Many women experience different symptoms during pregnancy, and sometimes symptoms may not be very clear. One of those symptoms that can be a little confusing is having a period while pregnant.

Although rare, it is possible for a woman to experience bleeding during pregnancy and mistaken it for a period. So, is it normal to have a period while pregnant?.

Can You Have a Period While Pregnant?

It’s important to understand that a period is the shedding of the uterine lining that builds up during the menstrual cycle.

A period occurs when a woman’s body isn’t producing enough hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, to prepare her uterus for pregnancy. However, once a woman becomes pregnant, her body produces high levels of hormones that stop the menstrual cycle. So technically, it isn’t possible to have a true period while pregnant because there is no uterine lining to shed.

However, some women may experience some vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, which can be mistaken for a period.

There are several reasons why this could happen, and it is important to understand the possible causes of bleeding during pregnancy so that you can differentiate it from your menstrual cycle.

What Causes Bleeding During Pregnancy?

There are several reasons why a pregnant woman might experience bleeding or spotting. Some of the most common causes of bleeding during pregnancy include:.

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is when the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. This usually happens around 6-12 days after ovulation and can cause some spotting or light bleeding.

Implantation bleeding is often mistaken for a light period, but it is usually much lighter and shorter than a normal period.

Cervical Changes

The cervix goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. The increased blood flow to the cervix can make it more sensitive and easily irritated, which can cause light bleeding or spotting.

Sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam can also cause some spotting or bleeding.

Subchorionic Hematoma

A subchorionic hematoma is a collection of blood that forms between the chorion (a membrane that surrounds the fetus) and the uterine wall. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a fall or an infection.

Symptoms can include spotting or heavy bleeding, depending on the severity of the hematoma.

Miscarriage

Unfortunately, spotting and bleeding can also be a sign of miscarriage. If you experience heavy bleeding or cramps, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.

However, not all cases of bleeding during pregnancy mean that a miscarriage is imminent. In fact, many women experience some bleeding or spotting during pregnancy and go on to have healthy babies.

What Should You Do If You Experience Bleeding During Pregnancy?

If you experience any unusual bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.

Your doctor can perform an exam and an ultrasound to determine the cause of the bleeding and take appropriate steps to ensure the health of you and your baby.

Conclusion

While it’s not possible to have a true period while pregnant, some women may experience bleeding or spotting that can be mistaken as a period.

This is usually caused by factors such as implantation bleeding, cervical changes, subchorionic hematoma, or in some cases, miscarriage. If you experience any bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, it’s important to contact your doctor right away to ensure the health of you and your baby.