I am confused on whether this is implantation bleeding or the beginning of my period?

You wouldn’t be alone. In some cases, women have mistaken their implantation bleeding for a period, resulting in an inaccurate due date estimate.

In other cases, women have mistaken their spotting for implantation bleeding, only to get their period a day or so later. These mix-ups are common and since the evidence is not conclusive until you take an actual pregnancy test, there’s no practical way to guarantee it.

Over the counter pregnancy tests detect the pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which the placenta produces after the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. Implantation bleeding occurs before or at the time of the very first positive pregnancy hCG test reading, so if you aren’t sure yet, you will be soon. You’re just going to have a wait a couple extra days. (Darn it!)

When to call a healthcare provider:

Implantation bleeding poses no risk to the mother or baby. There is no need to call a healthcare provider for light spotting and mild cramping before or at the time of the woman’s normal period. Bleeding after a women’s missed period is concerning, however. You should call a healthcare provider if:

• there is substantial bleeding after a positive pregnancy test or after a missed period. Such could be a sign of miscarriage, molar pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy.
• there is noticeable clotting.
• in the case of a suspected ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus), bleeding is accompanied by pelvic, abdominal, and/or shoulder pain. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.
• if your bleeding is heavier than a period and is accompanied by fever, chills, and cramps increasing in severity.

Keep in mind that many women experience light spotting throughout the first trimester to no negative effect. Your healthcare provider should be able to run the appropriate blood, urine, and ultrasound tests to safely monitor mother and child’s development.

Does your spotting or bleeding concern you?

If you ever you are ever concerned with any kind of vaginal bleeding before, during, or after pregnancy, never hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They are very useful at sorting things out, dispelling fears, and reading the signs.