Is Watery Period Blood a Sign of Pregnancy?

It’s totally normal for your period to vary in terms of color, consistency, and flow.

But what does it mean if things are a little, well, wetter than usual? Is there a problem? Or, is watery period blood sign of pregnancy?

The one thing we wished they taught us about periods: there is no such thing as normal.

Trackable 28-day menstrual cycles, consistent flow, and unmistakable PMS symptoms cured by chocolate look great on paper, but women’s bodies are faaaar more complicated.

Just like we defy neat one-size-fits-all categories, our period symptoms overlap seamlessly with implantation and early pregnancy.

Still, if you find yourself with watery period blood that looks way outside your unique brand of normal – maybe it’s time to seek a second opinion.

And that goes even if you’re not TTC (trying to conceive).

Let’s explore what this change could mean.

Most importantly, could watery period blood be a sign of pregnancy?

In this article 📝

Why is my period blood watery?

If your period seems very watery with only a small amount of blood, there are a few possible reasons for this – not all of which are a cause for worry.

Let’s break them down in detail:

It’s the first or last day of your period

As a veteran of many menstruation cycles, you may already be familiar with a whole spectrum of colors and textures.

This is mostly down to the age of the blood and tissue released, with older period blood tending to be darker and thicker.

Yes, even blood clots are normal.

Blood flow is often at its lightest at the very start or end of your period.

The period blood could be mixed with vaginal discharge, making it look and feel watery.

Hormonal birth control

If you’ve recently started taking the pill (or another hormonal method of birth control) you might begin to have lighter periods.

Depending on your chosen contraceptive method, you could have a thinner uterine lining – which means more watery period blood.

Not to worry, by thinning your uterine lining, hormonal contraception is simply making it far harder for an egg to implant.

Menopause is on the horizon

When you enter perimenopause (usually in your 40s), levels of the hormone estrogen in your body can start to fluctuate.

This often causes changes in your menstrual cycle.

For example, you might find you have a lighter flow or spotting between periods.

Low estrogen levels

Low levels of estrogen can also cause thinner, more watery period blood.

Possible reasons include:

• Too much intensive exercise
  
• A low-functioning pituitary gland (that is, a problem with a gland at the base of your brain that makes various hormones)
  
• Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s Syndrome
  
• Eating disorders
  
• Chronic kidney disease

If you’ve noticed your periods suddenly becoming more watery or any other unusual changes to your cycle, it’s a good idea to chat with your doctor.

Does watery period mean pregnancy?

Noticing watery period blood when you’re TTC?

It’s natural to wonder if that’s a sign of a successful encounter between egg and sperm.

So is watery period blood a sign of pregnancy?

The answer is: Maybe!

Some women do experience a little spotting or light bleeding after implantation (when the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus).

This isn’t technically a period – because the lining of your uterus isn’t being shed – but it might resemble the light flow at the start of your period.

This explains why, among the many convos happening in the Peanut TTC community, you’ll see tonnes of posts asking, “is this implantation? My period blood is light pink and watery!”

Implantation bleeding usually looks like a few spots of pink or brown blood.

And it can be mixed with vaginal discharge, making it seem watery.

The thing is, it can be pretty tricky to tell the difference between implantation spotting and the beginning of your period.

Especially when this spotting often happens around the time you’re expecting your period anyway!

How do I know if it’s my period or pregnancy?

The best thing to do is to wait a while (we know it’s tough) and see how things develop.

If, after a day or two, the bleeding becomes heavier and changes to a brighter red, that probably means it’s your period.

On the other hand, if you keep getting only light spotting and the bleeding stops completely within a few hours or days (with no signs of your period), try taking a home pregnancy test.

That’s the most reliable way to know whether or not you’re pregnant.

Watery period blood FAQs

Rarely is period blood straightforward, and it gets all the more complicated when you’re TTC.

Don’t get us started on the crossover symptoms of cramping, bloating, and breast tenderness.

Every sign could be the sign.

We get it, and we’re here to bring you some clarity.

If you can’t find it in our FAQs, the Peanut community is well-versed in all things TTC – including funky periods.

Is it a sign of early pregnancy if my period blood is light pink and watery?

Maybe. If what you’re seeing is actually implantation spotting mixed with vaginal discharge, it could look like pink period blood.

But it could also be the start of your period.

If the day of your expected period passes and the flow doesn’t get any heavier, the best thing to do is to take a pregnancy test.

What does watery period blood and cramps mean?

It could mean that it’s the very start of your period, when your flow is often lighter and you’re more likely to experience menstrual cramps.

Other signs your period is coming include digestive issues, low energy, and slight weight gain.

But, light spotting and mild cramps could also be signs that implantation has occurred.

Again, a home pregnancy test is your friend here.

Is wet watery discharge a sign of pregnancy?

It’s possible!

Many women have more discharge in early pregnancy—it’s your body’s way of keeping your vagina free from “bad” bacteria and helping to prevent infection.

But discharge on its own isn’t a reliable sign that you’re pregnant.

Watch out for other early pregnancy signs, such as nausea, tiredness, peeing more, and tender breasts.

And don’t forget: if you’d like to share the highs and lows (and everything in between) of your TTC journey with fellow travelers, the Peanut Community is here for you.