Do pregnant women have periods? Menstruation during early pregnancy: signs, symptoms, causes. How to distinguish periods during pregnancy from normal ones

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Many women are convinced of successful conception through tests, but one of the main signs is the absence of menstruation. At the same time, doctors note that patients often become registered only in the third or fourth month after fertilization. This happens for the following reason - a woman notices the presence of menstruation during early pregnancy, which is confusing.

It should be noted that menstruation during pregnancy, for a completely healthy female body, is impossible for physiological reasons, since during the menstrual cycle the unfertilized egg is detached and a new one is produced.

During pregnancy, intrauterine processes occur differently: the ovaries secrete progesterone, due to which the walls of the uterus stop contracting and the fertilized egg remains inside. Over time, the endometrium thickens, which creates favorable conditions for the fetus.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences increased production of the hormone progesterone, which makes menstruation impossible during this period.

Progesterone also protects the embryo from unwanted miscarriage, which is likely in case of hormonal imbalance.

During pregnancy, there may be discharge or bleeding, the nature and duration of which differs from the usual menstruation.

Experts note a rare variant of the appearance of menstruation in women with a bicornuate uterus. In this case, while the fetus is forming in one part, the other continues to function according to an acceptable monthly cycle for several months.

Menstruation during early pregnancy: causes

Menstruation during early pregnancy can occur for various reasons, each of which requires mandatory consultation with a doctor.

Some of them do not pose a serious danger to the health of the fetus and the expectant mother, but without proper attention they can lead to complications and deterioration in overall health.

Most often, the appearance of discharge is the reason that when a fertilized egg is immersed in the endometrium, vascular damage occurs - this entails the described symptom.

The presence of heavy discharge, especially during the second and third trimester, may indicate the occurrence of a number of negative factors, which include:

ectopic pregnancy;
uterine fibroids or a disorder of its structure;
inflammation occurring in the genitals;
in case of multiple pregnancy – death of one of the embryos;
significant deterioration of hormonal levels;
threat of miscarriage.

Heavy vaginal discharge in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy indicates problems with pregnancy and problems with the woman’s genitourinary system.

In addition, there are several common reasons for the occurrence of false periods at an early stage after successful conception.

Implantation bleeding

The consequence of implantation of a fertilized egg into the endometrial layer is implantation bleeding, which often occurs a week after successful conception.

Depending on the individual characteristics, in the female body after ovulation, the blood vessels of the uterine walls are damaged, which leads to minor bleeding, lasting from a couple of hours to several days. Falls during the menstrual cycle.

This condition is not pathological and occurs without pronounced symptoms, however, some peculiarities:

reduction of acceptable temperature during the period of complete rest of the body;
a feeling of weak or pronounced heaviness in the lower abdomen, which is associated with spasms of the uterus during implantation of the egg;
scanty discharge mixed with blood, brown or pinkish in color;
general feeling of weakness, dizziness, drowsiness.

In addition to other symptoms, implantation bleeding is also indicated by pain and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen

During normal pregnancy, the phenomenon in question is absent altogether or is characterized by minor discharge. If the condition worsens significantly and there is a large amount of blood, You should visit a qualified specialist as soon as possible.

Hormonal disbalance

Carrying a child directly depends on the stability of the hormonal background of the expectant mother. Menstruation during pregnancy in the early stages often indicates a lack of progesterone in the female body, which can adversely affect the health of the fetus or provoke a miscarriage.

The cause of hormonal imbalance and bleeding is often an excess of male hormone in the body. The main sign of hormonal changes is constant and sudden mood changes.

You need to make an appointment with a doctor, who will prescribe medications that stabilize the amount of hormones, so that the process of embryo development will be streamlined. In addition to taking prescribed medications, it is important to avoid stressful situations, normalize rest, create a balanced diet and choose an individual vitamin complex.

It is important to remember that problems with hormonal levels lead to miscarriages, premature births and the development of various diseases.

In pregnant women, during pregnancy, the thyroid gland increases in size due to increased production of hormones. After childbirth, problems in the functioning of the endocrine system appear, so it is important to undergo an examination by a qualified specialist and pass the necessary tests.

Damage to the vagina

During the period of bearing a child, after intimacy, bleeding may appear– this indicates a violation of the integrity of the vessels of the vaginal surface. Often, blood is a consequence of damage to the cervix as a result of an uncomfortable position during intimacy or rough and abrupt penetration.

With frequent repetitions of the described symptom, You should be examined by a gynecologist and, if there is a chance of miscarriage, stop having sexual intercourse with your husband so as not to harm the child.

Pregnant women often notice the appearance of blood some time after an examination by a gynecologist. This phenomenon, apart from cases of prolonged and strong discharge, does not pose a danger to the body of the pregnant woman and the embryo.

Two eggs in one cycle

Menstruation during early pregnancy can result from the development of two eggs in one cycle. This often happens after taking drugs that stimulate the ovulation process, or in women whose family has had multiple pregnancies.

