You can't have your menstrual period while pregnant, although some women do have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Some even report intermittent bleeding that seems like a regular period to them. But vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is not the same thing as menstruation.
Learn why spotting might be normal during pregnancy, plus why it's important to let your provider know if you have any bleeding or spotting while pregnant.
Why you can't have your period while pregnant
Menstruation only happens when you're not pregnant. Each month, your uterus grows a thick blood-rich lining in preparation for an egg to embed there. If you don't get pregnant that month, you shed this tissue and blood, and this is your menstrual period.
But once an egg embeds in the uterine lining, hormones tell the blood-rich tissue to stay intact to support the growing baby. And you won't shed it and start having your period again until your pregnancy is over.
Is spotting normal during pregnancy?
Non-period bleeding occurs during pregnancy for various reasons. It's important to know the difference between spotting and bleeding. Spotting is a few drops of blood every now and then on your underwear, but not enough to cover a panty liner. Bleeding, on the other hand, is a heavier blood flow for which you'll need a liner or pad to prevent the blood from soaking your clothes.
Some spotting in early pregnancy is normal, and happens in 15 to 25 percent of pregnancies. The cervix may bleed more easily in pregnancy because more blood vessels are developing there. Spotting may happen in the 10 to 14 days after conception when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. This is known as "implantation bleeding."
Other reasons for spotting during pregnancy include:
- Having sex
- Hormone changes
- Having a Pap smear or vaginal exam
- Vaginitis or a sexually transmitted infection
Always call your provider if you experience bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. It could be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection, placenta problems, impending miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening. (See our article on vaginal bleeding in pregnancy for a complete rundown of possible causes.)
How long will spotting last during pregnancy?
Unlike your menstrual period, spotting during pregnancy only lasts about 1 to 2 days. If this spotting is implantation bleeding, it likely occurs a few days sooner than your next expected period. It will be much lighter and not require you to change a pad. Implantation bleeding doesn't require treatment and stops on its own. Even if you just think you're having implantation bleeding, be sure to call your healthcare provider to let them know.
What to do if you're bleeding or spotting during pregnancy
Call your doctor or midwife immediately at the sign of bleeding or spotting during pregnancy – even if the bleeding has stopped. Many women who bleed a little during pregnancy go on to deliver without complications, but you may need an evaluation to rule out any serious problems. Look out for other symptoms as well:
- Cramping or contractions
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fever or chills
- Signs of preterm labor, such as your water breaking
Go to the nearest emergency room if your doctor's office is closed and you can't reach your provider. If they determine your bleeding isn't serious, potential treatments may include things like relaxing and avoiding sex, travel, and rigorous exercise. It's important that you follow your provider's recommendations, to keep both yourself and your baby healthy.
I’m still having periods, but could I be pregnant?
If you’re showing other signs of pregnancy but still have a period could you still be pregnant?
Sore boobs? Peeing more often? A metallic taste in your mouth? You may be experiencing some of these things making you think you have some early symptoms of pregnancy but have had a period, is it possible? Or could it be a chemical pregnancy?
In short, the answer is no. From the moment you conceive, your body starts to produce the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Once the body produces this, periods stop.
Could I still have some form of bleeding during early pregnancy?
Bleeding during early pregnancy is not an unusual sign of pregnancy experienced by many women and often mistaken for a period. It is known as implantation bleeding and is completely normal and does not need any medical treatment. It happens at a similar time in your cycle to menstruation, so it’s often confused with having an early period. The spotting will usually be pinkish or dark brown, whereas period blood is usually more red.
What should I do if I am bleeding?
If you have done a pregnancy test ruled out a false pregnancy test and have got the positive blue line but are still experiencing bleeding, do go and see your midwife, or if you have not seen your midwife yet, do make an appointment to see your GP. If you are also experiencing lower abdominal pain which gets worse with movement and can come and go or develop suddenly or gradually, dizziness, light-headedness and vomiting you must see a doctor as soon as possible as a combination of these symptoms could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy.