In the early stages, menstruation occurs during pregnancy, which can be considered a physiological or pathological process. A pregnant woman urgently needs to see a gynecologist and undergo a full examination of the pelvic organs. It is possible that immediate hospitalization will be necessary to maintain the pregnancy. This unpleasant symptom is used to determine ectopic pregnancy and more. The condition is dangerous because it can cost the life of an unborn baby.
What are periods
According to the laws of the female body, the menstrual cycle ends with uterine bleeding. If copious discharge did not come, it is possible that the woman is in “ interesting position" With a delay in menstruation, thoughts of unexpected or planned motherhood come to mind. However, it happens that pregnancy has occurred, but the critical days still come. This is possible even after successful conception, but the nature of the discharge reduces its abundance and intensity. It is better to consult a gynecologist to find out the possible consequences for the health of the mother and child.
Can you have periods during pregnancy?
This question interests many expectant mothers, especially those who are preparing for motherhood for the first time. During the period of bearing a baby, this is real, and is explained by insufficient production of the hormone progesterone in the blood by the corpus luteum. As the period increases, the indicator should ideally increase, and then nothing threatens the intrauterine development of the embryo. Otherwise, there is a high probability of termination of pregnancy already at early stages. In addition, one should not exclude the following clinical picture: a weak embryo cannot attach to the uterine mucosa, so rejection occurs.
If menstruation appears during pregnancy in the early stages, it can last for several hours - a day, and is characterized by scarcity and an unusual color. If everything stops after a couple of days, you don’t have to panic, but still visit a gynecologist. Menstruation in the late stages of gestation, regardless of intensity and duration, eloquently indicates progressive pathology. A pregnant woman must respond to such alarming symptoms in a timely manner. In any case, the question of whether menstruation can occur during pregnancy has a clearly affirmative answer.
What they look like
More often this is a scarlet discharge, which is also called “spotting”. However, there are also brown blood clots that come out partially. In the latter case, this may be a sign of endometrial rejection, as a dangerous pathological process. During pregnancy, periods are light and come at short intervals. They are easy to distinguish from usual uterine bleeding. Pregnancy with menstruation is pathological and requires immediate medical attention as soon as the first symptoms appear.
How to distinguish periods during pregnancy from normal ones
Habitual menstruation is characterized by abundance, a stable cycle, lasting from 3-7 days. If a woman is not planning a child, it is recommended to maintain an individual schedule. Menstruation during pregnancy is characterized by scanty discharge, painful sensations in the lower abdomen, and internal discomfort. With unplanned bleeding, the time interval between discharges is reduced, and the woman develops Iron-deficiency anemia. Bloody discharge may also cause headaches, nausea, and weakness.
Menstruation during early pregnancy
The appearance of menstrual bleeding during pregnancy in the first trimester is an alarming sign for the expectant mother. A delay in menstruation can easily be explained by the successful process of fertilization of the egg, but the appearance of abnormal discharge may indicate that the corpus luteum of the uterus is being rejected. In addition, this phenomenon is not excluded in case of hormonal disorders and diseases of the endocrine system in pregnant women. Other causes of minor spotting that accompany pregnancy and menstruation at the same time are:
- long-term use of hormonal drugs;
- progressive ectopic pregnancy;
- threat of early miscarriage;
- death of the embryo in one of the trimesters.
Scanty periods as a sign of pregnancy
If menstruation appears during pregnancy, it is possible that this is a systematic period of embryo implantation, which is not considered a pathology and may be accompanied by bleeding. It lasts from 7 to 15 days, and is not accompanied by hormonal changes in the female body. In the future, with minor discharge that does not stop, you need to be wary and voice your suspicions to your local gynecologist. Such a symptom may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, but doctors suggest other diagnoses.
If a woman does not know about her “interesting situation,” scanty periods are a clear symptom. In this case, the test may give a false negative answer - one strip. This is explained by the short duration and insufficient concentration of sex hormones, possibly progesterone. In such cases, it is necessary to monitor the onset of menstruation, and after its completion, wait and perform a repeat home study. It is possible that the tests will be positive.
