Can implantation bleeding happen 1 week after intercourse

When you’re actively trying to get pregnant, those two weeks between ovulation and a positive home pregnancy test (or your period) can seem much longer. If you’re like most women, you’ll spend them hyper-aware of every ache, twinge and craving your body has, wondering whether it’s an early sign of pregnancy.

One of the most telltale symptoms of pregnancy is bleeding. If you do have some light spotting, does it mean anything?

While it can be hard to tell, many women who go on to have healthy, normal pregnancies have what’s called implantation bleeding around the time that their embryo lodges itself into the side of the uterus.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that occurs between seven and 14 days after fertilization.

After ovulation and at the moment an egg is successfully fertilized by a sperm in a fallopian tube, the embryo starts dividing and growing. At this time, the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to change. It's already been thickening throughout the menstrual cycle, but it’ll need to grow and mature even more to protect and nourish an embryo.

Around five to six days after fertilization, the quickly growing embryo has moved down the fallopian tube and into the uterus. It’s starting to need more nutrients, and the endometrium has filled in enough to support it.

Next, the embryo attaches itself to the endometrium, where it becomes reliant on a mother’s body — for the first time — for nutrients and oxygen. When the embryo implants, it can disrupt tiny blood vessels in the spot it burrows into. This won’t cause any problems (the endometrium recovers!) but some women will experience light bleeding, from pinkish or red to brown discharge.

When does implantation bleeding happen?

So-called implantation bleeding will likely arrive earlier than your expected monthly menstrual period, usually around seven to 10 days after fertilization or conception.

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Signs of implantation bleeding

These are some of the most common implantation bleeding symptoms:

• Light bleeding or spotting that some women say is different from normal period bleeding because the blood is darker
• Mild cramping
• A woozy feeling
• Swollen breasts
• Headache

Implantation bleeding vs. period bleeding: How to tell the difference

Since implantation bleeding is a symptom that can often occur before you test positive on a pregnancy test, it can be hard to know whether light bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy or just normal spotting leading up to your period. And unfortunately, there’s no conclusive way to find out.

The best way to know whether you’re pregnant or not is to wait a few more days and take a pregnancy test. The timing of when you last had sex might also help you figure it out. If it’s been more than two weeks, it’s unlikely that any spotting you're having is implantation bleeding.

About a third of women who report having experienced implantation bleeding often describe it as distinct from their usual premenstrual spotting — some say the blood is darker and not as red compared with normal period blood. Others have mild cramping at the same time as the spotting.

But for many women, the two types of bleeding aren’t different at all. So you’re not alone if you assume that some spotting is implantation bleeding and get your period a few days later, or if you assume that implantation bleeding is normal spotting and end up being pregnant!

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding usually only lasts one or two days. 

When to call the doctor

Light bleeding during pregnancy — even at times other than implantation — is often normal. Causes can include mundane things like irritation of the cervix following a pelvic exam, sex or infection of the vagina.

But because bleeding following a positive pregnancy test can sometimes be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or other early miscarriage, you should always call your medical provider if you experience it so you can talk through any other symptoms. Try not to worry too much though. Chances are good that if the bleeding is light and doesn't last long, everything is fine.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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For many women, a little spotting or light bleeding can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Although it doesn’t happen with every pregnancy, this bleeding can occur when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of your uterus because small veins break. It’s often tricky to tell implantation bleeding apart from the start of your period, but there are tell-tale differences you can look out for—for example, implantation bleeding tends to be much lighter and last for a shorter time than menstrual bleeding. You can also watch for other early pregnancy symptoms, but the only sure way to know is to take a pregnancy test and see your doctor.

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   Look for bleeding that starts a few days before your expected period. Implantation bleeding typically happens around 6-12 days after you conceive. Usually, this means that any bleeding will happen within 1 week of the expected date of your next period.[1]

   • Any bleeding that happens before or after that window of time is less likely to be implantation bleeding, but it’s not impossible. The time it takes for implantation to occur can vary.

   Tip: If you have regular menstrual cycles, you may find it helpful to track them so that you know when your next period is likely to start. If you’re not sure how long your typical cycle is, it can be harder to judge whether you’re experiencing implantation bleeding or the start of your period.

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   Check for a light pink or brown color. Menstrual bleeding may start out brown or light pink, but it typically progresses to a bright or dark red flow within a day or so. Implantation bleeding typically stays brown or pink, however.[2]

   • Keep in mind that implantation bleeding doesn’t look the same for all women, though. In some cases, you may experience brighter blood that looks more like the early part of your menstrual flow.[3]
   • If you do experience bright red bleeding and you know or suspect that you are pregnant, see a doctor as soon as possible. They can help you identify or rule out any serious causes for your bleeding.

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   Keep an eye out for a light flow with no clots. In most cases, implantation bleeding is very light—more like spotting than actual bleeding. Typically, you should not notice any clots or clumps of blood with implantation bleeding.[4]

   • You may notice a steady but light flow of blood, or you might just see occasional traces of blood in your underwear or on the toilet paper when you wipe.

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   Expect the bleeding to last no more than 3 days. Another characteristic of implantation bleeding is that it lasts for a relatively short time—anywhere from a few hours to about 3 days. A period usually lasts a bit longer, running on average for 3-7 days (although this can vary a lot from one person to another).[5]

   • If the bleeding lasts longer than 3 days, even if it’s lighter than usual, it may be your period.

