My period has passed and I'm pregnant. Can I get my period during pregnancy?

Some women mistake any vaginal bleeding that occurs in the second half of the cycle for menstruation. But if conception has occurred, which the woman may not yet be aware of, spotting of a different origin is possible instead of menstruation. Bleeding may appear after conception during menstruation, but they differ. Which? Some characteristic features allow us to distinguish them. A woman just needs to be a little more attentive, then she will be able to see the difference.

If a girl is convinced that she is pregnant, but menstruation appears at the end of the menstrual cycle, this indicates abnormalities in the functioning of the body. This phenomenon requires immediate consultation with a gynecologist.

The problem with this situation is that the woman is misinformed. In her opinion, if her period started as scheduled, it means she is not pregnant. In the first weeks after conception, a woman may not feel obvious signs of pregnancy, so there is no point in doing a test for her. If suspicions arise, but the test does not work or shows a negative result, bleeding only convinces the girl that she is not pregnant. It is not uncommon for a woman to be unaware of her situation for a whole month until obvious symptoms appear.

Is it possible to get pregnant at the same time as having your period?

The basics of the female reproductive system are taught in anatomy classes at school. Many women, unfortunately, completely forget the fundamental truths, because they think that they “feel” their body like no one else. This is why some of them misinterpret various situations, which has a very bad effect on their health. There is nothing worse than arrogantly thinking that everything will be fine with your health.

It is necessary to understand the mechanisms of the menstrual cycle and conception in order to detect alarming symptoms in time.

The uterus is the very place where the embryo attaches and begins to develop. The structure of this organ is represented by three layers:

• The inner mucous layer is the endometrium.
• The middle layer, consisting of smooth muscle fibers, is the myometrium.
• Outer layer of connective tissue.

Each layer has its own role. The task of the middle layer is to protect the developing fetus from mechanical stress. The myometrium also plays a huge role in the process of childbirth. Only thanks to strong contractions of the middle layer of the uterus can the baby emerge.

The most mobile layer of the uterus is the endometrium. That's what interests us. Its growth on the walls of the uterus occurs during the first half of the menstrual period. This is necessary to secure the embryo on the wall of the uterus before the formation of the placenta. During menstruation, the endometrial layer is shed. This only happens if pregnancy never occurs. The endometrium, mixed with blood due to damaged blood vessels, comes out.

After this, the process of growth of a new layer of the endometrium begins again, and the woman has another opportunity to become pregnant. You don't need to be a gynecologist or a doctor of science to understand that the rejection of the endometrial layer in which the embryo is comfortably nestled can lead to miscarriage. The answer to the question “can pregnancy occur if you have had your period” is obvious. This is unlikely, since menstruation itself is the result of a failed pregnancy. Bleeding that is mistaken for menstrual bleeding can be a cause for concern.

Exceptions to the rules

There were exceptions when her periods were observed exactly at the expected time, but she soon discovered that she was pregnant. Why is this happening? After fertilization of the egg, a little more than 2-3 days must pass for the embryo to implant in the uterus. Sometimes it takes up to 2 weeks. In such a situation, conception occurred, but due to the late implantation of the embryo, the hormonal levels did not change. As a result, some people who were already pregnant began their periods on the expected day.

Another way a woman can become pregnant while menstruating has begun is when two eggs mature at the same time. This doesn't happen often, but there have been cases. One of the two mature female reproductive cells can be fertilized, while the second goes through the natural process of dying and being released with menstruation. As a result of the death of the second egg, menstruation is observed from the expected day, although conception has occurred.

Is bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy always dangerous?

If a woman notices that she has menstruation or bleeding similar to it during pregnancy, in most cases this indicates abnormalities. Some reasons are not a cause for concern. The cause of bleeding may be embryo implantation. The blood vessels of the uterus may be slightly damaged as they become embedded in the wall. As a result, a woman may think that she is getting her period, when in fact the spotting is just implantation bleeding. However, such bleeding should be scanty and short-lived, which ultimately makes it possible to distinguish it from menstruation.

