Pregnancy: General Pregnancy And Pregnancy Prevention Questions/Concerns / Question
Published: August 24, 2006
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I started my period today and it usually takes an entire day to get heavy but its not exactly light right now. But I wanted to know how "light" is implantation bleeding? My bleeding it dark or bright red, but defiantly not pink or dark brown... so is that not implantation?
Signed: Implantation Bleeding
Dear Implantation Bleeding,
Since you are talking about having your period, FX is a little confused as to what is making you ask about implantation bleeding, as well as whether or not you are clear about what implantation bleeding is. Just so you are clear, implantation bleeding occurs with some women when they are pregnant. This type of bleeding is usually in a very small amount and occurs when the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. Implantation bleeding usually occurs about 7-10 days after conception and is generally not accompanied with lower abdominal pain. If you think you might be pregnant or are pregnant and are experiencing any bleeding or spotting (very light bleeding), contact you medical provider right away.
If there is no chance that you could be pregnant, and you are just wondering about any irregularities with your period, keep in mind that every girl is different and so periods and menstrual cycles will also vary from teen to teen. In the beginning, your cycles may not always last the same number of days and your first few periods may not all be the same either. It may take time for your cycle to go regularly and smoothly. You may have light flow or heavy flow, your periods may be late at times, and you may even skip some months. Your period can also be affected by being sick, feeling stressed, quickly losing weight, poor eating habits/inadequate nutrition, and over-exercising.
If you have any further questions about your cycle, contact your primary care physician or meet with a physician specializing in adolescent medicine. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact Girl’s Street – A Young Woman’s Health Program – at 908.522.2555.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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