Can You Be Pregnant and Still Have a Period

So, can you be pregnant and still have a period? The answer is a straight forward and sure shot NO. No, you cannot get your period while pregnant. One of the first symptoms of pregnancy is missing a period. Pregnancy and menstruation are like an anti thesis, they can never occur together. Please remember this!

Many women all over the world would debate my answer. This is because they say that they, or their friend, or their mother did experience a regular, longer or shorter period during early pregnancy. In fact, I came across several women who said that they experienced their period every month till they were 7 months in to their pregnancy. Now, I am not saying that any of these women are lying. However, I do think that some could be exaggerating. Nonetheless, they are probably mistaken about the nature of the "bleeding" they had.

Menstruation or "period" occurs when the body is ready to let go of all the material is had collected in case the woman was to conceive. This includes the womb. However, when at the end of the cycle, the woman has not conceived, the body discards those materials. In the process, there is a bleeding as well. During the period, a woman does not only release blood, but a specific fluid known as menstrual fluid, as well. So, it is clear, if the woman were to have conceived and been pregnant, it would be positively impossible for her to have a period.

So, then what is the bleeding that some women experience during pregnancy? Can you be pregnant and still have a period-like bleeding? It has been seen in many cases, that in the initial stages of pregnancy, the woman bleeds. This tends to happen on her period dates. This gives here the illusion that she is menstruating. But, there is a difference. This bleeding does not contain any menstrual fluids and is basically, mostly, just blood being released from the body. More so, this bleeding will not be the same as your regular menstrual bleeding. It will either be much lesser or more. However, the number of days that the bleeding occurs could be the same as the period of less. This is often called pregnant period bleeding.

I actually came across a story said by a woman that she had her period till she was 6 months pregnant after conception. I hope she visited a doctor. Bleeding during pregnancy, though normal, should be a hint for vigilance. Mothers should be very vigilant about the stages of pregnancy development and should visit their doctors for routine checkups every once in a while. As this bleeding mostly happens in the initial stages of pregnancy, the couple is not aware of it. In case there is a complication in the pregnancy, it would be terrible for them to learn about the pregnancy and the complications in it at the same time. As such, women should be aware of their menstrual cycle and the nature of their menstrual cycle.

Why the Confusing Bleeding During Pregnancy?
There could be many reasons for the bleeding or the "period during pregnancy".

• Implantation Bleeding: Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus. The flow during implantation bleeding is normally very light and pink or brownish in color. It doesn't last very long, just a couple of days or so. This normally happens 6-10 days after ovulation, so it might seem like an early light period.
• Hormonal Bleeding: A few women go through hormonal bleeding during pregnancy. This is a lighter bleeding and occurs around the time of the period. This is also known as "decidual bleeding". It occurs due to hormonal fluctuations causing inactive layers of the womb lining to shed.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: This reason for bleeding during pregnancy requires immediate medical attention. Ectopic pregnancy is pregnancy that occurs when the fertilization happens outside the womb, mostly in the fallopian tube. This bleeding will be accompanied by pain on one side of the lower abdomen, fainting, nausea, collapse and pain on shoulder tip. Read more on early ectopic pregnancy symptoms.
• Early Miscarriage: Sadly, some pregnancies get miscarried in the earlier stage itself causing the mother to bleed heavily. The signs of an early miscarriage are heavy and clotted bleeding. This bleeding is more intense than the usual period and comes with lower abdominal pain and cramps. It is important to get medical help at the earliest in this case.

I hope this article has helped you answer the questions "can you be pregnant and still have a period" or "can you get your period while pregnant". It is important to know your body and listen to it. Get regular checkups done. If you don't agree with one doctor, get a second opinion till your mind is at ease. This is where I sign off! Take care!