Two eggs do not always come into contact with sperm, as a result of which one of them remains in the uterus and continues to develop further, while the second is released, which leads to the appearance of menstruation.

The discharge is not abundant, but can occur with symptoms inherent in normal menstruation. Experts note that in most cases this condition occurs without any complications.

If several tests show pregnancy, menstruation is excluded

Menstruation during pregnancy: how to distinguish it from normal (signs)

It is not always possible to distinguish normal menstruation from discharge during pregnancy on your own. It should be highlighted the main symptoms indicating the presence of ovulation and the impossibility of menstruation:

several tests indicate the presence of pregnancy in the early stages, in which the fact of menstruation is excluded;
with unusual discharge, the level of basal temperature does not fall below 37 degrees;
irritability occurs, there is a change in preferences in the usual diet, nausea and vomiting, mainly in the morning;
disturbing pain in the lumbar region and lower abdomen, mainly nagging, each new painful attack is characterized by the appearance of blood discharge;
enlargement of the mammary glands, pain in the nipple area.

The discharge has characteristic differences from the usual menstruation:

differ in a small amount, predominantly cream or brown in color, occasionally scarlet blood with clots appears;
the appearance of discharge occurs a little later than the acceptable cycle;
the onset of menstruation is characterized by non-standard symptoms - absence of pain or unusual abundance, there is a change in the duration of critical days up or down.

Heavy bleeding at any stage of pregnancy is a negative sign indicating the need to see a doctor.

Are periods dangerous in the first month of pregnancy?

The presence of menstruation during pregnancy indicates abnormalities in the functioning of the body. both at early and later stages.

Depending on individual characteristics, this condition can be harmful to the embryo and the health of the expectant mother. The degree of danger directly depends on the abundance and frequency of discharge, as well as the accompanying symptoms.

If you have heavy periods during pregnancy

Heavy bleeding is unacceptable during pregnancy and may indicate the following abnormalities:

embryo freezing– the main reason lies in the development of genetic pathologies;
ectopic pregnancy– accompanied by cramping pain, other symptoms are similar to uterine conception;
self-termination of pregnancy– characterized by abundant blood flow and pain in the lower back and lower abdomen;
miscarriage– can be complete or incomplete: in the first case, the embryo can come out completely without medical intervention; in case of partial exit, the fetus remains in the uterus (if assistance is not provided in a timely manner and there is no complete cleansing, this often leads to severe bleeding and a general deterioration in the woman’s condition).

If you have heavy periods during early pregnancy, the signs and causes are different, but they may indicate, among other things, a miscarriage

If there is heavy discharge, it is important to go to the hospital as quickly as possible, since timely medical intervention often helps to save the child and protect the pregnant woman from the development of pathologies.

If scanty periods and pregnancy

In the early stages, the presence of menstruation is the least dangerous for the female body. A small amount of blood in the first month of pregnancy may indicate a hormone imbalance, the presence of polyps on the walls of the uterus, placental abruption or other diseases.

The most common cause is progesterone deficiency or androgen excess. In this case, you need to undergo an examination - after studying the obtained tests, the doctor will identify the exact cause of the problem and select the appropriate medications to normalize the body’s functioning.

Also, the appearance of blood may indicate the development of the embryo outside the uterus. The described condition is accompanied by severe pain and is dangerous to the woman’s health, therefore If menstruation occurs, you should consult a gynecologist.

With constant monitoring and the absence of pronounced pain, the discharge disappears in a short time without harm to the pregnant woman and the child.

Do you get your period during an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is dangerous to the life of the fetus and the health of the woman. It is characterized by the development of the embryo not in the uterus, but in the fallopian tube. As the fetus grows, its walls stretch, which often leads to rupture and bleeding, which requires immediate hospitalization.

In addition to the appearance of blood, the main symptoms inherent in pregnancy outside the uterine mucosa should be highlighted:

sharp pain in the side and lower abdomen, nagging pain in the lower back;
weakness, nausea and vomiting;
headache, rapid heartbeat, fever and fainting often indicate internal bleeding.

If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages and menstruation appears, you need to do an ultrasound to see the location of the fetus. If the fears are confirmed by the tests, the specialist performs an operation to remove the embryo.

Besides the loss of a child, This condition can lead to some complications:

development of inflammatory processes;
infertility;
severe internal bleeding;
peritonitis.

If you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner, an ectopic pregnancy can cause death.

How long can periods last during pregnancy?

In the early stages, namely in the first month after conception, menstruation may occur during pregnancy due to fertilization occurring in the middle of the cycle. It takes up to 15 days for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus, as a result of which the body’s hormonal levels do not have time to undergo changes, and menstruation occurs as scheduled.

At the same time, experts note that menstruation cannot occur during pregnancy, but this process can occur in the form of bleeding.