What are the dangers of menstruation during pregnancy?
Rejection of fertilized eggs, as the main cause of menstruation during pregnancy, is preceded by disrupted hormonal levels, female internal diseases, severe physical exertion and mental turmoil. If 9 months proceed in a state of stress, it is possible that menstruation will appear at an early stage. There is no need to talk about its calm course and normal birth in such a clinical picture; It is important to ask your doctor how to save the life of an unborn baby. If menstruation appears during pregnancy, dangerous reasons may be as follows:
- detachment of the ovum;
- threat of early miscarriage and pathological birth in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters;
- heavy bleeding with progressive anemia;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- genetic disorders of the embryo;
- bad heredity;
- social and everyday factor.
Video
Having discovered their periods in the early stages of pregnancy, some women believe that this is completely normal. Moreover, a pregnant woman can hear from friends and relatives that they also encountered this phenomenon and were able to carry and give birth to a healthy baby without any problems.
Is it really? What do periods indicate during early pregnancy?
Pregnancy and menstruation – is it real?
From a physiological point of view, pregnancy and menstruation are two completely incompatible concepts. Why?
In the first half of the menstrual cycle, a layer of endometrium grows on the walls of the uterus. If fertilization does not occur during the ovulation period, the resulting endometrium peels off at the end of the cycle and comes out along with the blood. Thus, every month women have menstruation.
When pregnancy occurs, the level of the hormone progesterone increases, which helps to strengthen the endometrium and further serve as additional protection for the unborn baby. Therefore, while the child is pregnant, menstruation stops.
Causes of bleeding in the early stages
In the early stages of pregnancy, there may actually be bleeding from the vagina. And this is a symptom of bleeding, not menstruation. This phenomenon actually occurs quite often, but this does not mean its safety.
The causes of bleeding in a pregnant woman may be:
- ectopic pregnancy;
- risk of miscarriage;
- death of the embryo.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy also include pain, which is localized in the place where the fertilized egg was implanted. Painful sensations intensify with body movements and physical activity. Bleeding in this case, most often, is not profuse and dark in color. If it bleeds very heavily and for a long time, this may indicate the most unfavorable outcome - spontaneous detachment of the fertilized egg.
When there is a threat of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman may experience scanty, dark-colored bleeding. At the same time, nagging pains in the lower abdomen often occur, similar to those that occur before menstruation.
The death of the embryo may not be felt at all for a long time. But it happens that symptoms appear that help to notice the problem in time. There may be a very slight dark discharge, more reminiscent of a daub, periodically acute pain in the abdomen appears and the chest softens.
All causes of bleeding in pregnant women are very dangerous. Since every body is different, symptoms may vary from woman to woman. Any deterioration of the condition during pregnancy, especially accompanied by bleeding, requires a mandatory visit to a gynecologist.
When is menstruation normal during pregnancy?
Although any bleeding during pregnancy, in fact, cannot be the norm, there are still cases when you should not sound the alarm. Sometimes periods in very early stages of pregnancy may not pose any threat to the expectant mother and her developing baby.
This is possible in the following cases:
- hormonal disorders;
- implantation of the fertilized egg;
- pregnancy occurs right before menstruation,
- fertilization of one of the two eggs.
If a woman does not have enough progesterone during pregnancy or has an excess of male hormones, androgens, this often causes brown discharge. Such hormonal disorders are not dangerous for a long time. This problem can be solved by taking special hormonal medications (prescriptions should only be made by a gynecologist!).
The process of implantation of the fertilized egg in the wall of the uterus can sometimes take up to two weeks. In the case of such a long-term implantation of the egg, the hormonal background does not have time to change and the body acts according to the usual pattern - menstruation begins.
Experts do not rule out the possibility of getting pregnant even during menstruation. This is especially true a few days before menstruation, when the ovulation period has long ended. In fact, ovulation has not ended - this phenomenon is called “late ovulation”, and in this case it occurs before menstruation.