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of many reproductive system problems. As a result of such failures, after fertilization of the egg, bleeding is observed, very reminiscent of menstruation. The reason for this may be insufficient concentration of the hormone progesterone in the body or excessive levels of male androgen. If the deviations in hormone levels are small, then there is no danger to the fetus, but when the balance is too disturbed, it can be harmful. This disorder can be treated quite simply if detected in time.

The main thing you need to do is see a doctor who will prescribe hormonal medications. Under no circumstances should you self-prescribe such medications.

Playing with hormonal levels without strict medical supervision is always dangerous, but self-medication poses a particular danger to the life of the mother and embryo during pregnancy.

Reasons for concern

If a woman notices bleeding on the day she is supposed to get her period, this does not always mean she is menstruating. As we discussed above, there were cases when conception occurred and menstruation occurred exactly as scheduled. Such situations arise rarely, but it cannot be said that they are impossible.

But if this does happen, then menstrual bleeding conceals the danger of miscarriage. As a result of endometrial detachment, pregnancy loss may occur. If the detachment was minor, the woman may not lose the child. In response to an emergency, the female body begins to intensively produce the hormone progesterone, which helps maintain pregnancy. When such situations happened, there was scanty bleeding - spotting.

To help her body save the life that has arisen inside her, the girl should, firstly, see a doctor, and secondly, ensure herself absolute rest and bed rest. There is nothing better than rest for the body during this difficult period for it. For this reason, women who find themselves in such a situation are often prescribed hospitalization. This is done because most people cannot imagine how they can be at home all day and not take a light “jog” with a vacuum cleaner or do things that are their normal household chores. Neglect of bed rest has already become a cause of pregnancy loss for some.

Another reason for concern may be the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. When diagnosed, menstruation may also occur, even when the test shows positive result. In this situation, the embryo is not implanted into the wall of the uterus, but is located in the fallopian tube. The embryo grows to a certain size, after which the fallopian tube tissue ruptures. Bleeding occurs, accompanied by severe pain. This condition may differ from menstruation in the color and nature of the blood released, acute pain, temperature, and fainting. In such cases, you should immediately call an ambulance.

An ectopic pregnancy is very dangerous. The result can be, if not death, then serious and irreversible damage to the organs of the reproductive system.

If a woman and her doctor suspect an ectopic pregnancy, urgent surgery is necessary. Now it is carried out using the laparoscopy method, with minimal tissue damage, and only one day is enough to prepare for it. There is no reason to be afraid of surgery, especially since in the case of ectopic surgery it will still not be possible to avoid it, since there are no other methods of getting rid of it. You should remember the consequences if you delay surgery.

The dangers of menstruation during pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy on the days of expected menstruation does not pose a big threat to health, especially if its volume is not large. Spotting is more of a symptom than a disease.

The main question: “Why is it happening and what provoked it?” It is extremely important to find the cause and get rid of the problem that is causing bleeding when the test result is positive. If this is not done, the consequences can be very dire.

Often women believe that there is no point in rushing to be examined by a gynecologist. But if you experience menstruation during pregnancy, then it is undesirable to delay. As we have already found out, pregnancy along with menstrual bleeding is possible. In such a situation, the life that has arisen inside can be in great danger. Only a gynecologist will explain why this happened and what to do next.

Oddly enough, uterine bleeding, especially in the first trimester, is observed quite often, and the ensuing pregnancy turns out to be a real surprise for a woman. You can distinguish normal menstruation from false menstruation by a number of characteristic signs indicating the birth of a new life.

Symptoms of pregnancy while having menstruation

After conception, multiple processes are launched in the female body, preparing it for bearing a fetus. First of all, the hormonal background changes, and with it the functions of many organ systems. Until the 2nd trimester, pregnancy practically does not appear outwardly, so you need to take a closer look at yourself.

In the early stages

If there is a suspicion that conception has occurred, but menstruation has arrived on time, then you should pay attention to the nature of the discharge itself. First of all, they become scarce. In addition to the reduction in blood volume, its color usually changes: from light red and pink to brown and brown. Such “menstruation” can occur repeatedly and require a visit to the gynecologist to confirm or rule out pregnancy.