Most often, this symptom is present in the first four months after conception and, with constant medical supervision, occurs without harm to the health of the woman and the fetus. If the cause of the appearance of blood is the implantation of the embryo on the walls of the uterus, then the considered discharge lasts no more than four days and is more scanty.

If you have periods in the early stages of pregnancy, they are very scanty and last no more than 4 days

At later stages, the appearance of blood often indicates a disruption in the gestation process, the occurrence of complications and possible internal bleeding.

What does menstruation look like during pregnancy?

The type of menstruation during pregnancy directly depends on the reason for its appearance. During the first trimester, it is a scanty, spotting discharge of a brown or dark red hue.

This condition is caused by hormonal changes, the presence of several eggs or individual structural features of the uterus. It is accompanied by minor pain and often goes away without auxiliary medications or doctor intervention.

If bright scarlet bleeding occurs, you should be examined by a gynecologist., since this symptom may indicate miscarriage and internal bleeding.

Menstruation at the beginning of pregnancy: when to contact a gynecologist

If you experience menstruation during pregnancy, you should consult a gynecologist for advice and undergo the necessary tests. In the early stages, the condition in question rarely indicates a health hazard.

During pregnancy, when menstruation begins, the woman’s condition worsens - nausea, vomiting and pain are present, you need to urgently consult a doctor

However, it should be highlighted cases in which a visit to a doctor is necessary:

the appearance of discharge is accompanied by severe pain in the abdominal area, nausea and vomiting;
the blood has a scarlet tint and comes out in lumps or clots;
bloody discharge has an unpleasant odor, the general condition of the body worsens significantly, migraines, dizziness and fainting occur.

The described signs at the beginning of pregnancy can warn of a miscarriage, internal bleeding or ectopic pregnancy.

It is important for pregnant women to take proper rest, adhere to a balanced diet, which should include all the necessary vitamins, avoid any stress and visit a doctor in a timely manner. Such behavior will help to avoid complications and bear a healthy baby.

Menstruation during early pregnancy - signs and causes:

Signs of miscarriage in early pregnancy:

Every girl knows that menstruation is a sign that conception has not occurred. But it’s worth remembering that every girl’s body reacts differently to pregnancy, so you can expect many surprises. Many people are alarmed by the fact that symptoms of pregnancy exist, but at the same time, periods do not stop and proceed as usual. Could this be possible? Is it possible to be pregnant if you are menstruating? The answer to such questions can be found in this article.

Why do you get periods during pregnancy?

To understand why menstruation began during pregnancy, you need to know the structure of a woman’s body. The uterus contains a wall that consists of three layers. The first layer is the inner one. The second layer is the endometrium, which makes up the uterine cavity. The third layer is the mucous membrane, which consists of blood vessels. The menstrual cycle lasts one month, and in the middle of it the endometrium begins to grow, which prepares the uterus for bearing a fetus.

The woman's ovaries then release a follicle containing a mature egg. When the follicle begins to grow, it produces estrogen. Under his work, the inner cover of the uterus increases. When favorable days arrive for successful conception, that is, ovulation, a temporary gland and corpus luteum appear at the site of the follicle, which produces progesterone.

Progesterone prepares the endometrium for early conception, and also has the ability to maintain pregnancy and prevent rejection of the fertilized egg. When conception does not occur, after a few weeks the corpus luteum becomes smaller and the amount of progesterone decreases. The iron takes on the appearance of scar tissue and disappears after some time.

Then, due to the fact that the amount of the hormone progesterone has decreased, the mucous layer of the uterus begins to peel off, in which the embryo was supposed to grow and develop. When sloughing occurs in the uterus, it opens up blood vessels that are partially destroyed. As a result, a woman can observe the onset of her critical days.

When conception occurs and a girl becomes pregnant, the corpus luteum expands and increases the amount of progesterone. In this way, a girl can completely protect her pregnancy and bear a healthy child. When your period starts during pregnancy, it means that the ovaries are not working well. The amount of production of the necessary hormones is not enough to fully develop the fetus. As a result, you can observe the usual onset of menstrual periods, and therefore a miscarriage occurs.

Due to hormonal imbalances, girls often menstruate during pregnancy. Many doctors believe that this phenomenon will not affect the development of pregnancy and the birth of a child, but this may be the first sign of pathologies in mother and child. When a woman observes bloody discharge during pregnancy, she should quickly consult a doctor or call an ambulance, as this is a sign of a miscarriage.

The main symptoms indicating pregnancy

To independently determine the presence of such a phenomenon as pregnancy, pay attention to the signals that the body gives us. These symptoms are based on changes in hormones and the individual characteristics of the body as a whole.

It happens that suspicions of successful fertilization may arise early or not be detected at all.

The whole point lies in the level of such a pregnancy hormone as hCG. As it increases, changes begin to occur, mood may change, strange taste preferences appear, and even pregnancy may lead to menstruation, which is normal implantation bleeding.

