Premenstrual stains & pains

I usually get my period on the 29th day (3 days after stopping the pill). On the day I usually get my period I checked to see if I had before sunset, after checking a couple of times with a bedika cloth I did see a very small red stain on the cloth, and informed my husband that I am Nidda. However, there was no further sign of bleeding until the following morning. Can I still count the first day as the first of the 5 days?
Second question: I sometimes get pain in my leg veins on the day I start my period. Would having the leg pain in itself consist of a Hargasha?
thanks

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

Even a tiny red spot on a bedikah cloth renders a woman niddah. You were therefore correct in separating, and may count the day you did the bedikah as the first of the five day minimum.

Since the pain in your legs is not consistent with the criteria of hargashah described in halachic literature (generally the feeling of the opening of the uterus to let out blood), what you are experiencing is probably not a hargashah. It might, however, be a veset haguf. We suggest you read our article on veset haguf, and get back to us for further instruction if you think your leg pain meets the description of this veset.

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases.

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