Another reliable sign of imminent motherhood is a change in the condition of the mammary glands. The breasts increase in size and become quite painful. Such signs are characteristic of premenstrual syndrome, but with the onset of menstruation they disappear. If pregnancy occurs, the breasts remain swollen, and the nipples and areolas become darker due to increased pigmentation.

At a later date

As a rule, spotting at the beginning of pregnancy does not pose a threat to it and stops by the second trimester. However, regular bleeding can occur throughout the entire pregnancy, and more pronounced signs will help to reliably determine its presence:

• In the third or fourth month, drops of cloudy whitish liquid are released from the nipples when pressed (or spontaneously) - colostrum. In this way, the mammary glands prepare for the lactation period after childbirth.
• Marked frequent urge to urinate, and the volume of urine is insignificant. This is explained by the increase in the size of the uterus: it begins to put pressure on the nearby bladder, and it has to be emptied more often.
• Uterine growth becomes obvious: the stomach begins to protrude forward, the first movements of the fetus are felt. Body weight generally increases, which is especially noticeable in thin women who are watching their figure (at the same time, diets and sports do not produce results - the weight is steadily growing).
• Pregnant women's taste preferences change, sometimes taking quite bizarre forms. There is a tendency towards foods that were not previously on the list of favorites, and pica is often observed. This term refers to the uncontrollable desire to eat obviously inedible things, for example, chalk (the body thus replenishes calcium reserves).
• A common sign of pregnancy is fatigue along with irritability. Energy is spent by the body of the expectant mother to maintain the vital functions of the fetus, and unstable hormonal levels contribute to sudden changes in mood.
• During pregnancy, the production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone melanotropin increases significantly and, accordingly, increased skin pigmentation. Already in the third month, a vertical dark line appears in the center of the abdomen, and spots (chloasma) may appear on the face. After childbirth, pigmentation quickly disappears and the skin returns to normal.
• Due to weight gain, hereditary factors and changes in hormonal levels, the skin undergoes another change: on the chest, hips and abdomen appear stretch marks.
• An increase in the concentration of estrogen in the blood may manifest itself as erythema (redness of the skin of the palms) or formation of spider veins.
• Likely multiple acne on the face, since the sebaceous glands begin to work more actively when hormonal levels change.

The above signs clearly indicate pregnancy, and they are noticeable not only to the woman herself, but also to those around her. Regular uterine bleeding in this case is not normal menstruation at all, but a threat of miscarriage and a reason to urgently consult a doctor. After a diagnostic examination, a specialist will determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Menstruation during pregnancy: reasons

Menstruation and pregnancy are mutually exclusive concepts, however, the presence of scanty monthly discharge can be considered normal if the woman feels well.

• Conceiving at the very end of the cycle may not affect the overall hormonal background and the uterus ready for menstruation. Most often happens spontaneous, which the woman doesn’t even know about, but if the fertilized egg managed to implant, the pregnancy continues.
• When an embryo is implanted into the uterine wall, it is possible implantation bleeding. A small amount of blood is released, which is mistakenly taken for the beginning of the next menstruation.
• Possible and banal error in calculations, when pregnancy occurs after menstruation, but the woman is sure that conception occurred earlier.
• Quite rare, but quite probable situation with two mature eggs: one of them is fertilized and fixed in the uterus, and the other causes menstruation.
• During intense sexual intercourse There may be damage to the cervix and, consequently, slight bleeding.

In the situations described, menstrual bleeding stops in the first trimester and pregnancy proceeds normally until childbirth. However, in exceptional cases, the fetus develops under the same hormonal conditions: the phases of estrogenic and gestagenic activity alternate monthly, and menstruation occurs. This condition of the body requires medical correction with hormonal drugs to reduce the likelihood of miscarriage.

Menstruation and pregnancy (video)

Heavy and painful bleeding poses a real threat to the health of the fetus and the pregnant woman herself. In this case, spontaneous abortion is an almost inevitable outcome of events. In addition, menstruation can continue against the background of an ectopic pregnancy, so if certain suspicions arise, delaying a visit to the gynecologist is unacceptable. The doctor will tell you in detail whether a pregnancy can be carried to term during menstruation and what symptoms really pose a danger to the unborn baby.

