Did you experience periods during pregnancy? Are you wondering on the lines that if it is possible to have period bleeding in the pregnancy phase? Well, although many think that it may not be possible, there are certain chances too. And it is indeed worrying about experiencing bleeding, as this should not be the case.

Whether you have light or extreme bleeding, having periods during pregnancy is not pleasing. Let us know all about it today and find out when is it that you need to worry and get a checkup in this instance. Let’s get started!


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Period vs. Pregnancy: Can You Menstruate During Pregnancy?

The periods and menstrual cycle occur for every woman when an egg becomes fertilized. Eggs are released from women’s ovaries every month. But hey, let us be clear and sort the doubts out! One cannot have periods during pregnancy. If you have the blood coming out, it definitely is not a period (not heavy flow), and if it is a heavy and proper period, you may not be pregnant too!

However, we understand it is not a simple and obvious case always. You may have bleeding or spotting to an extent only (1). During pregnancy, complete periods can not occur. However, spotting can. This is a possible case, and if you spot it, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is serious concern or issue. This spotting often is pink or dark brown in color and stops in no time. But if you have heavy or enough bleeding during the pregnancy like period, you have to consult and rush to your health care provider immediately.

See More: Brown Discharge in Early Pregnancy

Causes of Periods (Bleeding) During Pregnancy:

Although periods during pregnancy are not possible, the causes of bleeding and spotting during pregnancy may be due to varied reasons. The most common reasons and causes of bleeding at pregnancy as per the phase and trimester are as follows (2,3)

First trimester or Early Pregnancy:

What causes periods during early pregnancy? It is widespread for experiencing spotting during early pregnancy. According to few studies, around 20 per cent of people spot during this phase. The most common reasons and causes for periods in the early and first-month pregnancy here are:

  1. Infections. These are generally issues with cervical conditions.
  2. Changes in cervix or growths on the cervix area
  3. Molar pregnancy, that is, instead of the fetus, having abnormal mass fertilizes
  4. Implantation bleeding, which means the fertilized egg attaches to the line of the uterus. This mainly occurs within two weeks after conceiving.
  5. Pregnancy outside the uterus that is, ectopic pregnancy. Here, the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus and fallopian tube. This can lead to periods of bleeding during an ectopic pregnancy.
  6. Miscarriage. This is primarily the case of a sudden loss of pregnancy before the 20th week itself.

These reasons can cause pregnancy at the early phase of pregnancy. The bleeding can be accompanied by fatigue, fever, cramps, shoulder pain, faintness, vaginal discharge, back pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Second and Third Trimester:

Most often, one should worry about bleeding and spotting in the second and third trimester than in the first phase. Can you have periods during pregnancy? NO! You need to immediately consult your doctor, whether it is a slight bleeding or heavy one.

The most common causes for periods of bleeding in late pregnancy include,

  1. Miscarriage
  2. Preterm labor, in which case, some women experience symptoms of the period due to mucus discharge. In this case, the birth can happen before 37 weeks. This often accompanies other symptoms such as backache and pressure near the vaginal area.
  3. Placenta previa, in which case the placenta is lying low in the uterus is also one of the cause for bleeding here.
  4. Placental abruption, where the placenta is detached from the uterus and causes heavy bleeding. This generally is the case in the last phase of pregnancy
  5. Uterine rupture, a rare case where muscles of the uterus rupture and tear.

The normal and light bleeding near the end of the pregnancy phase is generally associated with labor starting. However, one cannot be getting periods during pregnancy.

See More: Cervical Position During Ovulation

Symptoms of Periods During Pregnancy (Bleeding):

So, by now, we know that it is not possible to menstruate while pregnant. It is only possible for bleeding. There are several symptoms of bleeding menstruation during pregnancy. Some of them are given below.

1. Excessive Pain:

If you are suffering from excessive pain during pregnancy. Pain is more compared to normal pain, which everybody suffers from during pregnancy. Then you may start bleeding immediately or sometime in the following days. Be careful and keep your baby safe.

2. Cramps:

If you suddenly start having stomach cramps during your day, you will likely be bleeding in some time. Cramping like a period during pregnancy is also a significant sign here.

3. Fatigue:

Impending loss of blood may cause you to feel tired and lazy. And as soon as you start bleeding, you will feel sick and nauseous; therefore, stay safe and get an immediate checkup from your doctor.

The Home Remedies for Periods During Pregnancy:

There are also specific home remedies one can follow to feel good and healthy at this course of time. Whether it is spotting periods during the 6th week and trimester of pregnancy or at 9 weeks and even late, these can help you feel better.

1. Plenty of Fluids:

To control bleeding, you must drink plenty of fluids; fluids will considerably wash out your system, causing all the excess blood to be washed out, leaving your body clean. Fluids will also give you the necessary strength to handle yourself.

2. Vitamin Enriching Food:

Foods rich in vitamin A and C must be there to build immunity and strength. Bleeding may cause you to lose a lot of blood which is vital to your body. Vitamin enriching foods can definitely help overall.

3. Natural Proteins:

Proteins in foods help strengthen the body and help you stay strong to fight off any unnecessary infections that may cause your bleeding. It is of great importance that you do everything in your power to control the bleeding to keep your child safe.

See More: Causes of Spotting During Pregnancy

When to Consult a Doctor if you are Bleeding?

Any case of vaginal bleeding and spotting must be reported to your health care provider and doctor. You must describe the symptoms and nature of bleeding.

Always contact your doctor if you have bleeding for more than 24 hours in early pregnancy. You must inform and rush to the doctor even if you have a case of heavy bleeding.

In the case of the second and late pregnancy, or third trimester, consult your doctor in any case of bleeding. Check if you have cramps, pains, and fatigues and inform the same.

Is it normal to have periods while pregnant? By now, you all know the answer. We hope you understand the periods during pregnancy and when to get worried and consult the doctor. It is always better to note and keep an eye on early symptoms and signs and get yourself checked for both mother and baby’s safety.

Disclaimer:

The information given above is only for informational and educational purposes. Always consult your doctor and healthcare provider for better inputs and personalized information, depending on your health conditions and body type. We are not responsible for any errors.

Yashasvi

About Yashasvi

Yashasvi developed a deep passion for writing ever since she was completed her Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity. A Parenting expert who believes in communicating effectively with a personal touch, she writes about pregnancy, baby care, lifestyle, and just about anything else.
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