What is the difference between implantation bleeding and period bleeding? How many days can implantation bleeding happen?

Question

Dear Puja Kumari. Thanks for the question. Implantation bleeding happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to your uterine lining.
Implantation bleeding can mimic menstruation, especially during those first few days of your period when you have a lighter flow or if you normally experience light periods, so you might feel confused when you start spotting. Here's how to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and menstruation:

Watch the flow: Bleeding from implantation is light and remains light, but menstruation starts light and gets heavier. Implantation bleeding does not contain blood clots, which often appear during menstruation.
Check the color: Red blood that looks bright or vibrant points to menstruation, and discharge that appears light pink or brown can be a sign of implantation. Bleeding from implantation can occasionally look red, but it more commonly looks brown or pink.
Regularity: Menstrual flow typically continues through the full duration of your period without stopping, but bleeding from implantation can come and go. Implantation bleeding often causes spotting or off-and-on bleeding for about one or two days. This differs from a menstrual cycle, which normally lasts between four to seven days.
Cramping severity: Both menstruation and implantation bleeding can cause cramping, but cramps from your period feel much more intense. Light or faint cramping that never increases in intensity could mean implantation, especially if it's coupled with brown or pink discharge.

K V Anand · Accepted Answer

Dear Puja Kumari. Thanks for the question. Implantation bleeding happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to your uterine lining.
Implantation bleeding can mimic menstruation, especially during those first few days of your period when you have a lighter flow or if you normally experience light periods, so you might feel confused when you start spotting. Here's how to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and menstruation:

Watch the flow: Bleeding from implantation is light and remains light, but menstruation starts light and gets heavier. Implantation bleeding does not contain blood clots, which often appear during menstruation.
Check the color: Red blood that looks bright or vibrant points to menstruation, and discharge that appears light pink or brown can be a sign of implantation. Bleeding from implantation can occasionally look red, but it more commonly looks brown or pink.
Regularity: Menstrual flow typically continues through the full duration of your period without stopping, but bleeding from implantation can come and go. Implantation bleeding often causes spotting or off-and-on bleeding for about one or two days. This differs from a menstrual cycle, which normally lasts between four to seven days.
Cramping severity: Both menstruation and implantation bleeding can cause cramping, but cramps from your period feel much more intense. Light or faint cramping that never increases in intensity could mean implantation, especially if it's coupled with brown or pink discharge.