You have your menstrual period when the uterus sheds its lining called endometrium. The process happens every month, and there will be new lining in the uterus, which will shed itself unless there is a fertilized egg. This makes many women ask, "Can you be on your period while pregnant?"
Can You Get Your Period While You Are Pregnant?
No, that is not possible. If you notice vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, that does not indicate you are having your regular menstrual period. In fact, it could be due to many other things. As mentioned already, you have your period when the uterus sheds its lining, but that will not be the case when a fertilized egg implants itself into the endometrial lining. If you experience heavy period-like bleeding during pregnancy, you should see your doctor immediately because it may indicate something serious.
Causes of Bleeding While Pregnant
Can you be on your period while pregnant? You know that is impossible, so what are the causes of bleeding while pregnant?
1. Implantation Bleeding
You experience some spotting or bleeding when the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine lining. It usually happens during the first 6 to 12 days after conception. By this time, many women do not know they are already pregnant, and they take that bleeding as their regular menstrual period. The bleeding in this case will not be as heavy as you notice with your regular period. It may last a few hours or days.
2. Cervical Changes
You may experience some bleeding during pregnancy due to cervical changes. The blood flow to your cervix increases considerably during pregnancy. Anything like a Pap test or intercourse can irritate the uterus and lead to bleeding. This is not serious.
3. Miscarriage
Bleeding in the first trimester may sometimes indicate a miscarriage, especially if the bleeding is heavy and you also notice large blood clots in it. You should talk to your doctor immediately.
4. Ectopic Pregnancy
Sometimes, the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus – it could be in the fallopian tube or elsewhere in the abdomen. This is actually a medical emergency because embryo can grow inside and damage the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy can have life-threatening consequences, but it is quite rare with less than 2% of pregnant women dealing with this condition. Other signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are abdominal pain, strong cramps, and lightheadedness.
5. Molar Pregnancy
The condition refers to abnormal growth of tissue inside your uterus. The tissue can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications. Other common symptoms of molar pregnancy are rapid enlargement of the uterus, vomiting, and nausea.
6. Infection
Can you be on your period while pregnant? No! You may experience bleeding during pregnancy because of any infection of the vagina or cervix. If you have contracted a sexually transmitted infection, this may also lead to vaginal bleeding.
7. Placenta Previa
You have this condition when the placenta is very low in the uterus. Due to its position, the placenta may actually cover the opening of the birth canal. It is quite a rare condition, but may still be an underlying cause of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. You need immediate medical assistance if you have a bleeding placenta previa.
8. Placental Abruption
It refers to a situation when the placenta detaches itself from the uterine wall. It can happen during or even before labor. This would lead to a buildup of blood between the uterus and placenta. The condition can have life-threatening consequences for both the mother and baby. Some other possible signs of placental abruption are tender uterus, abdominal pain, back pain, and clots from the vagina.
9. Uterine Rupture
If you have had a C-section in the past, it may open up during pregnancy. This tear can cause bleeding. You need immediate attention because uterine rupture can be fatal. You usually need an emergency C-section in this case.
10. Premature Labor
Can you be on your period while pregnant? No, it is not possible, but the bleeding you notice may indicate premature labor, especially in your third trimester. Bleeding in this case is a sign that your body is preparing for giving birth. You may notice the mucus plug along with blood which indicates that labor may begin soon. Abdominal pressure, vaginal discharge, contractions, and ache in the lower back are other common signs of preterm labor.
What Should You Do If You Experience Bleeding During Pregnancy?
- Stay away from using tampons to control bleeding. This will not help and increase your risk of infection. You can use pads, especially if the bleeding is light.
- Consult your doctor to determine the cause of bleeding. He/she may refer you to an experienced acupuncturist who will help stimulate certain points in your body to manage bleeding. Consider working with an acupuncturist if you have had recurrent miscarriages in the past.
- Talk to your doctor immediately if your bleeding is heavy and you also have other symptoms, such as backache, stomach cramps, and period-like pain. Just try to be calm because anxiety is not going to help the whole thing. In most cases, you continue with a healthy pregnancy even after experiencing bleeding during pregnancy.