What if I don’t have implantation bleeding?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, only one third of women experience the “phenomenon” of implantation bleeding. I haven’t had it with any of my pregnancies. If you don’t notice any spotting, you’re in the majority. Be sure to look out for other early signs of pregnancy such as breast tenderness, nausea, bloating, and fatigue.

If it is too early for implantation bleeding, why am I bleeding?

When trying to piece together a pregnancy timeline, it is important to remember that a fertilized egg isn’t capable of implanting till at least Day 5 after fertilization. It simply isn’t developed enough before than. Early bleeding within 4-5 days after intercourse likely has a different origin. What could too-early bleeding indicate?

• Women can experience a hormonal withdrawal bleed after a failed ovulation attempt due to a confirmed ovarian cyst rupture.
• Breastfeeding and irregular postpartum cycles could also result in pinkish discharge.
• Other times, mid-cycle spotting occurs prior to ovulation due to extra high estrogen levels.
• Unexplained spotting could be leftover blood from your last period that was knocked out by sex.
• Unexplained spotting could also be from cervical irritation from sex or a pelvic exam.