What is the difference between menstrual bleeding and pregnancy bleeding

Spotting is any bleeding from the vagina outside your menstrual period. Light bleeding at the beginning or end of your period is not spotting. In this article we use bleeding and spotting interchangeably. Vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of early pregnancy. About 1 in 4 people experience spotting during early pregnancy , usually in gestational weeks 5 and 8 — this is about 1 to 4 weeks after someone expects their period 1.

This bleeding can sometimes be confused with a light period 2. However, heavy bleeding may be more of a concern. Bleeding in early pregnancy may actually be related to hormonal changes , as the production of progesterone switches from the ovary to the forming placenta 1.

However, if you are also experiencing symptoms such as, lower abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness or vomiting you should see your doctor as is may be an indication of an ectopic pregnancy. In the meantime keep looking out for other early signs. I just assumed I had had a slightly lighter period than normal and got back to the job of trying to make a baby. Brands differ in how they show if you're pregnant, so always read the info with your pregnancy test. See more.

Parenthood Becoming a Parent Implantation Bleeding vs. Period Bleeding: How to Tell the Difference. Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Signs of implantation bleeding. Timing of implantation bleeding. Other bleeding during pregnancy. Parenthood Becoming a Parent Pregnancy 1st Trimester. Plus, Why This Happens. Early Pregnancy Symptoms. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Many women with fibroids or polyps experience irregular bleeding between periods.

Certain types of spotting can also signal the presence of these uterine growths. This includes spotting that lasts across several cycles, or that is accompanied by:. About a week after a sperm fertilizes an egg, the egg must implant in the uterus. Sometimes this causes light bleeding known as implantation bleeding. The bleeding typically only lasts a day or two and occurs around a week after ovulation. Hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills and hormonal shots and implants, can cause spotting.

Spotting may change over time, occur intermittently, or follow a predictable pattern. If spotting begins several months after starting contraceptives, with no previous spotting, it may point to an underlying problem and the woman should visit her doctor. Breast-feeding suppresses ovulation, particularly if the baby is exclusively breast-fed.

It is important to know that ovulation will occur about 2 weeks before the first period, so it is possible to get pregnant while breast-feeding. However, many women who are breast-feeding experience spotting. Hormonal shifts related to breast-feeding can cause spotting. Hormonal changes that occur as the body prepares to ovulate for the first time after childbirth may also trigger spotting.

An injury to the vagina, cervix, or uterus may cause abnormal bleeding. Rough sexual intercourse or a PAP test , for example, can irritate the cervix or vaginal tissue and cause bleeding. However, unexplained bleeding that is heavy or accompanied by pain can be a medical emergency.

About half of women who experience bleeding during pregnancy will have a miscarriage. In some cases, bleeding is the first sign that a woman is pregnant. Very early miscarriages may even be mistaken for unusually heavy menstrual periods. Some sexually transmitted infections STIs can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding that looks like spotting.