This phenomenon occurs much less frequently than the usual conception during ovulation in the middle of the cycle, but it is still possible. If pregnancy occurs right before your period, there will be no delay. Menstruation will come as usual.
During pregnancy, menstruation can also occur due to the fact that of the eggs that mature simultaneously in different ovaries, only one is fertilized. It is preserved, and the unfertilized egg is released along with menstruation.
It is important to remember that menstruation in early pregnancy is possible only once. If in the second month a woman bleeds again (the amount, color, consistency does not matter) - this is abnormal. This type of discharge may be a symptom of serious problems with your pregnancy.
What are the dangers of menstruation during pregnancy?
In fact, it has already been said above that menstruation during pregnancy should not be ignored under any circumstances, since this is a serious deviation from the norm. For whatever reason, such bleeding occurs, a threat to the health and life of the unborn baby exists in any case.
What else is the threat of bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy? Women may not even be aware of their new position. They will take any blood for their next period, while continuing to lead their usual lifestyle.
The usual factors in modern life women may be:
- overwork;
- unhealthy food;
- alcohol;
- smoking.
Continuing to live in her usual rhythm, a pregnant woman at an early stage can, without knowing it, cause harm to her baby.
Also, having periods during pregnancy is dangerous because they can develop into heavy bleeding. Without the supervision of a doctor, this is fraught with large blood loss.
So, all women should be attentive to their health. Don’t be lazy and waste time visiting a gynecologist. Early detection of pregnancy and following the doctor’s instructions will help maintain the health of the mother and the future baby.
Menstruation started without delay, which means conception is impossible? Or not? Many girls are interested in the question of whether menstruation can occur during early pregnancy? Any knowledgeable specialist can answer that this can and does happen quite often. Why is this happening? Let's figure it out.
Can you really get your period during early pregnancy?
There are several reasons why a woman experiences monthly bleeding after conception. In medical practice, this phenomenon is called “Washing of the fetus.” Let's consider in what cases the expectant mother may experience bleeding after fertilization.
Approximately 7-10 days after the meeting of the sperm and egg, a girl may experience so-called implantation bleeding. In this case, the fertilized egg passes through the fallopian tube and attaches to the wall of the reproductive organ. This is necessary for the cell to grow together with the blood vessels from which the fetus will be nourished in the future.
The amount of blood released during implantation bleeding is usually minimal.
Hormonal disorders
Hormonal imbalances are another reason that can raise a girl’s question about whether she can have periods during early pregnancy? The fact is that progesterone deficiency often provokes minor spotting in the first stages after conception. By the way, the secretion is most often noted precisely on those days on which menstruation was supposed to occur according to the calendar. To normalize the condition and preserve the fetus, the gynecologist prescribes drugs that improve hormonal levels.
With various injuries to the vagina, bleeding similar to menstruation is a completely natural phenomenon. Such symptoms may occur after sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination.
In this case, the doctor can quite reasonably put a ban on intimate relations. Bloody or brown spots May appear on underwear not immediately after sexual intercourse, but after a few hours.
Two eggs in one cycle
In women taking drugs that stimulate ovulation, not one, but two eggs may be released from the ovary in one cycle. By the way, this often happens without taking any medications. If the first egg was fertilized and attached to the wall of the uterus, then the second (unfertilized) comes out naturally, that is, with menstruation.
Contrary to the opinion of many women that fertilization is impossible during menstruation, conceiving a child during menstruation is quite possible. This happens infrequently, but such cases are regularly recorded in medical practice.
This happens when there is a hormonal imbalance, if the release of an egg from the ovary occurs immediately before monthly bleeding.
Are periods during pregnancy different from normal periods?
Reviews from women and doctors indicate that the symptoms really differ. This manifests itself in the following:
- Bleeding occurs earlier than expected.
- The discharge is scanty.
- The color is lighter or, conversely, bright scarlet.
- The duration of bleeding is less than usual.
Women whose cycles are irregular should first of all ask themselves: Do they have periods in the early stages during pregnancy? This will help to exclude unwanted conception and register with a doctor in a timely manner.
