Period FAQs

can i get a period while pregnant

by Jana Heidenreich Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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After a girl is pregnant, she no longer gets her period. But girls who are pregnant can have other bleeding that might look like a period. For example, there can be a small amount of bleeding when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Doctors call this implantation bleeding.

Can I get pregnant few days before I ovulate?

Therefore, it is possible to get pregnant from intercourse that took place a few days before ovulation. Your chances of becoming pregnant are definitely highest when you are able to have intercourse right before ovulation. But unfortunately, perfect timing isn’t always possible.

Is it normal to have a full period while pregnant?

The short answer is no. Despite all of the claims out there, it isn’t possible to have a period while you’re pregnant. Rather, you might experience “spotting” during early pregnancy, which is usually light pink or dark brown in color.

Can I get pregnant just one day before my period?

Can a woman get pregnant just before her period? The answer is yes, it is possible, but it is not very common. Fertilization usually occurs around the time of a woman's ovulation, which happens between the 12th and 16th days of the menstrual cycle.

Can You ovulate without having a period?

Yes, women can ovulate without having a period. The truth is that you don't need to have a period to ovulate and conceive. Ovulation is the period when your ovary releases a mature egg, which then moves down to the fallopian tube and becomes available for fertilization. The lining of the uterus becomes thick while waiting for a fertilized egg.

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What happens when you don't get pregnant?

If you don't get pregnant that month, you shed this tissue and blood – that's your menstrual period.

What does it mean when you bleed while pregnant?

Bleeding can also be a sign of something seriously wrong, such as an infection, placental problems, miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy , which can be life-threatening. (See our article on vaginal bleeding in pregnancy for a complete rundown of possible causes.)

Why does implantation bleeding happen?

This spotting has been called " implantation bleeding " because of the idea that it might be caused by the fertilized egg burrowing into the blood-rich lining of the uterus. But no one knows what really causes it.

Do you shed your period when you have a baby?

But once an egg embeds in the uterine lining, hormones tell the blood-rich tissue to stay intact to support the growing baby. And you won't shed it and start having your period again until your pregnancy is over.

Can you have a period while pregnant?

No. You can't have your menstrual period while you're pregnant. Some women do have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Some even report intermittent bleeding that seems like a regular period to them. But vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is not the same thing as menstruation.

When a woman is pregnant, does she continue to ovulate?

When a woman is pregnant, she does not continue to ovulate and will not have a period. Menstruation only occurs when a person is not pregnant.

When does the menstrual cycle end?

The menstrual cycle occurs to facilitate pregnancy. The cycle begins on the first day of a person’s period and ends on the first day of the following period. Ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg, occurs midway through the cycle. An egg is only viable for about 12–24 hours after a woman ovulates. If sperm cells are present and able ...

What is the term for a hematoma that occurs between the uterine wall and the placent?

subchorionic hemorrhage, also called subchorionic hematoma, when bleeding occurs between the uterine wall and the placenta

What is ectopic pregnancy?

ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency. an infection. miscarriage, or pregnancy loss. subchorionic hemorrhage, also called subchorionic hematoma, when bleeding occurs between the uterine wall and the placenta.

What is the term for a condition in which the placenta begins to separate from the uterus before?

Placental abruption: This is a condition in which the placenta begins to separate from the uterus before the baby is born. It is also a medical emergency.

What happens if there is no fertilization?

If there is no fertilization, menstruation will occur, and the body will shed the uterine lining so that it can begin making a new one for the next cycle.

Should women seek emergency medical attention for bleeding during pregnancy?

Women should seek emergency medical attention for bleeding during pregnancy if they have additional symptoms that include:

When does bleeding occur during pregnancy?

Bleeding tends to occur more often during the first trimester of pregnancy than the second or third.

Why does my period bleed so much?

Other causes: Heavier bleeding that more closely resembles a period during the first trimester of pregnancy can indicate something more serious , including: Ectopic pregnancy. Infection. Miscarriage. Molar pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of a uterine contraction?

