Implantation bleeding can i use a tampon

Some are obvious and expected, like a growing belly or the stoppage of your menstrual cycle. But did you know that very early on, you may experience some bleeding that could be mistaken for your period? This is called implantation bleeding, and we sat down with Heather Reed , MD, an obstetrics and gynecology physician and medical director of labor and delivery at Banner — University Medical Center Tucson , to learn what it is and when you should be concerned.

A: Pregnancy starts when an egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube and then makes its way to the uterus. When the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, it attaches to the uterine wall. When this attachment happens, you may experience a small amount of bleeding. This is called implantation bleeding and it is completely normal. A: The amount of bleeding at implantation can vary between women.

Some women may not experience any bleeding with implantation, while other women may have bleeding that compares to a light period and lasts two or three days. Anything on that continuum — from no bleeding to bleeding resembling a light period — can be considered normal. A: Because implantation can be the same time as you might be expecting your period, it can be hard to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and your regular menstrual bleeding.

However, any time bleeding saturates a pad in less than two hours it should be considered too much vaginal bleeding, and you should consult a physician. A: Some women experience slight cramping or nausea during implantation, in addition to light bleeding. Because implantation occurs so early in pregnancy it can be difficult to tell if the symptoms are from implantation or your regular monthly menstrual cycle.

Implantation occurs days after conception, which is around the same time you may be expecting your monthly period, and both can produce the same amount of bleeding. Implantation bleeding is usually pretty light and only lasts for a day or two. Still, implantation can be on the heavier side in rare cases.

Implantation bleeding is typically lighter in color than menstrual blood, which is usually dark red. Clotting is typically the result of heavier menstrual flow or bleeding.

This is especially true if the bleeding is heavy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , an estimated 15 to 25 percent of women experience bleeding in the first trimester. Still, the only way to be sure about the underlying cause of your bleeding is to see your healthcare provider. Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. If you experience heavy bleeding outside of your menstrual cycle, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital or Texas Health Resources. Implantation Bleeding or Your Period? What is Implantation Bleeding? Consider the Timing Since implantation bleeding occurs relatively close to the time when your next menstrual cycle is expected, ask yourself when was the last time you had sex.

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