A woman’s body is designed in such a way that in the absence of pregnancy, an unfertilized egg becomes the cause of menstrual periods. The discharge of blood in the second half of the cycle may indicate conception and not be menstruation.

Pregnancy if you have your period is possible in extremely rare cases. Bloody discharge in this case indicates endometrial detachment and the threat of miscarriage. Even more rarely, it is possible for two eggs to mature - one develops, the second dies and causes menstruation on time.

The logic of many women is clear: if you have your period, it means you are not pregnant. However, possible fertilization of the egg cannot be ruled out.

There are a number of conditions under which they can go:

1. Time of implantation of the fertilized egg. At 2–4 weeks after fertilization, the fertilized egg implants and damages blood vessels, which cause spotting that vaguely resembles menstruation. More often, this process occurs without bleeding; in rare cases, a woman may notice, during her period when her period should have begun, small brownish spotting for 1–3 days in a row. This is a harmless condition that does not require medical intervention.
2. The period when the egg has not yet implanted into the lining of the uterus before the onset of menstruation. In this case, scanty discharge may be observed. The whole process takes from 1 to 2 weeks, especially when conception occurred towards the end of the second half of the cycle. That is, menstruation begins exactly at the time when the fertilized egg “looks” for a place for implantation.
3. The maturation of two eggs at the same time is the rarest case when a woman can become pregnant during menstruation. The eggs develop in different ovaries. One is rejected, stimulating the onset of menstruation, the second is fertilized and continues to develop.
4. Hormonal imbalance. An excess of male hormones and a lack of progesterone can cause slight bleeding during conception.

The nature, color, and volume of this discharge determines whether such “periods” can threaten pregnancy. A small brownish smear most often does not pose a threat to the development of the fetus, while heavy bleeding is a symptom of miscarriage.

Many women very often wonder whether they can go. However, in this matter it is better to immediately contact a specialist to avoid serious consequences.

Will implantation occur if fertilization has occurred?

So-called implantation bleeding, which is often mistaken for normal periods, can occur if implantation occurs on the day it starts or a couple of days before.

Such bleeding is considered normal and occurs when the embryo naturally implants into the uterine mucosa. That is, it depends on the timing of implantation of the egg whether there can be a pregnancy if menstruation occurs (more likely, a spot).

Implantation does not occur immediately after fertilization of the egg. It moves through the tubes into the uterine cavity, after a few days it attaches, and the fetus begins its development.

If conception has occurred, but the egg has not yet implanted, menstruation may occur. The test will be negative, and only when your period has passed is a positive result possible.

Types of bleeding during implantation

There are two options for bleeding during implantation:

1. In the process of implantation of the egg into the endometrium, approximately a week after conception (on the 22nd day of the cycle), there is still no delay, but minor spotting may appear. This is a rare case in medical practice.
2. Most often, implantation bleeding occurs in the 6th week after the first day of the last menstruation. Just at this time, rapid growth of the chorion occurs, which corresponds to a pregnancy period of 4 to 5 weeks. This condition is observed in almost a quarter of expectant mothers and is often perceived by them as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Stops after 2–4 days.

Only in rare cases, slight bleeding can mean that the pregnancy is ectopic or there is a threat of miscarriage. If there is heavy bleeding, we can say that there was a pregnancy, but it was interrupted for some reason.

Implantation is also possible on the first day of the onset of regula. If fertilization occurs 5–6 days before its onset, then the embryo is implanted on the 1st day of menstruation. The reasons for this are the long stay of the sperm in the fallopian tubes and the displacement of ovulation. In this case, the woman became pregnant if her period came on time, towards the end of the second half of the cycle or immediately before the start of her period.

What do periods mean if you are pregnant?

Whether menstruation can occur after conception depends on many factors: inflammatory processes in the woman’s genital organs, hormonal levels, and the location of pregnancy (in the uterus or outside it).

