You are 3 weeks and 5 days

As the fertilized egg becomes fully embedded in your uterus, it may cause some light bleeding.

254 days until your due date

The blastocyst, the ball of cells that will form the embryo, is now completely embedded in the uterus lining, and the lining has grown back over it.

Conception is a complex process: only about half of all fertilized eggs become a blastocyst, and only about half of those implant successfully in the uterus.

When the blastocyst embeds, there may be some light bleeding, called spotting. This often causes confusion about dating the pregnancy, because it can happen around the time your period would normally start.

The blood is usually pinkish, but it can be bright red (fresh) or brownish (old). As long as it isn't heavy, the color doesn't matter. If the bleeding is brief and you have no discomfort, things are probably fine, but see your doctor for a checkup.

Around 25 percent of women have some bleeding in early pregnancy, and most go on to full term. But bleeding can sometimes mean a miscarriage, so always tell your doctor.

Explainer

The blastocyst in the uterus

The blastocyst sits within the uterus with an outer ring of interconnected cells, which will eventually form the placenta.

As a matter of fact

Early miscarriage

Around 50 percent of pregnancies may miscarry before implantation.

Up to a third miscarry by the fifth week, and about a quarter between the fifth and seventh weeks. Thankfully, the risk falls as the weeks go by and drops dramatically after week 12.

Good to know

Doubling up

Like many parents, you probably thought hard about trying for a second child. There's no ideal age gap, but consider:

The pros:

You're in "baby mode", used to the routine and baby care, and you already have all the equipment, from bottles to a stroller and crib.
A two-year-old may accept a new sibling more easily than a four-year-old, who is more aware of losing their parents' undivided attention.
There will always be squabbles, but children close in age tend to play together better.

The cons:

Looking after a one- or two-year-old while pregnant is tiring.
Pregnancies close together can strain your body.
If the second baby arrives before the first can walk, you may be doing a lot of carrying, which raises the risk of backache.
You'll have less time to get to know your first child before the second arrives.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.