The short answer is no. It is not possible to have a period while pregnant. Lo more likely to experience spotting in early pregnancy, which is usually light pink or dark brown. As a general rule, if you expel enough bleeding to fill a pad or tampon, then it is a sign that you are probably not pregnant, although it can be called first trimester bleeding. If you have done a pregnancy test that has been positive and you are bleeding, it is best to seek medical attention.
The differences between menstruation and pregnancy are supposed to be clear: once you get pregnant you no longer have periods. But it seems that it is not always so obvious. Some people claim that they have had periods during pregnancy. The thing to keep in mind is that bleeding when you shouldn't be bleeding is a warning sign, although it's not necessarily a bad thing.
Causes of bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy
It is not possible to have a true menstrual period during pregnancy. Women's hormone levels change during pregnancy to prevent menstruation. Also, it is not possible for your body to shed all of the uterine lining while carrying a pregnancy. However, between 15 and 24% of women spot during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some causes for bleeding during the first trimester are as follows:
- Implantation bleeding, which usually occurs around two weeks after conception
- Changes in the cervix, appearance of growths or inflammation in the cervix
- cervical infection
- Molar pregnancy, an abnormal mass is fertilized instead of a fetus
- Ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy implants outside the uterus
- first symptoms of a spontaneous abortion
These bleeding may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Back pain
- loss of consciousness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding is heavier, more like a normal period than spotting
First trimester and implantation bleeding
Women who report having periods during an otherwise normal pregnancy usually experience a phenomenon sometimes called first-trimester bleeding. This bleeding occurs when a small part of the uterine lining sheds during the first few months of pregnancy. This could happen when the woman should have her period. First trimester bleeding is not a true menstrual period, but it can appear similar enough that women experiencing it may not realize they are pregnant until later in pregnancy.
Another possible explanation for bleeding that looks like a period early in pregnancy is implantation bleeding. This bleeding is actually spotting that can occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, around the time of the first "missed" menstrual period. Nevertheless, implantation bleeding only occurs during the first month of pregnancy because it happens when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
When to contact a doctor
It is worth repeating that many women who experience some bleeding during pregnancy have uneventful deliveries, and giving birth to completely normal babies. But, bleeding during pregnancy is an abnormality and should be treated as an alarm signal.
If you are pregnant and bleeding, you should notify your GP as soon as possible. Your doctor will urgently direct you to an obstetrician or gynecologist, even if you are in the first month of pregnancy. Also, you should tell your doctor if this bleeding is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as cramps, fever, twitching, or chills. If you are scared and in addition to bleeding and have any of the symptoms mentioned, you can go directly to a hospital emergency room.
Remember that doctors are there to help you in everything that is in their power, so it is important that you know all the symptoms you are experiencing. When a doctor is treating you, tell him everything that happens to you, because Bleeding during pregnancy can be life-threatening for you and your baby.