How to differentiate between implantation bleeding and period

A woman will surely be concerned due to blood discharge right in the middle of her menstrual cycle. If a woman is trying to conceive or has had unprotected sex, the mystery can be deepened further. A person can try and ascertain whether it is implantation bleeding or period. This is possible after the differences are learnt. Given below are various factors that will help in differentiating between a period and implantation bleeding.

Nature of discharge
During the periods, bleeding is usually very heavy. Normally, it will last for at least 3 days. Bleeding during implantation is very scanty. It is similar to spotting. There is a variation in the time period of implantation bleeding from woman to woman. Normally, it will get over in a day or two. However, there are some rare cases as well. Women experience long implantation bleeding which lasts up to 12 days.

Color of discharge
One can often differentiate between menstruation and implantation bleeding by looking at the color of the discharge. The color of blood during implantation bleeding is brownish or pinkish in color. The reason for this is that implantation bleeding takes a lot of time for coming out of the body. hence, all the freshness is lot. The color of blood during normal periods is bright red. There are many clots in it. Thus, one can distinguish between these two kinds of bleeding easily.

Time of occurrence
Another way of finding out whether it is implantation bleeding or period is by finding out and calculating when the implantation bleeding occurs. If a woman assumes that it is a 28 day menstrual cycle, ovulation starts on the 14th day. The occurrence of bleeding is seen 9 days after ovulation. There can be a variation in the 24 day cycle of menstruation to a 32 day cycle. The occurrence of bleeding is normally a week before the periods. If a woman is experiencing spotting, it is immediately succeeded by heavy bleeding.

Symptoms
During periods, cramps are experienced by a woman. Pain in legs and abdomen, breast discomfort and headaches are also experienced. However, these symptoms do not last beyond the menses. The symptoms of implantation bleeding include breast tenderness, bloated stomach and light cramping. There can be a continuous cramping in pregnant women for few months. Other symptoms include sensitive breasts, mood swings, tiredness and food cravings.

Thus, with all these factors, it becomes easy to distinguish between implantation bleeding or period.