Most every woman knows what it feels like around “that time of the month.” While the monthly experience varies from person to person, typically some mood swings, cramping, nausea, and bleeding is expected. It doesn’t help that a lot of these symptoms can feel like pregnancy symptoms, too! Even early pregnancy has the potential to cause some bleeding, called implantation bleeding. So, knowing whether you’re on your period or pregnant might seem a bit confusing!
Are you unsure whether the bleeding you’re experiencing is implantation bleeding or your period? Not knowing exactly what’s going on can be stressful. At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re here to help you discover the answer and support you on your journey. We provide free and confidential services to help you learn if you’re pregnant as well as think through your pregnancy decisions!
Visit a Chicagoland location near you today!
The Ins and Outs of Implantation Bleeding
- Implantation bleeding is generally a small amount of bleeding that happens to some women after a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus.
- This usually happens sometime between 10-14 days after possible conception and may last anywhere between a few hours to about three days.
- Bleeding is typically spotty and light, and can vary in color from pink to brown rather than blood red.
While it’s always possible that the bleeding you’re experiencing is from your period, there are a few ways to find out for certain if you’re experiencing implantation bleeding.
Confirming a Possible Pregnancy
If it does happen to be implantation bleeding, this means one thing: you’re pregnant. So, how do you know for sure if it’s your period or pregnancy?
One of the first things that may come to your mind is obtaining a pregnancy test (or two or three). You can easily find these at your local grocery store or pharmacy, usually in the family planning section. You’ll want to make sure you properly administer the test to yourself for clear and accurate results.
But sometimes a home pregnancy test result can be confusing. Many different factors can impact the accuracy of the test. At Avenue Women’s Center, we offer free, confidential medical-grade pregnancy tests which provide accurate results just ten days after possible conception. Our expert pregnancy consultants will help you administer the test and read the results during the appointment.
Support Through a Difficult Time
Not knowing what your symptoms mean can be stressful. Whether you’re pregnant or not, having a few trusted friends or family members who can walk with you through this time could be beneficial. You shouldn’t have to go through this worry or uncertainty by yourself. If you can share what you’re going through with somebody you know will be supportive, you may find strength and comfort in them.
The only way to know for sure what you’re experiencing is to take a pregnancy test. Put your mind at ease today by confirming your pregnancy! We’d love to see you at one of our Chicagoland locations and be with you as you self-administer one of our free medical-grade pregnancy tests. As we wait on your results, we can discuss any questions, worries, or walk through any possibilities you’d like. You don’t have to face this by yourself.
Schedule a same-day appointment for a pregnancy test at a location near you!
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Reference:
- American Pregnancy Association. What is Implantation Bleeding? Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-symptoms/what-is-implantation-bleeding/
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.