As for such a method of determination as a home pregnancy test, it is worth noting that the later you do it, the more reliable the result will be. This is due to the fact that the hCG hormone helps determine pregnancy, and after fertilization it increases every day.

Is it possible to have periods during pregnancy?

To decide on the question of how to find out whether pregnancy is possible during menstruation, it is worth remembering what the entire reproductive path in a woman’s body consists of.

At a certain period of time per month, one or more eggs mature in a woman’s body and await fertilization. But, if the meeting with the sperm does not happen, menstruation begins, during which the unused endometrium and the remains of the dead egg are released.

But, with successful fertilization, the reproductive organs begin to actively produce the pregnancy hormone progesterone. It controls the development of the embryo and promotes its active growth. Consequently, with a normal cycle, which lasts from 28 to 35 days, the possibility of menstruation is almost excluded.

If your period comes during pregnancy, what could it be?

In the event that menstruation began while carrying a child, then this phenomenon cannot be called full menstruation. If this is not associated with a biological process, then this may be a variant of the pathology of the reproductive organ. Often, bleeding during pregnancy can occur due to sudden rejection of the fertilized egg, which threatens an unforeseen spontaneous miscarriage.

Therefore, if you suddenly notice that while carrying a child you suddenly had periods, then you should urgently consult a doctor for advice in order to exclude the possibility of the occurrence of one or another pathology or the loss of the long-awaited child.

During pregnancy, bleeding is often observed due to the fact that the blood of the expectant mother contains little of the hormone progesterone. Consequently, this threatens miscarriage and this condition must be corrected with the help of drugs that contain this hormone.

If no measures are taken, the uterus will begin to reject the embryo and everything will end in severe bleeding and rejection of the fetus. But, if you seek help in a timely manner, such a threat is suspended, and the mother continues to lead a normal lifestyle. Sometimes, in the most severe conditions, a woman is recommended to spend the entire period until the birth of the baby in a hospital.

Cases are often recorded when, being pregnant for a short time, a woman notices heavy bleeding, which is accompanied by nagging pain. This may indicate that an ectopic pregnancy is developing in the body, which can be dangerous both for the reproductive and general health of the woman, and for her life. If you managed to get pregnant ectopically, you should consult a doctor so that he can quickly terminate the pregnancy. Only a highly qualified specialist knows how to identify and eliminate this phenomenon without consequences.

In the case of multiple pregnancy, there is a possibility that a woman may have her period in an interesting position. Thus, if blood can come, then there is a possibility that one of the fertilized eggs is being rejected from the uterine wall.

How to determine that pregnancy has occurred if you are menstruating?

Whether menstruation can occur during pregnancy depends both on the characteristics of the female body and on whether the woman has any pathology of the reproductive system.

The following symptoms may indicate that a woman is pregnant:

presence of toxicosis. Nausea may indicate that conception has occurred;
if discharge may occur during a long-awaited pregnancy, then you can measure the basal temperature in the rectal area;
How to find out if you are pregnant can be determined by the abundance of discharge. In most cases, such blood smears are scanty;
The woman's breasts increase significantly and become very sensitive.

All these signs can help a woman independently determine the presence of pregnancy during menstruation. This can happen often, so you should initially listen to the body’s signals.

In the event that deviations from the norm are recorded, it is worth seeking help from a specialist who will help solve all the problems that have arisen.

Menstruation has always been considered the main sign of absence of pregnancy, but sometimes it happens that a woman, knowing that a new life has already appeared in her tummy, finds it on her underwear. Such discharge is often perceived as menstruation and is very frightening for the expectant mother. Or, on the contrary, they can mislead a woman: sometimes a woman found out about her pregnancy immediately before giving birth. Let's figure out whether menstruation can occur during pregnancy, what is the reason for "periods" during pregnancy?

Can you have periods during pregnancy? To begin with, it’s worth remembering everything that was taught at school in biology lessons. Menstruation- This is the rejection of the endometrium that has grown in the uterus during the first period of the menstrual cycle. The endometrium is necessary for the uterus in case of pregnancy; it creates favorable conditions for implantation of the zygote (fertilized egg) in the uterus. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is partially rejected and leaves the woman’s body. This is menstruation.

Based on this, as such You can't get your period during pregnancy.

Or rather, she can go in the first month of pregnancy if fertilization of the egg occurred in the middle of the menstrual cycle: the zygote simply did not have time to attach to the mucous layer of the uterus, because this requires a period of 7 to 15 days. The hormonal background of the expectant mother, which regulates the processes inside her body, has also not yet changed, which means that the body has not received any indications for canceling menstrual bleeding.

The second reason for menstrual bleeding is disturbed hormonal levels. Menstruation begins either with an excess of the male hormone androgen, or with a deficiency. If your period is due to a hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body, then you should consult a doctor so that he can prescribe appropriate medications that will help regulate hormone levels. In general, minor hormonal imbalance does not pose any particular danger to the fetus.

