Can You Get Your Period While Pregnant?

Many women sometimes ask themselves the question: “Is it possible to have your period during pregnancy?” This question often arises from the observation of bleeding during the first weeks of pregnancy, which can create confusion, as periods are generally perceived as a sign of the absence of pregnancy. In this article, we will try to clarify this subject by explaining what it really is.

Being pregnant and having your period: a biological impossibility

The cessation of menstruation ( amenorrhea ) is one of the first signs of early pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, a pregnant woman no longer experiences periodic bleeding. However, 25% of pregnant women experience gynecological bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Biologically, it is impossible to have a period during pregnancy. Periods occur each month when the uterus sheds the uterine lining (the endometrium) in the absence of fertilization of the egg.

However, when pregnancy begins, the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, and the body maintains the endometrium to protect and nourish the future embryo. Hormones, especially progesterone, then prevent the uterus from shedding this lining, making menstruation impossible.

In summary, it is not biologically possible to be pregnant and have your period, because:

The menstrual cycle is interrupted: When fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine wall. The body then understands that a pregnancy is underway and interrupts the normal menstrual cycle. The endometrium, which would normally be shed during menstruation, is maintained to nourish the developing baby;
Menstruation is absent: the absence of periods is therefore one of the first signs of pregnancy.

Why am I bleeding when I’m pregnant?

Although it’s not possible to have a period during pregnancy, some women do experience bleeding, especially in early pregnancy. Therefore, these are not strictly speaking “periods,” but bleeding of different origins, which can sometimes be confusing.

Implantation bleeding

One of the common causes of bleeding in early pregnancy is implantation bleeding. Light bleeding is common as the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, approximately 6 to 12 days after conception. This bleeding is often lighter than a normal period, short-lived, and pinkish or brownish. It is not associated with a menstrual cycle.

Hormonal changes

Early in pregnancy, some women may experience light bleeding due to pregnancy-induced hormonal fluctuations. This bleeding is usually light and does not last long. Although it is not serious, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional when this bleeding occurs.

Ectopic pregnancy

Bleeding during early pregnancy may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy (ECP), the embryo implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes. This type of pregnancy is not viable and is a medical emergency. In addition to bleeding, the woman may experience severe lower abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an ectopic pregnancy.

Placental abruption

Bleeding can also occur when the placenta partially detaches from the uterine wall before birth. Bleeding may be accompanied by abdominal pain and requires urgent medical attention.

Sex

The cervix is more sensitive during pregnancy due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area. Pregnant women may experience bleeding after intercourse or a gynecological exam. While this type of bleeding is not serious, it should still be monitored by a healthcare professional.

Other causes of bleeding during pregnancy are often cited. These may include:

Threatened miscarriage: bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps;
anniversary period: On the anniversary of the first period following conception, some women may experience bleeding called an “anniversary period.” This is not a period, but bleeding that can be caused by the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine wall.
Placenta previa: placenta partially or completely covering the cervix;
premature labor: uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy;
cervical or vaginal infections: infections that can cause bleeding.

Denial of pregnancy: a special case of bleeding

If a woman is unaware of her pregnancy, she can continue taking the contraceptive pill. This will cause so-called artificial periods (also called withdrawal bleeding ). This bleeding, which is less heavy but regular, can be mistaken for menstruation.

According to the French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF), between 57 and 74% of women who experienced pregnancy denial reported having their periods for several months while they were pregnant, and sometimes until term.

Some experts believe that these rules are difficult to explain rationally. They believe that there is a strong psychological component to them, as the woman is so convinced that she is not pregnant that she persuades her body. In this case, the body’s mission is to mask all signs of pregnancy.

Periods during pregnancy: when to worry?

If you experience bleeding during your pregnancy, it is important to seek medical help promptly. Bleeding can be benign, but sometimes it is a sign of complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

A doctor can determine the cause of the bleeding and advise you on what to do. A clinical examination, ultrasound, and a blood test for beta-hCG will help ensure the pregnancy is progressing well.

If you are less than 3 months pregnant and bleeding, you should seek emergency medical attention if:

Your genital bleeding is heavy, and you feel unwell;
Fever accompanies bleeding;
You have pelvic pain.
If you are more than three months pregnant, you should also consult a doctor urgently under the same conditions, and also if you no longer feel the baby’s movements after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

How to treat bleeding during pregnancy?

Bleeding during pregnancy can have a variety of causes, some benign, others more serious. Treatment, therefore, depends on the underlying cause and the stage of pregnancy. For example, for:

Implantation bleeding: Rest and monitoring are often sufficient. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The doctor will check that everything is normal.

ectopic pregnancy: treatment will consist either of taking medication (methotrexate) aimed at ending the pregnancy, or of surgical intervention (laparoscopy);

The threat of miscarriage: You will need to rest completely, and medical supervision will be required. In some cases, progesterone supplements may be prescribed to support the pregnancy. If a miscarriage is confirmed, medical intervention may be necessary to evacuate the tissue (curettage, aspiration).

Placental abruption: strict bed rest must be observed. In more serious cases, hospitalization may be requested by the doctor to monitor the fetus and the expectant mother. In cases where the life of the baby or the mother is in danger, premature delivery by cesarean section may be necessary.

Placenta previa: If the bleeding is light and the placenta does not completely cover the cervix, rest and monitoring will be sufficient. In the case of heavy bleeding, hospitalization will be necessary. A cesarean section is considered if the placenta covers the entire cervix. This helps avoid complications during delivery.