What is the Difference Between Menstruation and Pregnancy Bleeding?

Ever found yourself questioning whether that spotting is just your period being fashionably late or a potential sign of pregnancy? Our bodies can give off mixed signals that may seem confusing and nerve-wracking. Whether you’re trying to avoid any surprises or just want to feel more in control, we’ve got you covered with all the info you need about menstruation vs pregnancy bleeding so you can spot the difference (pun intended). 

understanding menstruation vs. pregnancy bleeding 

What is going on in your body when you experience menstrual bleeding vs pregnancy bleeding? It all comes down to hormonal changes and what’s happening with your uterus. 

Menstruation, or your period, occurs when your body sheds the uterine lining because there’s no pregnancy. It’s part of your regular cycle, and most people experience it roughly once a month. Pregnancy bleeding, on the other hand, usually happens early on and isn’t part of your menstrual cycle. It’s often due to implantation bleeding, which happens when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. 

Now, if you’re sexually active and your period doesn’t show up, or the bleeding seems lighter or different than usual, it might be worth taking a home pregnancy test to find out what’s really going on. 

characteristics of menstrual bleeding 

Let’s talk about periods. Menstrual bleeding comes with a few key characteristics that can help you identify and differentiate it from pregnancy bleeding: 

• duration and flow -  Typically, your menstrual period lasts anywhere between 3 to 7 days, depending on your cycle. During that time, the flow starts heavier and then gradually lightens. 

• bright red color -  You’ll notice that the color of your menstrual blood ranges from bright red to a darker, brownish-red as blood gets older when your period is about to end. 

• cramps - You may also experience menstrual cramps (in lower abdomen or back), which are the result of your uterus contracting to help shed its lining. Some women experience mild discomfort to intense full-blown period cramps that make you want to stay in bed all day. 

when to consult your healthcare provider 

There may be cases when some may experience intense period symptoms that are different from usual. If you experience the following, it's worth consulting a healthcare provider: 

• Unusually heavy period flow or abnormal bleeding that soaks through period products (pads, period underwear, tampons)  

• Period lasts much longer than seven days 

• Presence of large blood clots 

• Severe cramps or pain that interfere with daily activities 

• Dizziness or fainting 

• No period or irregular/changes to your period 

identifying pregnancy bleeding 

Can you still get your period while pregnant? No, but pregnancy bleeding or implantation bleeding, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, is often mistaken for a light period. Understanding the key differences between the two can help you figure out what's happening with your body and make the best course of action: 

• light bleeding or spotting - In the early stages of pregnancy, light bleeding or spotting can occur, rather than a full regular period.. The blood often appears pink or brown rather than bright red.  

• timing and duration - Implantation bleeding usually happens 6 to 12 days after your ovulation phase, around the time you’d expect your period. This makes it easy to confuse it with menstrual bleeding. However, pregnancy bleeding is much lighter and shorter, lasting only 1 to 2 days.  

• mild cramps - While you may also experience cramps during your period, early pregnancy cramps are less intense, feeling like light pulling or stretching in your lower abdomen.  

If you've been sexually active and suspect pregnancy but aren’t sure, it’s time to grab that home pregnancy test. It can be tricky to differentiate between period vs pregnancy symptoms, but remember, a missed period and other early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and tender breasts can all point to the possibility of being pregnant. And don’t rely on just one test — if you get a negative result but still experience pregnancy symptoms, take another home pregnancy test a few days later and go see your doctor. 

when to consult your healthcare provider 

Serious bleeding concerns can occur during pregnancy, such as a potential pregnancy loss or miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy (that happens outside your uterus). So, if you experience heavy bleeding or severe pain, it's important to reach out to a healthcare provider right away to ensure everything is okay. 

get ready for your period with Thinx 

If you’ve determined it’s your period and not pregnancy, then reliable protection is key – and that’s where Thinx comes in. While Thinx period underwear isn’t designed for pregnancy-related spotting, it’s perfect for managing your menstrual flow. Offering breathable body fabrics and comfortable protection for everything from light to heavy periods, the newest styles from Thinx help keep you protected for up to 12 hours. Oh, and did we mention they’re stylish, too?  

With Thinx, you can focus on your day-to-day activities, feeling comfortable without worry. 

sources 

Cleveland Clinic. Implantation bleeding. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24536-implantation-bleeding 

Cleveland Clinic. Menstrual cycle: Normal Menstruation. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle 

NIH. Vaginal Bleeding.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470230/ 

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Menstruation: science and society. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(20)30619-0/fulltext