There are also truly unique cases when the ovaries of the expectant mother even during pregnancy continue to produce eggs, ready for fertilization. In this case, there is also slight bleeding.

In the case when menstruation continues during pregnancy, the so-called "color pregnancy". About 20% of all pregnant women experience it. As a rule, menstruation in this case may stop in the 5th month of pregnancy or continue until delivery.

But there may be bleeding of a different kind, which is often mistaken for menstruation.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy is not always dangerous and is far from uncommon. Sometimes their cause is changes in the body associated with pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding. It occurs in 30% of expectant mothers. Cause of implantation bleeding: During the attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus, damage to the blood vessels occurs. This is what causes spotting, which a woman perceives as menstruation during early pregnancy. These “periods” last for several days and usually appear 1-2 weeks after fertilization.
Sexual intercourse. Sex during pregnancy is not dangerous and does not lead to miscarriage, but after it, a woman may also experience bloody or brownish discharge. Reason: During pregnancy, a woman’s reproductive organs are supplied with more blood than usual. Because of this, the vaginal mucosa becomes more tender and sensitive and is easily damaged, which can also happen during sex. There is no danger of mucosal disorders, but it is still better to go to see a doctor, and before going to the doctor to refrain from sexual relations.
Examination by a gynecologist. Due to the increased sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa, any manipulations by a gynecologist sometimes cause minor bleeding. They also do not pose any danger to the health of the woman or the unborn baby.

But there are many reasons for bleeding during pregnancy that are not to be trifled with. Run to the doctor immediately, and it is better to immediately call the ambulance team if:

bleeding that appears after fainting or is accompanied by dizziness, nausea;
discharge that has a rich red color;
bleeding accompanied by blood clots and lumps of tissue;
bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain.

Similar bleeding - a sign of serious pathologies threatening the life of the mother or baby.

In this article, we have already written about several probable causes of menstruation during pregnancy. Now let's look at others pathology, which can cause bleeding in a woman.

Detachment of the ovum. Is the first signal of the offensive. It is possible that the body will cope on its own by starting to produce more of the hormone progesterone, but in any case, it is better not to neglect a trip to the doctor. Cause of detachment: endometriosis or any neoplasms on the muscle layer of the uterus.
Fetal development disorders. Most often they are associated with any genetic disorders or pathological changes in the development of the embryo. The cause of these changes may be infectious diseases suffered by the mother. In this case, it is unlikely that it will be possible to maintain the pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy. Occurs when the zygote implants not on the wall of the uterus, but in the oviduct. This pathology is treated surgically. If doctors do not intervene in time, the oviduct will rupture under the pressure of the growing fetus, which will lead to internal bleeding, and possibly death.
Frozen pregnancy. If fetal development stops and occurs, the woman may experience spotting, bloody or brownish discharge.
Infections of the reproductive organs. Bleeding occurs when an inflammatory process occurs inside the uterus. There is a chance to save the pregnancy.
Abnormal structure of the uterus, tumors. The presence of fibroids and the saddle shape of the uterus can affect the normal course of pregnancy. In this case, bleeding is not uncommon.
Hydatidiform mole. This is a product of conception, when the fertilized egg does not develop properly, the embryonic membrane in this case grows in the form of bubbles filled with liquid. Hydatidiform mole occurs when a defective egg is fertilized and is missing chromosomes. In this case, the zygote cannot be viable, and there can be no talk of maintaining the pregnancy.

In case of bleeding, it is very important consult a doctor as soon as possible, because a woman will not be able to independently determine whether it is menstruation or pathological and dangerous bleeding and risks losing her health, and sometimes even the life that has arisen inside her. Menstruation in itself is not dangerous, but bleeding is not something to joke about. What to do if “periods” appear during pregnancy?

it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine the nature;
reduce physical activity as much as possible;
if spotting appears after or examination by a gynecologist, you should refrain
some time from sexual activity to going to the doctor;
if the bleeding is profuse and accompanied by pain, call an ambulance.

In the modern world, when almost every woman has at least hormonal imbalances, not a single expectant mother is immune from menstruation and bleeding during pregnancy. But everyone can reduce the risk of these “pathologies” by following basic preventive measures:

pregnancy needs to be planned;
before conception, it is important to be examined by a doctor and rule out pathologies and diseases;
if a woman has any gynecological diseases, they should be cured;
you should reduce physical activity as much as possible and take care of yourself;
avoid stressful situations;
to refuse from bad habits.

During pregnancy, transformations occur in a woman’s body at different levels - hormonal, physiological, emotional. After conceiving a child, the body begins to “work” in a new way, but some expectant mothers may also notice such a familiar phenomenon as menstruation. In 15% of women, periods during pregnancy appear in the first weeks. In the absence of alarming signs and supervision by a doctor, they do not pose a threat to the baby. We will tell you whether pregnant women have periods, normal variations, and dangerous symptoms that cannot be ignored.

