When you make a concentrated effort to become pregnant, even the smallest of changes experienced by your body can make you jittery and concerned. So, the sight of a brown or pink discharge is bound to get you all worked up about what it means. You might feel that it’s time to give up the fertility efforts for another month but it may actually be a good sign and the bleeding might be implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding color is usually different though to set apart from period bleeding color. Here’s how to tell implantation bleeding from period.

What’s Implantation Bleeding Color?

It’s normal for there to be bleeding after the completion of implantation of the fertilized egg with the lining of your uterus. When the egg gets attached, a very small part of the lining sheds off and this is what presents itself as the pink or brown discharge. So, while you may actually think that your period has started when you spot a stain, it is possible that the stain is an indication that you are pregnant.

Implantation bleeding color is either brown or a lighter shade of pink. Menstrual bleeding color is usually bright red. The following picture is one example:

When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

This sort of bleeding should occur around four to six days before you expect your period to begin. It is harder to know though in case your periods are irregular. The thing that differentiates bleeding due to implantation and bleeding due to periods is theimplantation bleeding color as explained above.

Implantation Bleeding vs. Period

There is little difference between menstruation and implantation bleeding to begin with and the first couple of days can be very confusing. This is because both periods and implantation bleeding start on a lighter note. To know whether implantation is causing the bleeding or your period, you should closely analyze the following besides knowing the color:

Check the Flow

Implantation would cause bleeding that stays constant throughout while bleeding that is caused by menstruation would gradually increase. So, if your bleeding starts on a lighter note and then starts to get heavier, it is more likely to be due to menstruation while if it stays light, pregnancy is a distinct possibility.

Consistency

Menstrual flow is consistent in the sense that you will experience the discharge every day during the period’s duration. Implantation bleeding is, in comparison, rather inconsistent and can come and go during the two day period.

Severity of Cramps

Implantation bleeding also causes cramps though their severity is often less intense when compared with cramps caused during a period. However, there is no way to differentiate if your regular period cramps are also less intense.

Other Causes of Vaginal Bleeding

It is possible that you might be pregnant but seeing blood for a different reason than implantation. If you see that the flow is heavy and there is no cramping at all, it is time to call your doctor straight away. Spotting during pregnancy can be caused by:

Sex

It is most likely to happen during the early stages of pregnancy though bleeding during or after sex is possible at any stage of pregnancy. Such bleeding should go away on its own.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is dangerous and happens when the implantation of embryo occurs outside your uterus. The bleeding would be accompanied with pain. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is necessary in such a case.

Miscarriage

Bleeding during pregnancy is often indicative of a miscarriage. 1 out of 7 pregnancies end within the first couple of months. The premature end of a pregnancy is accompanied with bleeding and cramps. You should get in touch with your doctor if you know about your pregnancy and find these symptoms.

Notes and Precautions

• You should get your own and your partner’s blood type checked before trying for a pregnancy. This would help in case you need an Rh-immune globulin injection in case the bleeding is due to implantation.
• When you see the bleeding and see that it matches the implantation bleeding color, you should do a pregnancy test right away to know for sure that the bleeding carries the news of your pregnancy.
• Do not try inserting a douche or have sexual intercourse when you experience bleeding as it would only cause further complications.
• Keep a check on the flow’s volume. If it keeps on increasing with every passing day or if you find blood for more than three days consecutively, you should get in touch with your gynecologist.
• Don’t stress yourself at all about implantation bleeding color or anything else. If you are actually carrying a baby, any stress can affect the unborn baby.