant. An ectopic pregnancy can also cause bleeding, stomach pain on one side, pain in the tip of the shoulder or discomfort when going to the toilet.

This is when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, usually in the Fallopian tube. This is a medical emergency, and it's especially important to see a doctor urgently if you get one-sided pain at around the same time as bleeding. That said, certain symptoms can offer hints that you could be experiencing implantation bleeding. Here, experts share what you need to know.

Some experts claim spotting that starts off brown or wine-colored and becomes a brighter red is most likely the start of your period. But George Patounakis, M. If you want to determine whether you have implantation bleeding or your period, you should pay attention to the following three symptoms instead.

Vyas says that cramping associated with implantation, while sometimes intense, doesn't typically last as long as it would during a menstrual cycle. But Dr.

Patounakis cautions that each woman experiences uterine contractions differently. It's important to pay attention to what feels out of the ordinary for your body. Berman, M.