When is menstruation considered dangerous?
Washing the fetus is not always normal. Sometimes starting bleeding indicates quite serious problems. Let's look at them below.
Bloody discharge with clots often indicates a threat of miscarriage. In this case, the girl may have a stomach ache in the lower part, the discharge may be scanty or, conversely, abundant.
With timely consultation with a specialist, miscarriage can often be prevented. The patient usually requires treatment with hormonal drugs.
If a miscarriage does occur, you should not delay visiting the doctor. In the absence of the necessary treatment, the consequences for a woman can be very negative, including the development of infertility.
Due to various provoking factors, it happens that the fertilized egg is not attached to the wall of the uterus, but, for example, in the fallopian tube. This phenomenon is called an ectopic pregnancy, that is, it develops outside the uterus. It should be noted that the test may show two stripes.
Signs of an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages are not much different from the symptoms after a normal conception:
- The woman feels nauseous.
- Weakness, malaise, and dizziness appear.
- Breasts fill up.
- Pulls in the lower abdomen.
- Appetite decreases.
- The test shows two lines.
Despite this, this phenomenon is considered pathological and poses a serious threat to the patient’s life. If it is not interrupted in a timely manner, rupture of the fallopian tube and internal bleeding may occur.
This concept refers to the abnormal development of the fertilized egg. In this case, only the outer layer of embryonic cells divides and exclusively male chromosomes develop. Menstruation during hydatidiform mole may be practically no different in nature from normal menstruation. In the early stages of pathology, a woman often experiences toxicosis, more pronounced than during normal pregnancy.
This condition should be treated as quickly as possible. This eliminates the penetration of pathological tissues into other internal organs.
Is it possible to distinguish the washing of the fetus from normal menstruation?
So, let's figure out whether menstruation can still occur in the first month of pregnancy, and also how to distinguish such discharge? Comparative analysis you can find it in the table.
| Signs | After fertilization | Normal monthly bleeding |
| Dates of onset | Often delayed or, conversely, ahead of schedule | On time |
| Volume of allocated secret | The discharge is barely noticeable, scanty in nature and pale in color. | Normal |
| Hue | Pale or, conversely, brown. Scarlet blood may indicate an incipient miscarriage | Regular |
| Duration | Often last 1-2 days. Sometimes there is prolonged spotting | As usual, from 5 to 7 days |
| Associated symptoms | If we are talking about an incipient miscarriage, the woman often experiences nagging or cramping pain | The condition is no different from normal menstruation |
During a normal pregnancy, there should be no bleeding. If the test turns out to be positive, but after a month or two the woman experiences abnormal bleeding, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
Particular concern should be given to heavy periods with a bright scarlet hue, accompanied by cramping and nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Such signs often indicate a miscarriage.
So, we have dealt with the question of whether a girl can be pregnant during her period and what symptoms arise. The time has come to find out how to confirm the fact of conception. Let's try to answer this question. The first thing you should pay attention to is the nature of the bleeding. As a rule, critical days with an interesting situation last less, and the nature of the discharge is distinguished by its scarcity.
Already in the first weeks, the expectant mother can feel characteristic features. These include:
- Morning sickness and malaise.
- Dizziness.
- Frequent mood changes.
- Increased or, conversely, decreased appetite.
- Dyspeptic disorders (stool disorders, flatulence, heartburn, belching).
If a girl encounters such manifestations, she should definitely undergo medical examination, even if the test shows a negative result. The hospital will require the following tests:
- Analysis of urine. Reliable results can be obtained within 2-3 weeks after conception.
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. This method will not only be able to identify the embryo, but also exclude other conditions that cause problems with the woman’s health (cysts, tumors, ectopic attachment of the embryo).
- Blood test for hCG. This method makes it possible to detect the presence of pregnancy in the early stages with a high probability.
If the interesting situation is confirmed, the expectant mother needs to register with a doctor.
In case of unwanted conception or the presence of contraindications to bearing a baby, an artificial termination of pregnancy is performed.
How long can critical days last for pregnant women?
