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One of the main signs that a woman is pregnant is late menstruation. Pregnancy tests should be warranted, as it can be due to other reasons, but the absence of menstruation is usually a fairly reliable indicator that pregnancy has occurred.
For this reason, some women are surprised to find that they still bleed when it is confirmed that they were pregnant. Is it a period? Is it possible to have a period during pregnancy?
The answer is no, you cannot have a period during pregnancy. However, there may be some slight bleeding which can cause some confusion. Sometimes these bleeds are normal, benign, and not a problem. It can also indicate that something is wrong.
Can I bleed during pregnancy?
Yes, some women have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. In some cases, even regular bleeding may seem like a rule, but it’s not.
Published on Unplash by Lilia Dyulgerov
Menstruation is made up of the blood and mucous membranes that line the uterus each month in anticipation of a possible pregnancy. If this does not occur, the layer falls off and exits through the vagina.
If pregnancy occurs, the tissue will remain in place and, once fertilized, the eggs will attach and begin to develop. Therefore, it is possible to bleed, but not to menstruate.
What is that bleeding?
There are several reasons why bleeding during pregnancy can occur. Some reasons may lead to serious problems, while others may not.
It is also common to have a small amount of bleeding after a vaginal exam or after.
Some women, if they are not pregnant, may experience bleeding the week before their period, but it is usually much lighter than periods and lasts only a day or two. The exact cause is unknown, but it is called “implantation bleeding” because it is believed to be due to movement of the fertilized egg into the endometrium.
During pregnancy, cervical blood supply increases, so it is common to have a small amount of bleeding during a vaginal exam, after the exam, and after intercourse.
Published on Unplash by bruce mars
When bleeding is a serious sign
Sometimes vaginal bleeding is a sign that something is wrong. For example, an infection, a placental problem, a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which can be potentially dangerous for the mother.
For this reason, if you detect general bleeding during pregnancy, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately, even if the bleeding stops. Most women do not have major complications, but it is advisable to have a medical examination to rule out serious problems.