Conceiving a child and menstruation

The uterus has three layers, the inner functional and most mobile is the endometrium. By the time of ovulation, its thickness increases, and its structure becomes looser - so that in the event of fertilization, the conditions for consolidation and further growth of the embryo are ideal. If conception does not occur in the current cycle, under the influence of the hormone GnRH, the menstrual phase begins, during which the endometrium is rejected, and along with its detachment, small vessels that connect it with other layers of the uterus “tear.” The appearance of menstrual bleeding is associated with this process. If after ovulation in the luteal phase the egg meets the sperm, then the further development of the cycle follows a different path: the endometrium is strengthened and is not rejected. Menstruation does not begin, and this is the sign that most often indicates the onset of conception.

Periods are an important part of the menstrual cycle

Can I get my period during pregnancy? Yes, in exceptional cases, this condition does not pose a threat to the mother and fetus, but the appearance of spotting with a positive pregnancy test can also be an alarming symptom.

Can you have periods during pregnancy: when there is no need to worry

There are several conditions when you can have periods in the very early stages of pregnancy. Among them:

late ovulation;
fertilization of one of the two eggs;
hormonal disbalance.

Delayed ovulation

If the dominant follicle matures not in the middle of the cycle, but in its second half, then the egg will be released from it much later. After sexual intercourse, sperm remain viable in a woman’s body for 3-7 days, in exceptional cases - up to 14 days. From the moment of germ cell fusion until final implantation, it can take up to 5-10 days. Accordingly, if ovulation occurs later than usual, then menstruation may occur during the “journey” of the fertilized egg through the fallopian tubes. With this development of pregnancy, menstruation will occur at the very beginning and should not be repeated in the following months.

Ovulation may begin late in the cycle

If only 1 egg is fertilized

Double ovulation is a relatively rare phenomenon. With it, maturation of two dominant follicles in one or different ovaries is observed within one cycle. In the corresponding phase, 2 eggs are released. If unprotected sexual intercourse took place or assisted reproductive technology such as artificial insemination was used, then both oocytes or one of them can be fertilized. If the sperm has merged with only one egg, then while it moves into the uterine cavity, the second can be removed along with menstrual blood when the endometrium is rejected. In the case of such a pregnancy, menstruation occurs only in the early stages. If spotting appears after the 4th week, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Hormone imbalance

All phases of the menstrual cycle, as well as each week of a child's intrauterine development, are regulated by different hormones. If there are disruptions in their production, deviations from the norm are observed - such as, for example, menstruation during pregnancy. Most often, this problem is caused by hyperandrogenism - an increase in the level of androgens in a woman. This condition often coincides with weak progesterone production, against the background of which, even after conception and implantation, discharge similar to menstruation can be observed. They, unlike regular menstrual ones, are scanty, brown, spotty in nature and can last for weeks. With high-quality medical supervision, this phenomenon is not dangerous for the baby and the expectant mother. If there is no threat to the development of the embryo, the doctor may recommend leaving this phenomenon without intervention. Sometimes auxiliary drugs, for example, Duphaston, may be prescribed for treatment. In any case, it is absolutely impossible to ignore spotting in the early stages or take medications on your own without permission - this can be dangerous for both the child and the woman.

Due to hormonal imbalances, menstruation may occur during pregnancy

Conditional factors that can cause discharge similar to menstruation during pregnancy include mechanical irritations. Examination by a doctor using mirrors, checking the tone of the cervix in later stages, sexual intercourse, taking smears - these and other actions often cause superficial damage to the mucous membrane of the vagina or cervix. As a result, a spotting discharge appears - as a rule, it is extremely scanty, bloody or brown. Scarlet and bright red marks on underwear or panty liners are a reason for emergency hospitalization.

Those who are interested in whether menstruation can occur during pregnancy should understand: spotting in the first trimester requires medical attention. If this is the norm, consulting a doctor will not take much time. If such a symptom signals a threatening condition, thanks to early intervention it will be possible to save the child and avoid delayed negative consequences.

Why do menstruation occur during pregnancy: washing the fetus or a threat?

“Fetal washing” is a common term used for periods during pregnancy. The main problem of the condition in which the expectant mother notices spotting is the impossibility of independently determining its cause. In some cases, symptoms may be caused by hormonal imbalance or late conception, while in others such signs indicate serious and dangerous problems.

