Is it possible to get my period while pregnant

You may have spotting after a Pap smear, vaginal exam, or sex. This is because there's more blood going to your cervix during pregnancy. Bleeding can also be a sign of something seriously wrong, such as an infection, placental problems, 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. If you notice bleeding while you're pregnant, call your doctor or midwife right away, even if the bleeding has stopped.

Many women who bleed a little during pregnancy deliver without complications, but you may need an evaluation to rule out a serious problem. If you're actively bleeding or have severe pain of any kind and can't immediately reach your practitioner, head straight to the emergency room.

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Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. FAQ Bleeding during pregnancy. If a home pregnancy test is positive, see a health care provider as soon as possible to confirm the test and get the right care for you and your baby.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. The menstrual cycle occurs to facilitate pregnancy. Ovulation , when the ovary releases an egg, occurs midway through the cycle. An egg is only viable for about 12—24 hours after a woman ovulates. If sperm cells are present and able to fertilize the egg, the egg will implant itself in the uterus, resulting in pregnancy. If there is no fertilization, menstruation will occur, and the body will shed the uterine lining so that it can begin making a new one for the next cycle.

Although a woman will not have a period when she is pregnant, she may still experience some bleeding. While bleeding is not necessarily a sign of an underlying problem, it is essential to understand the potential causes and know when to speak to a doctor. Bleeding tends to be more common during the first trimester. Some mild spotting can occur as the placenta implants in the uterus. A woman can also experience changes in the cervical cells during pregnancy, which may cause some light bleeding, especially after having sex.

If a woman does experience bleeding at any stage of pregnancy and is concerned, she should note the color, amount, and consistency of the bleeding and speak to a doctor. Women should seek emergency medical attention for bleeding during pregnancy if they have additional symptoms that include:.

Vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain early in pregnancy may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, especially if these symptoms occur before an initial ultrasound. Heavy, period-like bleeding later in your pregnancy can be a sign of something more serious like preterm labor or placental abruption when your placenta tears away from your uterus. But even then, you'll be dealing with much more than just bleeding; you'll also notice extreme pain, says Bullock.

In that case, you'll need to go the hospital where doctors will deliver the baby, she says. Still, placental abruption is extremely rare especially if you avoid drugs and alcohol, and go to all your prenatal checkups , says Bullock. Otherwise, enjoy your short vacay from tampons. Weight Loss. United States.