Your body is going through major changes, and sometimes light bleeding can show up around the same time your period would normally arrive. When you see this, it can feel like your period has returned, even though it has not. This is why a lot of people mistake pregnancy bleeding for a regular menstrual cycle.
In this article:
Can You Have a Period During Pregnancy?
No, you cannot have a true menstrual period once pregnancy begins. Menstruation happens only when you’re not pregnant. Each month, your body prepares for a possible pregnancy by building up a thick lining in the uterus, full of blood vessels to nourish a fertilised egg. If no fertilisation occurs, that lining sheds, leading to your period. But when an egg does implant successfully, hormones kick in to keep that lining intact. It stays there to support your growing baby, so there’s no shedding and no period until after birth.During pregnancy, ovulation stops, which is why your monthly cycle is put on hold. Some women also notice that their periods don’t return while they’re breastfeeding. This is completely normal and happens because of ongoing hormonal changes.
Why Does Spotting Happen in Early Pregnancy?
Spotting happens in around 15 to 25 per cent of pregnancies during the first trimester, and in most cases, it’s completely harmless. As your body adjusts to pregnancy, your cervix becomes more sensitive because of increased blood flow. This can make it easier to bleed a little, especially after intercourse, a routine pelvic exam, or even due to normal hormonal shifts. In some cases, minor vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections can also contribute to light spotting.What is Implantation Bleeding?
One of the most common reasons for early spotting is implantation bleeding. This usually occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception, often around the time you would expect your period. As the fertilised egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, it may cause a tiny amount of bleeding. Because this happens so early, you might not even know you are pregnant yet, which is why it can be mistaken for a very light period. In most cases, it stops on its own within a day or two.
What Are the Causes of Vaginal Bleeding in the First Trimester?
Not all early bleeding is harmless, so it’s wise to stay alert. Some types signal emergencies and come with heavier flow, more like a period, plus other warning signs. These are the main ones to know:- Ectopic pregnancy: The fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. This is urgent and needs quick medical care.
- Miscarriage: Early pregnancy loss can bring heavier bleeding and cramping.
- Molar pregnancy: A rare issue where abnormal tissue grows instead of a healthy foetus, leading to unusual bleeding.
- Infections: These can irritate the area and cause spotting.
- Subchorionic haemorrhage: Blood collects between the uterine wall and placenta, sometimes causing spotting.
What Causes Vaginal Bleeding Later in Pregnancy?
After the first trimester, any bleeding should be taken seriously and checked by a doctor as soon as possible, even if there are no other symptoms.Some of the most common reasons for bleeding later in pregnancy include:
1. Signs of Preterm Labour
- Preterm labour means giving birth before 37 weeks. It can start with period-like cramps and an increase in mucus discharge, either thick or watery. You may also notice regular contractions, a dull backache, pelvic pressure, or sudden changes in vaginal discharge. Bleeding can sometimes occur alongside these symptoms, which is why spotting at this stage should never be ignored.
- In placenta previa, the placenta is positioned low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix. This can lead to painless but recurring bleeding, especially in the second or third trimester.
- This condition occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before birth. It usually happens in the later months of pregnancy and can cause heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and strong cramping. The risk is higher for people with high blood pressure, abdominal trauma, or certain medical conditions.
- Although rare, uterine rupture is extremely serious. It involves a tear in the uterine muscle, often along the scar from a previous C-section. This can lead to sudden, heavy bleeding and intense pain, and is considered a medical emergency.
- While it may feel like a period, true menstruation does not occur once you’re pregnant because the uterine lining is meant to support the growing baby. Any bleeding during this time is usually linked to other causes. That’s why it’s important not to ignore it or assume it’s normal.
FAQs on Is It Possible to Have a Period During Pregnancy?
- Can stress lead to bleeding during pregnancy?
Yes. Severe physical or emotional stress can affect hormone levels, which may contribute to light spotting. - Why is my pregnancy test positive, but I got my period?
If you get a positive test and then start bleeding soon after, it’s often because of a chemical pregnancy. It's a very early loss that happens before the pregnancy can progress.