Nothing can send you to the store for a pregnancy test faster than missing a period. It’s the most common symptom of pregnancy, so when your period goes missing it’s the first thing that comes to mind.
Even so, you probably know at least one person that swears they had a full period while they were pregnant. That can make you second guess whether or not you’re in the clear even once your period starts.
We’ll talk about whether you should worry about it, what can cause bleeding during pregnancy, and give you some tips on how you can have a more comfortable period.
Can you Be Pregnant and Still Have a Period?
The short answer is, no, you can’t be pregnant and have a period at the same time. Physiologically, it’s impossible.
Each month your body goes through a process of preparing for a potential pregnancy. During this process, your body prepares to release an egg, and the lining of your uterus thickens so that if the egg is fertilized it can be implanted.
If the egg is fertilized, it implants, and you become pregnant. If not, both the egg and the lining of your uterus are shed. The shedding of your uterus, the egg, and blood make up your monthly period.
If the egg is fertilized, the uterine lining isn’t shed, so you won’t have a period. That means if you are experiencing bleeding, you’re either not pregnant or there’s another cause.
What Could Cause Bleeding While Pregnant?
While you won’t have a normal period once you become pregnant, you could still have bleeding during your pregnancy from other causes. Here are some of the causes of bleeding during pregnancy.
Implantation Bleeding
When you first become pregnant you may experience light bleeding or spotting due to implantation. When the egg implants into the lining of your uterus, you may experience this bleeding. It usually occurs within fourteen days of implantation which is when you’d normally start your period, so it would be easy to mistake implantation bleeding for your period. However, implantation bleeding is normally very light, much lighter than your normal period.
Not everyone will experience implantation bleeding. Although it is not a sign that something is wrong with your pregnancy, it isn’t extremely common.
Vaginal Irritation
Another source of bleeding during your pregnancy could be vaginal irritation. It’s possible to bleed from a tear, or abrasion in your vagina. This type of bleeding will be extremely light, so it would be improbable that you’d confuse it as your normal period.
You might have vaginal irritation from sexual activity or period care products.
Placenta Issues
When you become pregnant, your body will grow a placenta, which is the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to your baby. The placenta also filters your baby’s blood and removes waste products.
The placenta attaches to the wall of your uterus. Issues with the placenta can also cause some bleeding during pregnancy. While placental bleeding is not common and should always be brought to your doctor’s attention, it does not necessarily mean your pregnancy is not viable or that you won’t be able to carry your baby to term.
Decidual Bleeding
A rare form of bleeding during pregnancy is decidual bleeding. When a fertilized egg implants in the thickened lining of your uterus, it does so on one side. Occasionally, the opposite side of the uterus where the egg did not implant will be shed.
This most closely resembles a normal period, as it coincides with the time you’d normally have your period and is also a similar inflow. People who experience decidual bleeding can feel like they’ve had a regular period because it is so similar.
Decidual bleeding-shedding of the opposite side of the uterine wall that doesn’t have an egg implanted in it. This could look like a period.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy can also cause bleeding. It is extremely rare, but sometimes when an egg is fertilized it implants someplace other than the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies normally occur in the fallopian tubes.
Ectopic pregnancies cause bleeding that can be life-threatening. Bleeding is usually heavy, sometimes heavier than a normal period.
What to Do if You Bleed During Pregnancy
You won’t have a period if you are pregnant, but you could still experience bleeding because of the reasons listed above.
While most bleeding you experience while pregnant will most closely resemble spotting, you should let your doctor know immediately. Usually, a little spotting is nothing to be concerned with, but in rare cases, it can mean there is a more serious underlying issue.
If you are experiencing heavy bleeding while pregnant, make sure to see your doctor immediately.
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
There’s always confusion when it comes to when you can and when you can’t get pregnant. While it’s uncommon to get pregnant while on your period, it is possible.
Sperm can live inside your body for up to five days which means an egg could potentially be fertilized if you had sex on the last day of your period if you ovulate early.
While it is unlikely, if you aren’t trying to get pregnant the best way to avoid pregnancy is to use some form of birth control.
How to Have a Better Period
Not knowing when you start your period or what to expect can make for a period that is unpredictable, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. At Rael, we believe your period should feel empowering. We’ve got the tools you need to help you have a better period every month, whether or not you’re trying to get pregnant.
Be Prepared
Tracking your period can take the guesswork out of knowing when to expect it. You can easily track your cycle by using an app or even marking it on your calendar. The typical monthly cycle is about 28 days, however, your cycle may be longer or shorter.
You measure your monthly cycle starting with the first day of your period and counting the days until the first day of your next period. The days between the first day of your last period and the first day of your next period is the length of your monthly cycle.
Keep Necessary Items On Hand
You can’t have a successful, comfortable period without the proper period care items. Whether you prefer tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup, it’s important you have these items on hand in preparation for your period.
Pro tip: Make the last day of your period the day you stock up on period care items for your next cycle, and you’ll never have an emergency situation. Another great option? Consider reusable period care items. Reusable period care items are always on hand, which means you’re never making a mad dash to the store in the middle of the night to buy supplies.
Get Comfortable
You know your period comes with cramps, and taking a holistic approach to feeling better can help keep you comfortable so you can get on with your day. Rael’s heating patches are the perfect solution for keeping you comfortable and focused.
Our heating patches attach to the inside of your underwear and provide warmth where you need it most. The best part is that our heating patches are all-natural and don’t contain any harmful toxins that could interfere with your hormones.
Use Backup
Leaks happen to everyone, but they don’t have to ruin your day. Stay assured by using backup protection when you need it most. Period underwear is a great option for added protection on heavy days, overnight, or by themselves on lighter days.
Pantyliners are another great way to add protection without adding bulk or discomfort. Rael’s liners are 100% organic cotton, ultra-thin, and super absorbent.
Feel Better Using Rael Products
Trying to get pregnant, or trying to not become pregnant doesn’t have to be a mystery. Knowing what your body is capable of doing and how pregnancy happens can help you feel confident about your period, when you have it, and what your flow means.
Using products to help keep you comfortable during your period can make your monthly routine smoother and worry-free. Keeping a ready supply of period care products on hand makes an emergency situation just another day.
Rael creates period care products that are incredibly effective and always holistic, so you can feel good about what your body does for you, and what you can do for your body.
Sources:
Periods & Pregnancy | Kids Health