Other symptoms include a backache, abdominal cramping, changes in vaginal discharge, and a sensation of vaginal pressure.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

This bleeding is lighter than a normal period, however, and only lasts for a couple of days. It occurs due to the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine lining.

Why is my vagina bleeding red?

Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy may indicate an ectopic pregnancy . If you suspect this, see your health care provider as soon as possible.

What does it mean when you have a first trimester bleed?

First trimester bleeding that occurs alongside other symptoms (like dizziness or pain) may indicate a more serious issue , such as ectopic pregnancy, infection, miscarriage, molar pregnancy, subchorionic hemorrhage, or cervical changes . If you are concerned and suspect an underlying cause for the bleeding, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention — many of these conditions are medical emergencies.

What is the term for a miscarriage that is a molar pregnancy?

Miscarriage. Molar pregnancy. Subchorionic hemorrhage, also known as subchorionic hematoma (bleeding between the placenta and the wall of the uterus) Gestational trophoblast disease (GTD), a rare group of tumors that grow from the cells that normally develop into the placenta.

What causes a period when you are pregnant?

Conception that occurs close to menstruation or low progesterone levels may cause what looks like a period while pregnant. Conception may not occur until mere days before your period is due if you have a short cycle or don’t ovulate mid-cycle. For example, let’s say you’re regularly maintaining a 26-day cycle.

What is the most common type of bleeding mistaken for a period while pregnant?

This type of bleeding is often referred to as “break through bleeding,” and is the most common type of bleeding mistaken for a period while pregnant. Break through bleed ing is usually seen during the first month of pregnancy but may continue in the first trimester if hormone levels stay low. It’s important to note that any bleeding following ...

How long does it take for a progesterone egg to implant?

Chances are you’ll ovulate around day 13. Even if fertilization occurred that day, it would still take six to twelve days for the fertilized egg to reach and implant in your uterine lining. By this timeline, your body wouldn’t know to continue producing progesterone, ...

How long does it take for a woman to produce progesterone?

By this timeline, your body wouldn’t know to continue producing progesterone, the hormone that maintains your uterine lining, until somewhere between day 20 to 25 of your cycle. That could leave as little as one day between implantation and projected menstruation.

Can implantation bleeding be mistaken for a period?

Implantation bleeding could be mistaken for a light period . Many women also mistake implantation bleeding for a period while pregnant. Following the same example above, if you often have a light period, and had spotting on day 23, you might mistake that spotting as your period a day or two early.

Is it safe to be pregnant if you bleed?

In short, bleeding doesn’t guarantee that you aren’t pregnant , but then it’s usually a pretty good indication. Pay attention to your body, trust your instinct, and when in doubt, act pregnant until you’re sure you aren’t.

Can you have multiple bleeds during your period?

Multiple timely bleeds like a period, whether irregular/light for you or not, are very unlikely to be pregnancy bleeding. As break through bleeding can be indicative of low progesterone, it’s a good idea to let your health care provider know about it. In fact, any bleeding during pregnancy should be evaluated.

What does it mean when your period arrives while you are pregnant?

Intermittent bleeding. The first thing that can explain your period arriving while you are pregnant is what we call “intermittent bleeding”. Basically, this bleeding occurs regularly, during the same time your normal period was supposed to arrive if you weren’t pregnant.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy?

You may experience many discomforts during your pregnancy, such as nausea, breast sensitivity, fatigue, heartburn… Let's go through them all!

What to do if you have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

It is still best to communicate with your doctor every time you notice vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy. They will pass a few tests that could include abdominal palpation, cervical exam, pelvic ultrasound or a pregnancy test.

When does intermittent bleeding occur during pregnancy?

So, if you were hoping to be done with your period for the next 9 months, now you know you might experience intermittent bleeding at the beginning of your pregnancy!

Can you get pregnant if you have intermittent bleeding?

In that case, it may take them a while to realize they are indeed pregnant. On the other hand, women who have passed a positive pregnancy test and get intermittent bleeding can be terrified they are having a miscarriage. However, intermittent bleeding is quite harmless.

Can you take a pregnancy test at home?

The results will confirm if your bleeding is, in fact, harmless intermittent bleeding or if there is something going wrong. If you’re too impatient to wait for your doctor’s appointment, you can take a pregnancy test at home. However, if your pregnancy has already been confirmed, this test will not exempt you from meeting your doctor.

Can you get pregnant if you bleed during your period?

It’s important to note that bleeding during pregnancy is a rare exception and in general, getting your period means you are not pregnant. So, you shouldn’t rely too much hope on these pregnancy bleedings. When in doubt, take a pregnancy test from the pharmacy.

How does your period affect your chances of getting pregnant?

RELATED: How Your Period Affects Your Chances of Getting Pregnant. If you're pregnant, an egg has already been fertilized and is growing as an embryo within the walls of your uterus. Since your womb lining is not being discarded at the end of each month, you no longer have a period.

When do most miscarriages occur?

Miscarriage. Most pregnancy losses occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. A miscarriage (or a threatened miscarriage) usually presents as bleeding associated with uterine cramping. There may also be a passage of large clots from the vagina. If you have these symptoms, alert your doctor right away.

What happens when you bleed during the second trimester?

During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, bleeding can also result from vasa previa (where the blood vessels of the placenta are in an abnormal location and cross over the cervix), a placental abruption (where the placenta begins to pull away from the wall of the uterus prematurely,) or labor, says Dr. Hakakha.

What is implantation bleeding?

Hakakha. "This can occur at the time the fertilized egg, known as the embryo, reaches the uterus and nestles itself into the lining of the uterus.".

Can you have a period if you are pregnant?

If you're pregnant, an egg has already been fertilized and is growing as an embryo within the walls of your uterus. Since your womb lining is not being discarded at the end of each month, you no longer have a period. This is why one of the early signs of pregnancy is a missed period.

Can a woman have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

The short answer is no. "Women can certainly have vaginal bleeding during a pregnancy, but when they bleed, they are not having a 'period,'" explains Michele Hakakha, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in Los Angeles and co-author of Expecting 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Pregnancy.

Is it normal to bleed while pregnant?

Although bleeding in pregnancy is common, it's never normal, explains Dr. Esposito. If someone is pregnant and bleeding, with or without pain, they should call their doctor for further instruction.

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

For starters, it helps understand your menstrual cycle.

What To Do If You Have Abnormal Bleeding During Pregnancy

Because vaginal bleeding in any trimester can be a sign of a problem, call your doctor. Wear a pad so that you can keep track of how much you’re bleeding, and record the type of blood . Bring any tissue that passes through the vagina to your doctor for testing. Don’t use a tampon or have sex while you are still bleeding.

Can I Use My Menstrual Cycle To Predict My Due Date

Yes. You can work out how far along your pregnancy is by counting from the first day of your last period.

Ovulation And Fertility: How Do I Know

Because periods can be different lengths and not all bleeding is a period, it can be confusing to track your ovulation. The best way to track your ovulatory cycle is by watching it for three to four months, Harper said. To track, Harper recommends determining the average time between the start of one period to the start of the next.

Implantation Bleeding Could Be Mistaken For A Light Period

Many women also mistake implantation bleeding for a period while pregnant. Following the same example above, if you often have a light period, and had spotting on day 23, you might mistake that spotting as your period a day or two early.

Signs And Symptoms Of Ovulation

Its possible that you can get pregnant outside of the fertility window, or the days of your cycle when you are most likely to get pregnant. The best way to know when this period will occur is by tracking your menstrual cycle.

Other Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Obviously, there are many reasons why a woman does not experience menstruation during pregnancy. However, Kristeen Cherney, Ph.D. of Healthline says there are other reasons why a woman may experience bleeding throughout her pregnancy.

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