The duration of menstruation after fertilization can be very diverse. More often than not, the duration of critical days is shorter than usual, but sometimes there is spotting for 1-2 weeks. If we talk about how long such discharge can be observed, then medical practice shows that washing of the fetus is most often observed up to three months.
Can menstruation occur in the first month of pregnancy and what symptoms appear? According to reviews from women, the manifestations of an interesting position are not much different. The expectant mother experiences the following symptoms:
- Toxicosis, often appearing in the morning. This applies to nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
- The test shows two lines.
- Change in taste preferences.
- Increased odors.
- Decreased or, conversely, increased sexual libido.
- Frequent mood changes.
Only laboratory tests can accurately confirm the onset of conception in the early stages. We must not forget that even a positive test does not guarantee a woman’s pregnancy.
What may this or that nature of discharge indicate?
Based on the nature of the secretion during an interesting situation, the doctor may suspect certain disorders in the expectant mother. Let's look at them.
Scanty short menstruation
Such discharge most often indicates directly the onset of fertilization and the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine walls. How long do they take and is this normal? The duration of such bleeding, as a rule, takes from several hours to a day. Often women do not notice him at all. In addition to conception, this symptom can appear during various infectious and inflammatory diseases in a girl, tumors, or after suffering a strong emotional shock.
Clots in the discharge
The presence of clots may indicate an incipient miscarriage, but this does not always happen only during pregnancy. Clots can be a sign of various diseases of the reproductive organs.
Heavy periods with a scarlet tint
Red and scarlet color of blood is always a dangerous sign, indicating the development of bleeding. In this case, the patient should definitely seek qualified medical help.
Heavy discharge also often indicates an incipient miscarriage.
If pregnancy has been confirmed and the girl has this sign, a visit to the gynecologist should be mandatory. This needs to be done as quickly as possible.
Algorithm of actions for a woman
The first thing a girl should do when faced with menstruation after conception is to visit a doctor as quickly as possible. If health care was provided in a timely and competent manner, negative consequences, as a rule, can be avoided. This also applies to an incipient miscarriage. Acting independently at home and taking any medications to save the baby is strictly prohibited. This can cause serious harm to a woman's health.
Video
Want to get more useful information on a given topic? Then this video is just for you.
Are you concerned about the problem: can you have periods during pregnancy? Let's figure out how possible this situation is, based on the physiological characteristics of the menstrual cycle.
Let's try to learn to differentiate: where the norm ends and pathology begins. Let's find out the possible sources of bloody discharge at different stages of pregnancy.
Menstruation during pregnancy - an anomaly or normal?
Let's remember the basic knowledge from the school curriculum on human anatomy. The female reproductive organ - the uterus - consists of three layers, starting with the outer:
- perimetry;
- myometrium;
- endometrium.
Each layer performs its own function.
- The inner mucous membrane (endometrium) is formed in the first half of the cycle and is the most changing part of the organ;
- During pregnancy, the endometrium thickens in order to preserve the fetus until the placenta matures;
- When there is no pregnancy, the inner membrane is torn off and, along with blood and mucus, comes out.
If you are concerned about the question: can menstruation occur during pregnancy, then by simple logical reasoning we come to the conclusion that if conception has occurred, then menstruation stops.
When the fertilized egg is implanted into the endometrium, all layers of the uterus direct their forces to the preservation and further development of the embryo. Therefore, keep in mind that menstruation, in their usual sense, during pregnancy is always an anomaly, not the norm.
Of course, it also happens that you may not realize your interesting situation until 3–4 months, if your periods occur exactly on time. In this case, it is more correct to talk about isolated moments of this phenomenon, and such an exception indicates a more or less complicated type of gestation.
Important! Bright, profuse blood is an alarming sign indicating a miscarriage. As a rule, a miscarriage begins quickly and abruptly, but if you act quickly, there is a chance to save the pregnancy.
Normally, every woman experiences several pregnancy terminations during her life. It’s just that sometimes they happen at a very early stage of pregnancy and everything looks like the onset of another menstruation.
