Can You Be Pregnant And Still Have A Period?

Can You Be Pregnant And Still Have A Period?

 

Stories of women who didn't know that they were pregnant until giving birth, are all over the internet. For many couples, who are trying to conceive, this leads to the hope that it could happen to them too. We examine the probability of this happening in this article.

What Biology Says

According to a resident obstetrician at Baby Centre, the answer is a resounding 'no.' Once a woman's body begins producing the pregnancy hormone, hCG, her periods will stop.

What Looks Like a Period Could Be Something Else

Many women mistake breakthrough bleeding for a period. Breakthrough bleeding is a common occurrence during early pregnancy. It usually happens at about the same time a woman's normal period would have been due. Sometimes breakthrough bleeding is due to your rapidly changing hormones. You can also have bleeding when the fertilized egg settles into the lining of a woman's uterus. You will typically see this between 6 and 12 days after ovulation if you are pregnant. When you see bleeding before your period is due, implantation bleeding could be the cause.

The American Pregnancy Association explains that although pregnant women may experience infrequent light bleeding while pregnant, the bleeding shouldn't resemble their regular period. Some women do mistake this bleeding for a period because it often occurs around the same time that her monthly period would happen. The bleeding that happens during pregnancy is usually either a dark brown or a light pink color. The amount of blood should not fill tampons or pads. If you have a heavier flow, then it is safe to assume that it is a regular period after all. If you took a pregnancy test and it was positive and then had your period arrive a bit late, you may have experienced a chemical pregnancy

Conception While on Birth Control

If you have no desire to get pregnant, chances are you have heard at least one 'horror' story of birth control pills failing. Two common reasons this occurs is 1) not taking the pill as prescribed or 2) taking antibiotics while on the birth control pill. If you take the pill, ALWAYS use additional protection when taking antibiotics. Studies show that women who do get pregnant while taking birth control pills have more chance of experiencing irregular bleeding while pregnant.

Are You Pregnant and Concerned about Bleeding?

Brutal honest here. If you are pregnant and bleeding, contact your doctor or midwife. Looking for confirmation online is not in your or our baby's best interest. Most of the time, there isn't anything to be worried about, but you need your doctor to help you figure out the cause. Unfortunately, your bleeding could be the first symptom of a miscarriage – particularly in the early phases of pregnancy. Bleeding associated with miscarriage is usually accompanied by painful cramps and bleeding.

If anything is wrong, the doctor or midwife will be able to assist and help you determine what your next course of action should be. Finally, women who have irregular periods should always consult their doctor before beginning to worry. Stress factors and a lousy diet can significantly influence a woman's menstrual cycle and bleeding.


Works Cited:
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x553485/is-it-possible-to-be-pregnant-and-still-have-periods
http://americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/pregnancyfaq.htm



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