The difference between menstrual blood and pregnancy blood can be known from various signs, such as color, texture, and how long the blood appears. Although the release of menstrual blood and pregnancy blood can occur at almost the same time, there are several characteristics that distinguish the two, you know.
Bleeding due to pregnancy (implantation bleeding) is one of the early signs of pregnancy . This bleeding is common in pregnant women and is not dangerous. Unlike menstruation which occurs because the egg is not fertilized, pregnancy blood actually comes out because the egg has been fertilized by sperm cells, then attaches to the uterine wall and will develop into an embryo or fetus.
Pregnancy blood is often misunderstood as menstrual blood because it can occur close to a woman’s menstrual schedule. Well, so as not to be confused, let’s get to know the differences between menstrual blood and pregnancy blood.
Some Differences Between Menstrual Blood and Pregnancy
Menstrual and pregnancy blood comes out due to different causes. Although at first glance they look similar, both have certain characteristics that can be recognized. Well, here are some differences between menstrual and pregnancy blood:
1. Color
Menstrual and pregnancy blood can look different in terms of color. Menstrual blood is usually bright red which changes to dark red over time. Meanwhile, implantation blood is usually pink, then changes to brownish or blackish when the bleeding begins to stop.
2. Blood count
One of the differences between menstrual and pregnancy blood that you can recognize is the amount. Implantation blood is usually just a spot or drop of blood and not as much as menstrual blood that can fill a pad.
Implantation bleeding also usually does not occur continuously and does not increase in quantity. This is different from menstrual blood which can flow heavily and make you have to change pads more often.
3. Time of bleeding
Implantation bleeding usually occurs about 10–14 days after conception or sexual intercourse. Specifically, this bleeding occurs once the fertilized egg has successfully attached itself to the uterine wall to develop into a fetus.
It should be noted that implantation bleeding can also occur before or around the time of your period. If this pregnancy bleeding occurs, it means that you will not have your period the following month.
4. Duration of bleeding
Menstrual blood usually comes out for 2-7 days. This is different from implantation bleeding, aka pregnancy blood, which usually only appears for 2-3 days at most. This pregnancy blood can also stop coming out for a few hours and then come out again, unlike menstrual blood which comes out more often.
5. Texture
Another difference between menstrual and pregnancy blood is in terms of texture. Menstrual blood can be accompanied by thick blood clots , which can be seen on pads or when urinating. This is because menstrual blood contains the lining of the uterus that has fallen off.
Well, these clots will not appear in pregnant blood. The reason is, implantation bleeding does not occur because the uterine wall has fallen, but rather because the egg that has been fertilized by the sperm has successfully attached itself to the uterine wall.
6. Cramps
During menstruation, women can experience cramps in the lower abdomen. These cramps can also be felt if you experience implantation bleeding. However, implantation bleeding cramps are usually short-lived and milder than menstrual cramps .
7. Other symptoms
Pregnancy bleeding is usually not accompanied by any pain other than cramps. However, this bleeding is one of the early signs of pregnancy that can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting ( morning sickness ), frequent urination, breast tenderness, and cravings .
Meanwhile, if the blood that comes out is menstrual blood, you may experience other symptoms such as cramps, frequent hunger, and mood swings .
Another way to know the difference between period blood and pregnancy is to check your menstrual cycle. By doing this, you can know whether the day of bleeding is your period or not.