Can you test positive for pregnancy during implantation bleeding

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.

If you are pregnant, it can become very worrisome to experience vaginal bleeding. One possible cause is implantation bleeding, which can present like a light period. Implantation bleeding is not usually a cause for alarm. However, it may be tough to distinguish implantation bleeding vs. a miscarriage.

Other causes of bleeding during early pregnancy include ectopic pregnancy and infection. Since these can be dangerous, it is important to know how to recognize implantation bleeding and to get medical attention if you experience bleeding in pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding happens during the very early stages of pregnancy. It appears as a smear of blood on your underwear or toilet paper a few days before or after the time when you can first test positive on a pregnancy test. Implantation means that a fertilized egg has implanted, or attached to the wall of the uterus. It occurs around ten days after fertilization. Sometimes, a small amount of bleeding or spotting happens around this time.

Implantation bleeding typically occurs close to the time that you would expect your monthly period. Due to this timing, implantation bleeding could be mistaken for an extremely light menstrual period, especially for people who normally have light menstrual flows.

Implantation bleeding does not affect the viability of a pregnancy and is not a cause for concern. Similarly, not having implantation bleeding is also OK and should not worry you. But it is important to recognize that it is a sign of pregnancy and not a period. If you know you are pregnant, you can discontinue activities that may affect your developing baby, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications.

If you have unusually light bleeding around the time of your menstrual period and the bleeding does not turn into a heavier flow (one that is more typical for you), it's a good idea to take a pregnancy test. A few spots of blood or a light flow should not be taken as a period or as a sign that you are not pregnant—you could be.

Implantation Bleeding vs. Miscarriage

If you experience bleeding when you are trying to get pregnant, or when you know you are pregnant, you are likely to be very concerned. Distinguishing implantation bleeding from the bleeding of an early miscarriage can be confusing.

In general, bleeding associated with an impending miscarriage or chemical pregnancy (a nonviable pregnancy) may begin as spotting and then turn into a heavier flow with visible clots and a dark red color, similar to a heavy menstrual period. Cramping and passing tissue through the vagina are other signs of a miscarriage.

In contrast, implantation bleeding may appear as a brown or lighter colored discharge without clots. It is a lighter flow that lasts only a few hours to a few days.

The best way to determine the cause of early pregnancy bleeding is to visit a healthcare provider. They are likely to do an hCG blood test or an early pregnancy ultrasound, in addition to a thorough medical history and physical examination.

An hCG blood test measures the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is made by the placenta after the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. With ultrasound, a gestational sac becomes visible around five weeks after your last menstrual cycle if you are pregnant, and an embryo or fetal pole is visible at the end of the sixth week.

Other Causes of Early Pregnancy Bleeding

Some people who are pregnant also experience light bleeding after sex or after a pelvic exam, due to the development of blood vessels in the cervix. Or, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy may be a sign of an infection of the cervix, vagina, or urinary tract.

Vaginal bleeding may also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants into one of the fallopian tubes instead of the lining of the uterus. Other symptoms may include pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or even the shoulder, but sometimes vaginal bleeding is the only sign.

An ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition because the fallopian tube can tear open and cause internal bleeding, so it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing these symptoms. The fertilized egg in the fallopian tube needs to be removed with surgery or medication.

A Word From Verywell

If you are experiencing any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider. While it's natural to worry about a possible miscarriage, there could be a number of reasons for spotting in early pregnancy, including implantation bleeding. A healthcare provider can identify the cause of your bleeding and make a treatment plan if necessary. 

By Krissi Danielsson
Krissi Danielsson, MD is a doctor of family medicine and an advocate for those who have experienced miscarriage. 

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