More details on the topic healthy pregnancy And correct behavior when planning a pregnancy, we discuss it in the online course I want a baby! Preparing for the desired pregnancy >>>.
- You will learn how conception occurs and when it is most likely;
- What to do if pregnancy does not occur;
- How to behave in the first weeks of pregnancy to avoid problems with pregnancy
This is a course that will help you feel all the wisdom of your body and you will carry and give birth to a healthy baby without any problems!
Normal cycle
By menstrual cycle we mean the period from the first day of the next menstruation to the beginning of the next. Gynecology operates with average indicators of blood loss rates, which are relative in nature, since they depend on:
- genetic disposition;
- general health of the woman;
- climatic region of residence;
- age.
The first bleeding is observed at the age of 12 – 16 years. Depending on individual characteristics, deviations are possible, both upward and downward. It may take several months before a stable cycle with ovulation and egg release is established.
Indicators of normal menstruation include:
- cycle length 21 – 35 days, average 28 – 30;
- monthly deviations of 1 – 2 days;
- discharge period is 3 – 7 days, optimally 3 – 5;
- the amount of blood is from 50 to 150 ml per day.
These figures are most typical for women aged 25 to 35 years. During adolescence, the menstrual cycle can last up to 45 days. After 40 years, the length and regularity tend to decrease, and the number of days of discharge increases. This situation is generally a variant of the norm.
Important! A monthly cycle of less than 20 or more than 45 days is considered not very good option and requires additional consultation with a gynecologist.
If you were diagnosed with your period early, could you be pregnant? Modest menstruation earlier than expected is one of the symptoms of conception.
Since the fertilized egg, attaching to the uterine mucosa, can cause minor bleeding. Cycle failure is due to other reasons, including:
- age;
- colds, inflammation, infections;
- changing of the living place;
- stressful situations;
- inappropriate contraceptives.
The regularity of the cycle is ensured by a complex mechanism based on the work of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries, which secrete the necessary hormones (estrogen, progesterone). The reproductive health of a woman depends on them, with the normal course of the cycle.
What causes periods during pregnancy?
Let's consider the reasons why the body can start significant or not very bloody discharge:
- an error in calculating the period when the last menstruation is considered pregnancy, although it occurred later (read the article on the topic: First signs of pregnancy >>>);
- the process of attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus;
- conception occurred at the end of the cycle, when the menstrual phase has already started;
- a rare case: the maturation of two eggs, one of which was fertilized, and the other was released along with the blood;
- trauma to the cervix during sexual intercourse;
- hormonal disorders;
- risk of miscarriage;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- fading of pregnancy.
Of all the reasons listed, only the last three have a real threat to the life and health of both the woman and the fetus. Especially in case of heavy bleeding with pain, as during contractions. In such situations, immediately call an ambulance and try to stay in bed.
Can I get my period during pregnancy? Keep in mind that there are isolated unique cases when scanty discharge accompanies the entire pregnancy - all this miracle culminates in birth healthy child. But such force majeure occurs extremely rarely, and even doctors cannot explain the nature of such a phenomenon.
Why is this condition dangerous?
In order for you to be able to independently assess the risks to your health, the life of your baby and yourself, you need to control your well-being.
- If you have good mood and appetite, there is no pain, then minor discharge does not pose a direct threat to pregnancy, but be sure to report it to the gynecologist at your next appointment. In any case, you need to find out the cause and, if possible, eliminate the negative manifestations;
- Do menstruation occur during pregnancy due to hormonal imbalances? Yes, it is possible if the body produces insufficient female progesterone and excess male androgen;
At the initial stage of pregnancy, this situation may not pose a danger to you, but as the period increases, the risk of miscarriage increases.
Know! As a rule, this problem is solved by taking hormonal drugs to maintain pregnancy. Do not try to prescribe such medications for yourself.
- Perhaps the most serious danger is bleeding when diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy;
The insidiousness of the pathology lies in the fact that at first there may be minor spotting and there seems to be no reason for concern. When the fruit reaches a critical size, the pipe cannot stand it and bursts. Therefore, delay in diagnosis and timely surgical operation is especially dangerous.
