| Factor | Spotting | Regular Period Flow |
| Implantation Bleeding | Ovulation bleeding |
| Reason | It occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the inner uterine lining or endometrium, signaling the start of pregnancy. | It occurs when the ovary releases an egg from a mature follicle. | It occurs when ovulation has taken place, but the egg isn't fertilized. The uterine lining sheds through the vagina due to changes in hormone levels, causing period blood flow. |
| Color | Light pink to dark brown | Light pink or red | Bright red (some people may have brownish discharge at the beginning or the end of their period) |
| Clotting | No clots | No clots | Clots of varying sizes may be present |
| Time | Lasts only 1-2 days | Lasts only 1-2 days | Usually lasts 4-7days |
| Pattern | Irregular and unpredictable | Irregular and unpredictable | Usually with predictable regular pattern |
| Amount | Small amount of blood causes light spotting, which may require a panty liner for collection. | Small amount of blood causes light spotting, which may require a panty liner for collection. | Regular to heavy blood flow which needs pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup for collection. |
| Symptoms | Nausea, light cramps, frequent urination | Increase in cervical mucus, with the look and consistency of egg whites.Increase in basal body temperature.Increased sex drive. Ovulatory pain or cramping. | Heavier cramps, breast tenderness, PMS, acne breakouts |
