My period blood is bright red and watery

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, even, is watery period blood a sign of pregnancy?

Let’s explore what this change could mean.

In this article 📝

• What does it mean when period blood is watery?
• Is watery period blood a sign of pregnancy?
• How do I know if it’s my period or pregnancy?
• Watery period blood FAQs

What does it mean when period blood is watery?

If your period seems very watery with only a small amount of blood, there are a few possible reasons for this, including:

• It’s the first or last day of your period, when blood flow is often at its lightest. 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.
  
• 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 can also cause thinner, more watery period blood. Possible reasons behind low estrogen 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), and 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 to your doctor.

They might want to investigate further.

Is watery period blood a sign of pregnancy?

Noticing watery period blood when you’re TTC?

It’s natural to wonder whether that’s a sign of a successful encounter between egg and sperm. But is it?

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.

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 or the bleeding stops completely (and your period doesn’t arrive as usual), try taking a home pregnancy test.

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

Watery period blood FAQs

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.

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.

💡 More from The 411:
Prostaglandins and Period Pain: What You Need to Know
Can You Get Pregnant Right Before Your Period?
Can You Get Pregnant Right After Your Period?
How Long Does it Take to Get Pregnant After Sex?
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?
How Soon After Unprotected Sex Can I Test for Pregnancy?
Is Pooping a Lot a Sign of Pregnancy?
The 411 on Period Poop
Cramps but No Period: What’s Going On?
Can You Get Pregnant After Ovulation?
Can You Get Pregnant If You’re Not Ovulating?
What Does Brown Discharge Before My Period Mean?
8 Signs Your Period is Coming Tomorrow
Why Do I Crave Chocolate On My Period?
Blood Clots During Your Period: Yes, It’s Normal
How Long Do Periods Last? When Do Periods End?
Why Did My Period Come Early? 10 Reasons

Why does my period blood look watery?

Is bright red period blood healthy?