Menstruation at different stages of pregnancy
Based on female physiology, it is impossible to admit the presence of full periods during pregnancy. All isolated episodes go beyond the medical understanding of the process, cannot be explained and are recognized as exceptions to the rule.
- Do you get your period in early pregnancy? Theoretically, this is unlikely, but, in practice, you may encounter minor discharge at the initial stage of gestation, up to 12 weeks (read about the development of the baby and changes in the mother’s body during this period in the article 1st trimester of pregnancy >>>);
- Bleeding in later stages is fraught with serious consequences. Usually, gynecologists, for any discharge and timing, will offer you hospitalization in order to find out the causes and save the pregnancy.
Statistics show that every fifth woman faces the problem of menstruation during pregnancy. Also keep in mind that 80% of all miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks. In this regard, it is completely unreasonable, even very dangerous, to take any discharge lightly during the gestation stage.
As a rule, a woman finds out about pregnancy no earlier than the fourth, or even the fifth, week of pregnancy. One of the signs of conception is the absence of menstruation. But there are situations when regular periods occur during pregnancy, which are scanty and shorter in duration.
The cause of bleeding can be ectopic pregnancy, prerequisites for miscarriage, hormonal imbalance, overexertion, trauma or infectious and inflammatory processes of the genital area. Sometimes it happens that the female body continues to produce eggs even if there is one fertilized one. A rather rare phenomenon, characteristic of the first month of pregnancy, is explained by the egg not reaching the implantation site.
The presence of menstruation during pregnancy is a reason to visit a gynecologist. Any type of bleeding is not normal, especially when accompanied by nagging pain and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. If such symptoms do not disappear, but on the contrary only intensify, then you should call an ambulance.
ICD-10 code
N92 Heavy, frequent and irregular menstruation
Why do you get your period during pregnancy?
Having menstruation early in pregnancy is considered quite common. Fertilization occurs in the middle of the cycle, and the fertilized egg reaches “its place” in seven to fifteen days. Changes at the hormonal level have not yet had time to occur, which is why menstruation begins during pregnancy. In the next month, as a rule, the situation improves.
There are cases when the hormonal background is adjusted, the embryo develops, but menstruation still appears. These deviations from the norm, which do not pose a threat to miscarriage, are detected within three to four months after conception when the estrogen level decreases.
In the theory of obstetrics, there is evidence of the simultaneous maturation of two eggs belonging to different ovaries. In this case, one egg is fertilized and the second is rejected, causing menstruation during pregnancy. This situation is a very rare and complex occurrence.
It is important to remember that spotting is also a symptom of spontaneous abortion, so if there is heavy bleeding and severe pain, seek medical help immediately.
I got my period during pregnancy
The life emerging inside a woman radically changes not only her physiology. The expectant mother develops a special feeling - the instinct of conservation, which dictates the woman's behavior and eating habits, warning against danger. Therefore, it is completely understandable for women to worry if they start menstruating during pregnancy. Stories from friends that someone you know also had discharge throughout their pregnancy should not be a criterion for you. If your period appears at any stage of embryo formation, seek professional advice.
Menstruation during early pregnancy poses the greatest danger. Common causes of spotting - hyperandrogenism ("off scale" of the male hormone) or lack of progesterone can be successfully and quickly resolved by prescribing special medications. More difficult situations, like an ectopic pregnancy, require immediate response and surgical intervention.
On the other hand, the detection of bleeding at the beginning of pregnancy may indicate the process of attachment of the fertilized egg to the endometrium of the uterus, which does not pose a threat of miscarriage.
If you have periods during pregnancy
Every month, an egg matures in the female body. In the absence of fertilization, it is destroyed. Together with the blood, the remains of the egg and particles of the endometrium, which forms the walls of the uterus, are released. If conception has occurred, progesterone is actively produced. The function of the hormone is to activate the growth of the endometrium to attach the embryo and prevent contractile uterine activity.
