How can you differentiate breakthrough bleeding from your period? period is expected to come on 2/6/23. been experiencing breakthrough bleeding for 12 days on new bcp. breakthrough bleeding was somewhat heavier on 2/3/23. can this be my period now?

Yes it could be the beginning of your period. If you are trying to decide the first day of your period to know when to start new monthly pills, the increased bleeding would be reasonable. Likely the 12 days of bleeding can be improved with taking a BCP with a higher dose of hormones. Not every bcp is sufficient hormone level to prevent breakthrough bleeding in all patients.