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   Take a home pregnancy test a few days after the bleeding stops. You can experience vaginal bleeding for a lot of different reasons. The best way to be sure if you’ve been having implantation bleeding is to take a home pregnancy test. Most of these tests work best a few days after the expected first day of your next period, so wait at least 3 days after your bleeding stops to take one.[6]

   • You can buy home pregnancy tests at most pharmacies. If you can’t afford to buy one, do a search for clinics or health centers near you that offer free pregnancy testing.[7]

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   Make note of light uterine cramps. Implantation bleeding is often accompanied by mild cramping, which is usually lighter than what you might expect with your period. This cramping might feel like a dull ache in your lower abdomen, or you may feel prickling, pulling, or tingling sensations.[8]

   • If you experience sharp pains or intense cramps and you’re not having your period, see your doctor to rule out any serious underlying causes.

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   Check for tender, enlarged breasts. Breast changes are a very common sign of early pregnancy. Around the same time that you experience implantation bleeding, you might notice that your breasts feel sore, heavy, swollen, or tender to the touch. They might also look larger than usual.[9]

   • In addition to overall tenderness in your breasts, you may notice that your nipples are unusually sensitive to the touch.[10]

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   See if you feel unusually tired. Another common symptom of early pregnancy is fatigue. You may feel extremely sleepy even after a good night’s rest, or find that you tire more quickly and easily than usual.[11]

   • Early pregnancy fatigue can be very severe, sometimes making it difficult for you to work or carry out other normal day-to-day activities.

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   Look out for nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite. Although it’s called "morning sickness," nausea and food aversions are not restricted to any one time of the day or night. While these symptoms usually set in about a month into pregnancy, you might notice them earlier.[12]

   • Not everyone experiences these symptoms, so don’t rule out pregnancy just because you haven’t felt sick to your stomach.
   • You might find that certain foods or smells trigger nausea symptoms, or that your appetite is reduced.

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   Watch for changes in your mood. The rapid hormone changes that you experience in early pregnancy can affect how you feel emotionally.[13] If you’re noticing physical pregnancy symptoms, also keep an eye out for emotional and mental ones, such as:

   • Mood swings
   • Unexplained sadness or crying
   • Irritability and anxiety
   • Difficulty concentrating

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   Notice headaches or dizziness. The rapid changes in your body early in pregnancy can leave you feeling generally under the weather, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or faintness. You may even experience a slightly elevated body temperature, which can cause you to feel like you’re fighting off the beginnings of a cold or flu.[14]

   Did you know? Nasal congestion is an often-overlooked early pregnancy symptom. This is caused by the increased flow of blood to your nasal passages.[15]

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   Make an appointment with your doctor if you have unusual spotting. Whether or not you get a positive pregnancy test, it’s important to see a doctor if you have spotting outside your period. Make an appointment with your regular doctor or a gynecologist so they can examine you and discover the possible cause of your bleeding.[16]

   • Aside from implantation bleeding, vaginal bleeding can be a symptom of a variety of other conditions, such as a hormone imbalance, an infection, irritation from sexual intercourse, or certain types of cancer.[18]
   • It's especially important to see your doctor if you're bleeding heavily and know you're pregnant. Try not to worry because it's possible nothing is wrong.

   Tip: While some causes of vaginal bleeding between periods can be serious, try not to worry. Most light bleeding or spotting isn’t a cause for concern.[17]

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   Tell them about any other symptoms you are having. When you see your doctor, they will likely ask you questions about your overall health, any other symptoms you’re experiencing, and whether you are currently sexually active. Give them as much information as you can so that they can give you the most accurate possible diagnosis.[19]

   • Let your doctor know about any medications you are currently taking. Some medications, such as hormonal birth control pills, can cause bleeding or spotting between periods.

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   Ask for a pregnancy test in your doctor’s office. Even if you’ve taken a pregnancy test at home, it’s a good idea to get one in the doctor’s office, as well. They can help rule out or confirm a pregnancy as the cause of your bleeding or other symptoms. Let your doctor know that you think you might be pregnant and would like a test.[20]

   • Your doctor may take a urine or blood sample to test for pregnancy.

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   Consent to further tests if your doctor recommends it. If you test negative for pregnancy or your doctor suspects something else may be going on, they may want to run further tests. Either way, they will probably want to do a physical and a pelvic exam to make sure your reproductive organs look healthy. Additionally, they might recommend:[21]

   • A pap smear to check for cervical cancer or other abnormalities in your cervix
   • Tests to check for sexually transmitted infections
   • Blood tests to check for hormonal or endocrine problems, such as thyroid conditions or polycystic ovary syndrome

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• Not everyone experiences implantation bleeding with pregnancy. In fact, it only happens about one third of the time.[22] If you haven’t had any spotting but are experiencing other symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, or a missed period, you may still be pregnant.

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Article SummaryX

To recognize implantation bleeding, work out if your bleeding is early, since this usually occurs a few days before your expected period. In general, notice the color of your blood, as implantation bleeding usually stays a light pink or brown color instead of turning red after a few days. If you have a light flow with no clots, this may also be an indication of implantation bleeding. You should also expect the bleeding to last no more than 3 days if you are pregnant. The best way to be sure is to take a home pregnancy test a few days after the bleeding stops for the most accurate results. For more tips, including how to recognize other early signs of pregnancy, read on!

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