Spotting near your expected period can leave you wondering whether you might be pregnant.

Light bleeding in early pregnancy is sometimes called “implantation bleeding.” However, its colour, timing or amount cannot reliably confirm implantation or distinguish pregnancy from an approaching period.

What should you know?

• Pink or brown spotting can occur before a period and during early pregnancy.
• Light bleeding does not confirm pregnancy, and many pregnancies begin without spotting.
• Bleeding in pregnancy can have several causes, including cervical changes, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

When should you test?

Take a home pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period. If you do not know when your period is due, test at least 21 days after your last unprotected sex. If negative but pregnancy is still possible, repeat after a few days.

When should you seek help?

Contact your healthcare provider if you bleed after a positive pregnancy test. Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting—even without a positive test.

Avoid assuming spotting is implantation. Testing and appropriate assessment provide clearer answers.

Longevity Fertility Centre | Calgary & Edmonton