Is It Possible To Be Pregnant While Still Having Your Period?

Is It Possible To Be Pregnant While Still Having Your Period?

Q: Is it possible to be pregnant while still having your period?

Answered by: Dr Haslinda Binti Mohd Daud, Obstetrics And Gynaecology (O&G), Pantai Hospital Ampang (PHA)

 


Answer: No.

 

Period or menstruation happens when there is no fertilisation of women’s egg. There will be shedding from uterine lining which will come out as menstrual blood. So logically speaking you cannot have period if you are pregnant.

 

Bleeding which happens during pregnancy is due to other causes and not due to menstruation. However, many women described them as “period” as they are not aware of their ongoing pregnancy. When a woman experiences an abnormal bleeding habit/ pattern, pregnancy should always be considered first, especially those in a reproductive age-group who is sexually active.

 

Implantation bleeding, mild spotting can occur during first trimester as the fetal placenta implants in the uterine lining.

 

There are changes in the surface of the cervical cells during pregnancy. Minimal light bleeding can occur especially after vigorous physical activity or after sex due to friction or direct contact with the cervical surface.

 

Other causes of bleeding in the first trimester include ectopic pregnancy, infection, loss of pregnancy or miscarriage, subchorionic hematoma (blood clots/ bleeding which occurs between the uterine wall and the placenta) and in a very rare condition of gestational trophoblastic disease (abnormal tumour with very high pregnancy hormone which is due to abnormal fetal tissue).

 

Bleeding which occurs later in pregnancy, after 20 weeks can be due to low lying placenta, preterm labor, after having sex (due to fragile surface of cervix and vaginal tissues) and placental abruption (separation of placenta from the uterine lining before the baby is born).

 

Any bleeding that occurs at any stage of pregnancy is a concern and can be a medical emergency. Thus, prompt assessment by a doctor is necessary. In the event of severe bleeding and abdominal pain, woman should seek emergency medical attention at any nearest hospital.