Can You Have a Normal Period & Be Pregnant?

While it is not possible to have a period during pregnancy, women may still experience bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. Bleeding is most common during the first trimester.

The Menstrual Cycle

• During your menstrual cycle, your reproductive organs produce hormones that cause your ovaries to release an egg. During this time, the blood and tissues lining your uterus become thicker. If the egg is not fertilized, you will have a period, which results in the shedding of the blood and tissues lining your uterus.

No Pregnant Period

• When you are pregnant, hormone levels increase in order to stop the menstrual cycle. This prevents the lining of the uterus from shedding, as the uterus is important in creating the proper environment for the baby to grow and be nourished, according to AmericanPregnancy.org.

Early Bleeding

• Twenty to 30 percent of women experience bleeding during the early stages of pregnancy. Less serious causes include implantation bleeding and urinary tract infections. A more serious cause is miscarriage, and approximately half of women who bleed during the early stages of pregnancy have a miscarriage.

Later Stages

• Bleeding later in pregnancy may be a sign of a more serious condition such as placental abruption or preterm labor. If you experience bleeding during the later stages of pregnancy, see a doctor immediately because your health and the health of your fetus may be at risk.

What to Do

• If the cause of bleeding is minor, wear a pad so that you can keep track of how much you are bleeding. Never wear a tampon. If you are concerned that the bleeding is serious, contact a health care professional immediately.