Washing the fetus can be a dangerous symptom

Detachment of the ovum

Among the most common causes of interruption of embryo development in the early stages and fading of pregnancy in the first trimester is detachment of the ovum. It occurs for various reasons - with insufficient thickness of the uterine mucosa, endometrial diseases, the presence of scars and adhesions, tumors and inflammation, critical physical activity and severe emotional stress. Abruption in the earliest stages can occur without severe pain, but when the fertilized egg “comes off” from the inner wall of the uterus, the vessels connecting them are inevitably damaged. The result is bright red bloody discharge, thinner than during menstruation. If the fact of pregnancy is confirmed and such a symptom appears, you need to call an ambulance as quickly as possible. In the initial stages of abruption, pregnancy can be saved if you go for preservation in a timely manner and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions.

Placental abruption

A similar mechanism occurs in placental abruption, but this condition most often occurs in the second and third trimester. This complication occurs due to vascular pathologies, blood clotting disorders, and mechanical factors. Injuries (blows or falls), hormonal diseases and bad habits increase the risk of its development. When even a small part of the placenta is detached, bleeding begins, which is life-threatening for the child and the woman. At a long stage of pregnancy, menstruation cannot begin, therefore, when such an alarming symptom appears - regardless of the intensity, color and presence of accompanying painful sensations - you need to call an ambulance.

At the first symptoms of detachment, you need to call an ambulance

Ectopic pregnancy

Another pathology that is accompanied by discharge similar to menstruation during pregnancy is ectopic implantation of the embryo. It has a lot of prerequisites, but in more than 80% of cases it develops due to problems with the fallopian tubes. Inflammation of the appendages, adhesions and scars, neoplasms and hormonal disorders prevent the normal advancement of the fertilized egg into the uterine cavity. The embryo can implant itself in a tube or in an ovary, in a rudimentary horn with a bicornuate uterus, or, in extremely rare cases, in the abdominal cavity. Since only the endometrium is suitable for fetal development, other soft tissues begin to be damaged as the embryo grows. When tension and rupture occur, bleeding occurs. It can hardly be confused with harmless periods during pregnancy: damage to internal organs and internal bleeding are always accompanied by severe pain. This condition requires immediate hospitalization and a relatively long recovery period.

Frozen pregnancy

As a rule, expectant mothers register with the antenatal clinic and begin to closely monitor the development of pregnancy at 7-8 weeks, and sometimes after the 10th. The problem is that in the very early stages the risk of such a complication as a frozen pregnancy is greatest. It has a different nature. These may be chromosomal pathologies, when due to genetic defects the fetus is not viable. Another prerequisite is a hormonal imbalance, in which, for example, progesterone is produced in insufficient quantities or the so-called corpus luteum functions poorly. There are also “mechanical” factors: overexertion, injury, critically high temperature due to illness. In any case, if the embryo has stopped developing, hormones will gradually begin to return to “pre-pregnancy” levels, and the endometrium, along with the fertilized egg, will begin to be rejected. The result is bloody discharge, which is sometimes accompanied by nagging and spasmodic pain, weakness and dizziness. In the case of such symptoms, hospitalization is required; the woman may be prescribed curettage and recommended to stay in the hospital for several days for treatment and recovery after surgery.

Discharge during a frozen pregnancy is similar to menstrual discharge

Can pregnancy occur with periods?

As mentioned above, with late ovulation, pregnancy can begin immediately after menstruation. While the “old” endometrium is being shed, the fertilized egg can slowly move into the uterine cavity. It is implanted in a new cycle, although it matured in the previous one. The development of such a pregnancy will be the same as in “standard” cases. The only caveat is that it may be difficult to accurately calculate the obstetric and gestational age, as well as calculate the expected date of birth. In any case, in addition to the expectant mother’s answers about the date of the last menstruation, which serves as a kind of “starting point” for pregnancy, the doctor can be guided by the results of a manual examination and the level of hCG in a blood test when determining the period. In addition, the age of the embryo can be calculated using ultrasound - based on the size of the embryo and uterus.

Is it possible to be pregnant if you've missed your period?

For many women, especially those married or in a stable relationship with one partner, the calendar method is the most convenient method of contraception. Its essence is the minimum probability of unplanned conception of a child during menstrual bleeding and in the first days after its end. This approach also has a medical basis: in the vast majority of cases, in the first phase of the cycle, the follicle with the egg matures in the ovary, and at the same time the endometrium, which was not useful in the previous cycle, is exfoliated. Simply put, sperm will have nothing to fertilize. But in the event of a hormonal imbalance or due to individual characteristics of the body, late ovulation may occur in the previous cycle, or two eggs will mature in both ovaries at different rates. If we add to this possible fact that sperm remain viable in a woman’s body for several days, then the possibility of pregnancy during menstruation still remains.

You can get pregnant on any day of your cycle

By the way, during menstruation, the cervix softens for faster removal of the endometrial mucosa. It becomes more sensitive and vulnerable to various types of bacteria and infections. The situation is aggravated by a decrease in local immunity. This is why many doctors recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse in the first days or throughout the entire period of menstrual bleeding.

