Is Breakthrough Bleeding a Sign of Pregnancy?

Considerations

• Normal vaginal bleeding occurs during menstruation when the old endometrial lining sheds to make way for the new one.

Identification of Implantation Bleeding

• According to Dr. Tracy Gaudet in "Body, Soul, and Baby," implantation bleeding may occur six to eight days after conception. Conception occurs within 24 hours of ovulation, so a woman may have implantation bleeding a week before her period is due.

Identification of Breakthrough Bleeding

• If you are a pill user, your bleeding may not be a sign of pregnancy, but of hormonal imbalance. Breakthrough bleeding occurs while you are still taking the hormone pills in your pack instead of having a period when you start your placebo pills.

Significance

• If you have any sort of unexpected vaginal bleeding, you should consult your doctor. You may be pregnant and need to take a test, or you may need to have your birth control prescription assessed.

Warning

• Vaginal bleeding not related to menstruation may occur for reasons other than birth control pill use or pregnancy. It may be related to a sexually transmitted disease or other conditions.