One of the main signs that a woman has become pregnant is a late menstrual period. Although it is necessary to take a pregnancy test to be sure as it may be due to other reasons, the absence of the rule is usually a fairly reliable indicator that a pregnancy has occurred.
This is why some women are surprised to find that, once confirmed that they are pregnant, they continue to present bleeding. Is it the period? Is it possible to have a period while you are pregnant?
The answer is that no, you cannot have your period while pregnant. But yes, you can present slight bleeding that may cause you some confusion. Sometimes these bleeds are normal and benign and not a problem. Other times they can be a sign that something is not working as it should.
Can I bleed while pregnant?
Yes. Some women present vaginal bleeding During pregnancy. In some cases there are even periodic bleeds that may seem like the rule, but they are not.
What we call a rule is the bloody and mucous tissue that lines the inside of the uterus every month in anticipation of a possible pregnancy. When this is not produced, that layer is shed and comes out through the vagina.
When it does occur, the tissue remains in place and it is to which the ovum will adhere once fertilized to begin to develop. So even though you can bleed that bleeding won’t be menstruation.
What is that bleeding?
Bleeding can occur during pregnancy due to several reasons. As we say, some can be serious and others not.
It is also common to bleed a little after some vaginal test or exam and after having sex.
Some women may experience bleeding the week before their periods should be lowered if they are not pregnant, but it is usually a lot lighter than your period and only lasts a day or two. This is called “implantation bleeding” because it is believed to be caused by a movement of the fertilized egg into the lining of the uterus, although the exact cause is unknown.
It is also common to bleed a little after any vaginal tests or exams and after sexual intercourse, since during pregnancy the blood supply increases in the area of the cervix.
When bleeding is a sign of something serious
Sometimes vaginal bleeding is a sign that something is wrong, for example that there is an infection, problems with the placenta, a miscarriage or an ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy (when the zygote has implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes), which can be life threatening of the mother.
That is why it is best if you detect any type of bleeding during pregnancy you go to see your doctor immediatelyeven if the bleeding stops. Most women do not have major complications, but it is best to have a medical exam to rule out serious problems.
This article was originally published by Rocío Pérez in March 2018 and has been revised for republication.
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