Any atypical discharge during pregnancy, regardless of duration, is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
If dark red or scarlet marks appear on underwear or a sanitary pad, a pregnant woman should call an ambulance.
An ambulance should be called if the bleeding is accompanied by acute “dagger” pain, dizziness or weakness, all of these are symptoms of internal bleeding.
You should not take any measures or buy medications without consulting your doctor.
If menstruation during pregnancy is not pathological in nature, you should pay maximum attention to personal hygiene to avoid genital and urinary tract infections.

If you've heard stories like this, you might be under the impression that menstruation during pregnancy- a common thing, well, perhaps, a feature of the body. Actually this is not true.
But after listening to her friends’ revelations, the young mother, discovering that she had , is not worried at all and is in no hurry to be examined by a gynecologist.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of a fairly large number of “living examples” of this phenomenon. Moreover, mothers claim that despite all this, the pregnancy proceeded normally, and the baby was born healthy.

Well, if so. This means that they were very lucky. After all, in fact, there are no periods during pregnancy and there cannot be! This is a dangerous misconception that can lead to the loss of the child and complications with the health of the expectant mother.
Let's figure out what can cause this phenomenon and why it is so dangerous.

Menstruation during pregnancy: can this happen?

First, let's refresh our knowledge of female anatomy and physiology.
As you know, once a month an egg matures in a woman’s body, ready for conception. If fertilization does not occur, it is destroyed in due time. During this period, the uterus contracts and what is left of the egg, as well as pieces of the endometrium - the tissue lining the walls of the uterus - comes out in the form of bloody discharge.

If the egg has been fertilized, that is, pregnancy, as they say, is obvious, then the essence of the processes taking place changes significantly.
The body prepares a special place for the embryo and works hard to prevent the uterus from rejecting the embryo.

In particular, the female body begins to produce a special hormone - progesterone. This hormone has two main functions. Firstly, it stimulates the growth of the inner lining of the uterine walls (endometrium), so that the embryo can implant and better attach to them. Secondly, this hormone prevents the walls of the uterus from contracting, which protects the embryo from rejection.

I hope it’s clear from here that they can’t go. Well, if they do exist, what is this connected with?

Why do you have periods during pregnancy?

As already mentioned, spotting during pregnancy cannot be considered menstruation. The cause of the discharge can be various pathologies, disruption of the hormonal functions of the mother’s body. This phenomenon may be a signal of detachment of the fertilized egg, which threatens miscarriage.

Let's look at a few examples in more detail.

Often women who discover that they have menstruation occurs during pregnancy actually suffer disruption of progesterone production. If there is very little of this hormone, then at the time allotted for normal menstruation, bloody discharge with fragments of the endometrium may be observed.

This means that the uterus, as in the usual case, is cleansed and can at the same time reject the fetus. This, of course, cannot be allowed to happen. Therefore, with timely treatment, the doctor prescribes drugs to the expectant mother that replace progesterone. In most cases, the threat of miscarriage with this type of disorder is stopped, and the mother calmly continues to bear the baby.

Also, the reason for the appearance of the so-called menstruation during pregnancy can be pathologies of fetal development (genetic changes) or ectopic pregnancy.
It also happens that the fetus is not attached very well. For example, if the expectant mother suffers from endometriosis or has fibroids. Having attached to such a disadvantaged place, the embryo cannot develop normally and is poorly supplied with oxygen, that is, a miscarriage may occur.

Another hormonal disorder leading to the appearance of bloody discharge is hyperandrogenism. That is, to put it simply, an excess of male hormones. If left untreated, this phenomenon often leads to detachment of the fertilized egg, and, consequently, to a miscarriage.
With timely treatment, such consequences can be completely avoided.

Another rather rare phenomenon can be identified in those women who menstruation occurs during pregnancy.
It happens that initially 2 embryos are formed, that is, a multiple pregnancy. But at the same time, one of them develops normally, and the other is rejected by the body for some reason (poor attachment site, pathology, etc.). In this case periods during pregnancy are a signal about the process of rejection of one of the embryos.

As you can see, the reasons for such a phenomenon as periods during pregnancy far from harmless. The consequences are even worse.
Therefore, do not listen to the advice of experienced people and do not close your eyes to what is happening. Even if you feel well, do not experience pain or discomfort, but you experience spotting, do not hesitate to consult a doctor with a question. why do you have periods during pregnancy?.

And if in addition to the bloody discharge there is also pain in the lower back, something similar to contractions, the discharge becomes quite profuse, call an ambulance immediately. It may turn out that going to the clinic on your own will cost you your child!

As already mentioned, in many cases, especially if it’s “hormones acting up,” if you consult a specialist in a timely manner, the threat of miscarriage can be avoided. In other cases, even if nothing can be done, the sooner you notify the doctor that you have menstruation occurs during pregnancy, the greater the chances of avoiding health problems and hoping for the next, more successful pregnancy.

Alexandra Panyutina
Women's magazine JustLady