Is it possible to be on your period while pregnant

Not really. Once your body starts producing the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), your periods will stop.

Table of Contents Show

What causes early bleeding?
If you see spotting
If tests are needed
Warning signs
Questions you may be asked
Monitoring your pregnancy
Can you get a full period and still be pregnant?
Can you bleed like a period in early pregnancy?

However, you may be pregnant and have light bleeding at about the time that your period would have been due. This type of bleeding in early pregnancy is surprisingly common.

Early bleeding is most likely to be caused by the placenta developing. Once an embryo has implanted in your womb (uterus), the cells and tissues of the placenta start to grow. But until the placenta is established enough to become your baby's lifeline, your body does the job of supplying your growing baby with nutrients and oxygen.

By about six weeks of pregnancy, the placenta is big and complex enough to take over the job of nourishing your baby. It's at this point that you may get some light bleeding.

It’s only natural to be worried if you're pregnant and you have spotting or bleeding. Tell your doctor or midwife, just in case.

Sadly, bleeding can sometimes be the first sign of a miscarriage. Bleeding from a miscarriage can sometimes feel like a period, but it's usually heavier, with more painful tummy cramps.

Ectopic pregnancy is another type of worrying bleeding, when the embryo implants in a fallopian tube instead of the womb. Ectopic pregnancy usually causes dark or watery bleeding, and sharp pains in your lower tummy, especially on one side. It needs swift treatment, so call your doctor if you have these symptoms.

Although it’s most likely that your bleeding is nothing to worry about, your midwife may suggest checks, to make sure your pregnancy is going well.

If you’re only just pregnant, your midwife may offer a blood test to check your hormone levels, or she may refer you to an early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU) for an early scan.

Jenny Leach is an editor and writer specialising in evidence-based health content.

If you’ve had bleeding early in your pregnancy, you’re not alone. Many other pregnant women have early bleeding, too. And in most cases, nothing is wrong. But your healthcare provider still needs to know about it. They may want to do tests to find out why you’re bleeding. Call your provider if you see bleeding during pregnancy. Tell your provider if your blood is Rh negative. Then they can figure out if you need anti-D immune globulin treatment.

What causes early bleeding?

The cause of bleeding early in pregnancy is often unknown. But many factors early on in pregnancy may lead to light bleeding (called spotting) or heavier bleeding. These include:

Having sex
When the embryo implants on the uterine wall
Bleeding between the sac membrane and the uterus (subchorionic bleeding)
Pregnancy loss (miscarriage)
The embryo implants outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)

If you see spotting

Light bleeding is the most common type of bleeding in early pregnancy. If you see it, call your healthcare provider. Chances are, they will tell you that you can care for yourself at home.

If tests are needed

Depending on how much you bleed, your healthcare provider may ask you to come in for some tests. A pelvic exam, for instance, can help see how far along your pregnancy is. You also may have an ultrasound or a Doppler test. These imaging tests use sound waves to check the health of your baby. The ultrasound may be done on your belly or inside your vagina. You may also need a special blood test. This test compares your hormone levels in blood samples taken 2 days apart. The results can help your provider learn more about the implantation of the embryo. Your blood type will also need to be checked to assess if you will need to be treated for Rh sensitization.

Warning signs

If your bleeding doesn’t stop or if you have any of the following, get medical care right away:

Soaking a sanitary pad each hour
Bleeding like you’re having a period
Cramping or severe belly pain
Feeling dizzy or faint
Tissue passing through your vagina
Bleeding at any time after the first trimester

Questions you may be asked

Bleeding early in pregnancy isn't normal. But it is common. If you’ve seen any bleeding, you may be concerned. But keep in mind that bleeding alone doesn’t mean something is wrong. Just be sure to call your healthcare provider right away. They may ask you questions like these to help find the cause of your bleeding:

When did your bleeding start?
Is your bleeding very light or is it like a period?
Is the blood bright red or brownish?
Have you had sex recently?
Have you had pain or cramping?
Have you felt dizzy or faint?

Monitoring your pregnancy

Bleeding will often stop as quickly as it began. Your pregnancy may go on a normal path again. You may need to make a few extra prenatal visits. But you and your baby will most likely be fine.

Can you get a full period and still be pregnant?

The short answer is no. Despite all of the claims out there, it isn't possible to have a period while you're pregnant. Rather, you might experience “spotting” during early pregnancy, which is usually light pink or dark brown in color.

Can you bleed like a period in early pregnancy?

Spotting or bleeding may occur shortly after conception, this is known as an implantation bleed. It is caused by the fertilised egg embedding itself in the lining of the womb. This bleeding is often mistaken for a period, and it may occur around the time your period is due.