Implantation spotting typically occurs 6 to 12 days after ovulation, which corresponds to 8 to 14 days after intercourse. This timing coincides with when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. However, not all pregnancies involve spotting—it occurs in only about 25% of pregnancies. When it does happen, implantation spotting is usually light, lasting from a few hours to two or three days. The bleeding is minimal compared to a regular period and is often described as pink or light brown rather than bright red. The spotting occurs because the implanting embryo creates small breaks in the uterine blood vessels as it embeds itself into the endometrium. Some women may not notice implantation spotting at all, or it might be so light they mistake it for the start of their period. After implantation, the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. A blood test can typically detect hCG within 6 to 8 days after ovulation, while urine pregnancy tests usually become reliable around the time of a missed period. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe cramping, or bleeding that lasts longer than a week, contact a healthcare provider, as these could indicate other conditions rather than implantation spotting.