Can I be pregnant even if I have periods?
Normally it is precisely the arrival of the menstrual flow that reassures us (or saddens us) that we are not pregnant. But is it always like this?
“Can I be pregnant even if I’ve had my period ?” Can you have your period during pregnancy ? “What are false periods and how are they different from real ones?”
These and other questions about periods and pregnancy are very common in our forum , both among aspiring mothers and among those who fear a possible positive test.
In this article, we will try to answer these questions and shed some light on the subject.
Can I be pregnant even if I’ve had my period?
In theory, if you have a normal period, you are not pregnant . By normal, we mean a regular flow of 3-5 days, abundant as usual.
In addition, a normal period occurs 11 to 16 days after confirmed ovulation (14 days on average). Consequently, if your period comes after this time and looks as usual, it is very unlikely that you are pregnant .
Doubtful cases: false menstruation
When fertilization occurs, subsequent menstruation does not occur and this event is generally the first real symptom of an ongoing pregnancy.
However, around 10-14 days after conception, a slight vaginal bleeding may occur , caused by the implantation of the embryo inside the uterus. This bleeding is called spotting or implantation bleeding , but is also known as ” false period” or “fake period” .
Sometimes, a mother-to-be confuses false periods with normal menstrual flow. So it happens that she initially thinks she is having her period, only to discover that she is pregnant when the symptoms of pregnancy become more evident.
How to distinguish false menstruation from real ones?
Unlike the actual cycle, false menstruation caused by the implantation of the embryo:
- they are very scarce and consist of a few bloodstains ;
- they are usually light pink or brown in color ;
- usually last 1-2 days ;
- are free of blood clots ;
- they can be accompanied by cramps which, however, are generally lighter than menstrual cramps.
In addition, women who regularly measure their basal temperature will notice that it continues to remain post-ovulatory high for at least 18 consecutive days from the day of ovulation (although some may observe an implantation dip , lasting only 1 day). ).
In these situations, the advice is to take a pregnancy test as soon as you get up in the morning . In fact, the first urine of the day is more concentrated and makes it easier to detect the possible presence of the pregnancy hormone ( beta hCG ).
If the test is negative and more than 16 days have passed since ovulation, you are not pregnant.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.