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What Is Implantation?

Definition, Symptoms and What It All Means

By Lisa A. Goldstein

Cheri Burrer of Danvers, Mass., also experienced implantation. Unlike Anthony, Burrer's main symptom involved bleeding, and it scared her. "[You] never like to see bright red blood when pregnant," she says. Once she realized it was due to implantation, she was very relieved yet still cautious.

While cramping and bleeding can be scary, implantation bleeding is usually spottier and lighter in color than a normal menstrual period, and it doesn't last long, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some women mistake this light bleeding for a period and don't realize they're pregnant.

The process can be especially puzzling for women experiencing their first pregnancy. Anthony was confused because she had been on birth control for so long that she wasn't sure if it was just a non-birth-control menstrual cycle or a pregnancy. She had only been trying for about two months. "Having never been through this pregnancy thing, I have absolutely nothing to compare to and everything is abnormal," she says.

If you're feeling confused by spotting, cramping or lighter-than-usual flow, don't rule out implantation. Wait an extra week and then test (or test again). If a normal period does not begin or if you don't receive a conclusive positive pregnancy test, talk with your doctor about your experience.

Want to see more?

• Am I? The Early Signs of Pregnancy
• Coping with Preconception Worries: Strategies for Coping Until You Test
• Home Pregnancy Tests: Accurate, Easy and Private
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

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