Pregnancy Tips: What Is Implantation Bleeding?

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
By Dr Lai Fon Min
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | A Company for Women, Camden Medical Centre | reprinted with permission from "Great Expectations" by Today's Parents magazine

WHAT IS IMPLANTATION BLEEDING AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Implantation bleeding occurs when an egg has been fertilised and implants into the lining of the uterus. Up to a third of women report some bleeding or spotting around the time of implantation.

It is typically small in amount, and not a “heavy” bleed. Implantation happens about a week (range 6-12 days) after ovulation. It may be accompanied by cramping or backache.

Implantation will appear before you expect your period and some may mistake it for spotting before their period begins.

Because there is typically so little and it is before you would expect your period it would be normal to think you are just getting ready to start your period.

However, if you think there is a chance you could have conceived in that cycle, please do a urine pregnancy test.

Source: Pregnancy Tips: What Is Implantation Bleeding?