Fertilization at the same time as menstruation can be a dangerous symptom for the woman and the fetus. Menstruation during pregnancy often indicates pathologies such as:

1. Unsuccessful embryo attachment. This may cause a small amount of blood to be released over a period of several weeks. As a rule, this occurs due to the presence of myoma/fibromyoma.
2. Hormonal imbalance, often an increase in the level of male hormones, as well as a decrease in the concentration of progesterone.
3. Rejection of one embryo from a couple. It rarely happens that two fetuses develop, after which one of them stops developing and is rejected, causing bleeding.
4. Abnormalities in fetal development during the intrauterine period can cause miscarriage.
5. Presence of an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, they are associated with the development of the fetus in the abdominal cavity, tubes, and cervix. As the embryo grows, soft tissue ruptures with damage to blood vessels and bleeding.

In general, the state of the mother’s reproductive system determines whether menstruation can occur upon conception. Normal levels of female and male hormones, the absence of chronic diseases of the genital organs, stress, and trauma guarantee the physiological attachment and further development of the egg.

Bleeding that looks like menstruation when tested positive is a serious cause for concern. If the bleeding increases, as during normal periods, and the color is bright red, you should consult a gynecologist.

You can suspect that fertilization has occurred if, instead of regular periods, a woman develops a brownish smudge that ends in 1–2 days. A test carried out over such a short period of time often gives a false negative answer, since the level of hCG in the body is still negligible.

In any case, if, it is necessary to repeat the test and consult a doctor.

This question worries many women, because their body is a real mystery. Some girls even consider menstruation a reliable method of contraception. However, doctors say that this time cannot be called completely safe. Pregnancy is possible! Moreover, sex during menstruation poses a certain threat, as the risk of infection increases.

Main misconceptions

People are constantly exposed to data from unverified sources. Girls often claim that it is impossible to get pregnant if you are menstruating. And this is not the only misconception! There is also an opinion that in the last days before your period comes, pregnancy does not occur. However, these statements are erroneous. To minimize the risk of unwanted conception, you need to use suitable contraception.

Of course, after your period starts, the risk of getting pregnant is minimal. However, this statement applies to absolutely healthy women who do not have hormonal problems.

If a girl has such anomalies, the threat of pregnancy during menstruation always exists.

In rare cases, spotting that resembles menstruation accompanies a woman throughout the entire period of bearing a child or for a relatively long time. Such situations can be divided into two main categories:

• A pregnant woman develops bleeding, although she carefully monitors her health.
• The girl is sure that there is no pregnancy, and her periods started as usual.

If in the first situation you need to immediately consult a doctor, then in the second everything is much more complicated. This disorder is observed very rarely, and it develops exclusively in the first trimester. Only a doctor can determine whether everything is normal.

If a woman carefully monitors her cycle, she can easily distinguish whether her period has arrived or spotting has occurred. The following signs will help you determine exactly what the cause of the problem is:

• color;
• quantity;
• duration;
• smell of discharge.

There are women who try to have sex during their periods. The main motive in this case is the opportunity not to use contraception. However, this opinion is erroneous, since it is impossible to know in advance the reaction of your own body. If any failure occurs, pregnancy during menstruation is quite possible.

It is important to remember that at this time the body’s protection against bacteria is minimal; they can easily enter the uterus. This is due to the opening of the cervix. In such a situation, there is always a threat of infection.

Menstrual blood is considered an environment in which bacteria multiply very quickly and actively. Gynecologists prohibit having sex during your period. This process is considered unhygienic and often causes pain. This provokes a change in the microflora of the genital organs, which leads to the defenselessness of the female body.

Causes of discharge

After becoming pregnant, some women experience spotting, which they mistake for menstruation. Signs of this problem appear for the following reasons:

• Implantation bleeding occurs

If the fertilized egg enters the endometrium, there may be minor vascular damage. In this situation, the following symptoms occur: slight spotting, pain in the lower abdomen. As a result, this phenomenon is mistaken for menstruation. This condition does not pose a danger to the woman and the fetus. But only a doctor can accurately determine the absence of threats!

• The fertilized egg does not have time to attach to the uterus

The phenomenon is possible if conception is observed in the middle of the cycle or at its end. In such a situation, there is a risk of the appearance of signs of menstruation. The journey of the fertilized egg towards the endometrium can take 1-2 weeks. Hormonal levels cannot change so quickly, and therefore menstruation occurs during pregnancy.

