Implantation bleeding is light spotting that some people notice when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, usually 6 to 12 days after ovulation. It is pink or brown, much lighter than a period and lasts from a few hours to about two days. Many people who get pregnant never have it, and spotting alone cannot confirm a pregnancy: only a test can.
When implantation happens
After ovulation, a fertilized egg takes several days to travel to the uterus. Implantation usually happens 6 to 12 days after ovulation, which in a 28-day cycle falls around days 20 to 26. That is close to when your next period is due, which is why the two are easy to confuse.
Our implantation calculator estimates this window from your ovulation date or your last period.
Implantation bleeding or period?
| Sign | Implantation bleeding | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | 6 to 12 days after ovulation | About 10 to 16 days after ovulation |
| Colour | Pink or brown | Bright to dark red |
| Amount | Spotting, often only when wiping | Flow that needs a pad, tampon or cup |
| Duration | A few hours to about two days | Usually 3 to 7 days |
| Clots | No | Can occur |
| Cramps | Mild or none | Mild to strong |
These are typical patterns, not rules. Some periods start with a day of spotting, and some early pregnancies have other light bleeding.
When a pregnancy test can show a result
After implantation, the body starts making hCG, the hormone pregnancy tests detect. Its level rises over the following days. Most home tests are reliable from the first day of a missed period. Testing earlier can give a negative result even if you are pregnant, so if your period still does not come, test again a few days later.
Our pregnancy test calculator shows the earliest useful day to test.
When to get medical help
Contact a healthcare professional or emergency services if bleeding comes with any of these:
- Heavy bleeding or bleeding with clots after a positive test.
- Strong pain, especially on one side of the lower abdomen.
- Pain in the tip of the shoulder, dizziness or fainting.
- Bleeding that lasts longer than a few days or keeps coming back.
These can be signs of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy and need to be checked.
Logging spotting in Bloom Private
Bloom Private is a cycle tracker, not a pregnancy app. You can log spotting, flow and more than 60 symptoms, and compare them with your predicted period and estimated ovulation. That gives you dates to share if you talk to a healthcare professional. The app is not a medical device and cannot tell you whether you are pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually 6 to 12 days after ovulation, often a few days before your next period would be due.
Implantation bleeding is usually light spotting. Heavy bleeding, clots or strong pain are not typical and should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Most home tests are reliable from the first day of a missed period. If you test earlier and get a negative result, test again a few days later.