Overview
When you are trying for a baby, everything can put you on high alert. Seeing blood before your cycle can be a sign of ovulation or implantation. The two stages are so similar it can be confusing to tell the two milestones apart. You can get some hints regarding the timing, flow, cramps, and color of bleeding. This blog will share how you can spot the difference between ovulation and implantation cramps.
What is the difference between ovulation bleeding and implantation bleeding?
Ovulation and implantation bleeding are both light and can be difficult to differentiate. Unlike periods, you will only see spotting or a few drops of blood on your underwear in both cases. Here are the few possible differences between ovulation and implantation bleeding.
Timing
The cycle’s timing is the biggest indicator of ovulation or implantation bleeding. Ovulation occurs mid-way, near days 12 to 14 of the 28-day cycle. It is typically two weeks before your next period.
Implantation bleeding happens six to eight days after ovulation when pregnancy occurs. It occurs at the end of the cycle, close to when the period starts.
Color
Implantation bleeding is pink-hued to brown blood.
Meanwhile, ovulation bleeding is typically light pink or brown. After mixing with cervical fluids, it may appear milky or skewed pink.
Duration
Ovulation bleeding can last for 12-48 hours or 1-2 days at most. Implantation bleeding can last a few hours and last up to three days.
Flow
The flow of ovulation and implantation bleeding can be similar or almost identical. Both of them have light spotting that may only appear after wiping.
Ovulation bleeding may have a thicker consistency after combining with cervical fluids.
Dr. Alison K. Rodgers, Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, at Fertility Centers of Illinois, shares on ovulation bleeding
“It is not heavy like a period, but often a spot or two of pink on the tissue when you wipe, it’s very minimal.”
Cramps
Ovulation bleeding is not accompanied by cramps. During implantation bleeding, you may experience dull and tingly sensation in your abdomen. They are generally very mild, if you do get them at all.
Pregnancy Test
The pregnancy test will come back positive for implantation bleeding. Ovulation bleeding returns a negative result.
Are cramps and bleeding common?
Cramps and bleeding are a common occurrence for women that they experience during menstrual cycles. About 80% of women experience mild cramps during their period. Implantation is experienced by 25% of the pregnant women. Ovulation bleeding is experienced by 5% of women. This amount is likely higher as ovulation bleeding is not reported as much.
How much cramping is normal in early pregnancy?
In pregnancy, it is normal for cramps to last from a few minutes to hours. They cause mild pain and discomfort. You may experience relief when you change positions. In most cases, they are not a cause of concern. However, if the pain is severe, one-sided, or accompanied by bleeding, you should get it checked out by a healthcare professional.
When to consult a doctor?
Implantation and ovulation bleeding are similar and not a cause of concern. If you are experiencing a heavy flow before your cycle, experiencing unbearable abdominal pain and cramps, vomiting, and nausea, you should consult your doctor.
FAQs about the Ovulation vs. Implantation
Implantation bleeding can feel like a prickly and tingling sensation. Period cramps, on the other hand, have a dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen that spreads to the thighs and lower back. Ovulation bleeding is not accompanied by cramps.
Implantation bleeding is light and should end within three days. Menstrual bleeding is crimson red to brown and can last up to seven days. If you are experiencing a consistent flow that is increasing with time, chances are that it is your cycle. If you are pregnant and experiencing bleeding, you should consult a doctor immediately.