• The amount of hormones decreases quickly

Symptoms of this disorder appear as a result of endocrine pathology, inflammation, stress, or viral infection. If pregnancy has already occurred, there may be a decrease in estrogen levels. In such a situation, bleeding occurs during menstruation. This picture can last for 3-4 months, which seriously increases the risk of miscarriage.

• Two eggs are released from the ovaries at the same time

In rare situations, a malfunction in the body can lead to the maturation of two eggs. Each of them in turn enters the abdominal cavity. In this case, one can meet with a sperm and form a fertilized egg, while the second is rejected. As a result, menstruation occurs during pregnancy.

Pathological conditions

During pregnancy, different forms of menstruation may appear. Having assessed the situation during examination and personal dialogue, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. Some conditions pose serious risks. If, for example, bleeding occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, this may indicate detachment of the fertilized egg. This condition is fraught with the development of miscarriage, and therefore requires medical consultation.

In the absence of severe detachment, the body is able to independently eliminate the problem. To maintain pregnancy, active synthesis of progesterone begins. In such a situation, the symptoms of menstruation are not too pronounced - the discharge is scanty. Other signs are completely absent.

In a serious situation, there may be pain and symptoms of heavy bleeding. If such signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In some situations, women experience minor bleeding due to mechanical damage to the cervix and vagina. In most cases this is not dangerous and does not require specialist advice. For example, an examination by a gynecologist and taking smears can provoke the release of a small amount of blood - literally a few drops.

Signs of slight bleeding may appear during cervical ectopia or sexual intercourse. This should not provoke panic. However, if such signs often appear, it is still better to perform an ultrasound examination and monitor the development of the fetus.

Some women continue to have periods due to an ectopic pregnancy. In this situation, the fertilized egg is implanted in the fallopian tube rather than in the uterus. As the size of the embryo increases, it becomes cramped. This may cause the pipe to burst. As a result, signs of internal bleeding appear. This can be very dangerous for a woman's life. As a rule, the patient can be saved, but her reproductive capabilities are significantly reduced. In some cases, it is not possible to restore the fallopian tube.

If signs of an ectopic pregnancy appear, an ultrasound should be performed. This study will help you find out an accurate diagnosis. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, emergency surgery is performed.

Termination of pregnancy may be a consequence of hereditary anomalies or serious abnormalities in the structure of the fetus. This is associated with intrauterine pathologies - they are most often infectious in nature. In such a situation, saving a child can be very difficult. You can get pregnant in the future, but you need to be monitored by a specialist.

Why do you feel sick?

One of the manifestations of pregnancy, despite the fact that there is bleeding that resembles menstruation, is toxicosis, which is accompanied by nausea. This condition is not always safe. Thus, nausea may indicate the following anomalies:

• Nausea and frozen pregnancy

In this case, the condition changes dramatically - from severe nausea and weakness to absolute vigor. All this may be evidence of the death of the embryo. In some situations, there is nagging pain in the lower abdomen and bleeding as if menstruation has begun.

• Nausea and ectopic pregnancy

In this case, the development of the child is accompanied by the same manifestations as during normal pregnancy. Nausea during menstruation may indicate a ruptured fallopian tube.

• Nausea and multiple pregnancies

Nausea may indicate rejection of one embryo - this is associated with developmental anomalies and genetic changes. At the same time, the second continues to develop.

If you experience nausea and vaginal discharge during pregnancy or if you suspect it, you should consult a gynecologist. In this case, it will be possible to take the necessary measures in time.

Menstruation that occurs during pregnancy and is accompanied by nausea is considered a serious condition. It can be called bleeding with the likelihood of spontaneous miscarriage.

If your period begins after the egg is implanted, this condition is not particularly dangerous. The exception is severe bleeding, which can lead to large blood losses. In this case, it is imperative to establish the reasons why your period came.

Women who have not yet managed to get pregnant need to be attentive to the condition of their body. Any irregularities in the cycle and nature of menstruation should be a cause for concern, which is why it is so important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. You should consult a specialist even when your period comes late or ahead of schedule.

The appearance of signs of pregnancy during menstruation should alert every woman. As it turns out, these concepts are not mutually exclusive, and only careful attention to your body will allow you to maintain health and bear a well-developed child.