Bleeding during pregnancy is not considered menstruation. Factors influencing the appearance of spotting or more obvious discharge may include pathologies and hormonal “problems.” Also, the cause of discharge is the detachment of the fertilized egg and the possibility of miscarriage.
Impaired progesterone production is a common reason why menstruation occurs during pregnancy. A small amount of the hormone promotes the appearance of blood. In this condition, the doctor prescribes hormone-containing medications to prevent the threat of miscarriage.
When two embryos are born, sometimes rejection of one of them occurs (developmental pathologies, improper implantation, etc.) and, as a result, menstruation during pregnancy.
Days of menstruation during pregnancy
The appearance of bleeding during menstruation during pregnancy at any stage of gestation requires consultation, sometimes examination by a specialist. Most often, women encounter this phenomenon in the first trimester, and the fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth, twelfth and thirteenth weeks are considered dangerous. The presence of blood is associated with the release of the fertilized egg and the likelihood of miscarriage. The reason for this may be:
- lack of progesterone, which maintains pregnancy at the initial stage, in case of problems in the functioning of the “corpus luteum”;
- an increase in the amount of the male hormone androgen, which provokes the release of the fertilized egg;
- the egg is attached in the wrong place (in the presence of fibroids, endometriosis);
- stopping the development of the embryo, the appearance of defects, genetic pathologies;
- ectopic pregnancy.
Why do you feel sick during your period during pregnancy?
Toxicosis is one of the symptoms of impending conception, which half of pregnant women have to live with. But is this always a safe signal? As it turns out, nausea can indicate a number of pathologies:
- toxicosis and frozen pregnancy - a sharp change in state from severe nausea and weakness to full vigor at the beginning of the term may indicate the death of the embryo. Sometimes there is a nagging pain in the lower abdomen and spotting;
- toxicosis and ectopic pregnancy - the development of the fetus outside the uterus has the same symptoms as a normal pregnancy. A woman vomits during her period during pregnancy as a result of a ruptured fallopian tube;
- toxicosis and multiple pregnancy - one of the embryos is rejected (usually due to genetic disorders, developmental defects), and the second continues to develop.
If you feel nauseous and have vaginal discharge, it is best to visit a gynecologist to avoid adverse consequences. A timely visit to the hospital will bring moral reassurance and will allow you to maintain the pregnancy in case of possible abnormalities.
Menstruation during pregnancy is a pathological process that can be called rather threatening bleeding with possible spontaneous miscarriage. A serious signal should not be ignored, especially if the expectant mother herself has the slightest concern.
Signs of menstruation during pregnancy
“Fetal ablution” or “colored pregnancy” are medical terms that characterize the appearance of menstruation after conception. According to experts, menstruation sometimes occurs in the first months of pregnancy, but acquires its own distinctive features. A cycle failure may occur (lengthening/shortening), blood discharge becomes scarcer (less often more abundant).
Sometimes the signs of menstruation during pregnancy do not differ significantly from normal menstruation - engorgement of the nipples, sudden mood changes, changes in taste preferences, headache, state of weakness and drowsiness, increase or decrease in appetite, etc.
If you suspect a possible pregnancy, you can use the test. Bleeding will not affect the accuracy since the pregnancy test is sensitive to hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the level of which increases in the blood and then in the urine. Home testing is more likely the older the pregnancy, and depends on the sensitivity of the test.
First period during pregnancy
Reduced hormone levels are the main cause of bleeding after conception. Which woman today can boast of normal hormonal levels? Light, painless, first periods during pregnancy can be observed when moving. Such discharge often ends at night and is not a cause for concern. It is recommended that a woman consult a gynecologist.
Causes of menstruation through the fetus:
- lack of progesterone due to dysfunction of the corpus luteum;
- the phenomenon of hyperandrogenism - detachment of the fertilized egg as a result of the production large quantity male hormone androgen;
- incorrect attachment of the egg - “frozen” pregnancy, genetic disorders that provoke miscarriage;
- development of pregnancy outside the uterus.
Pregnancy failure is a condition in which the embryo stops developing and dies. Scanty, spotting discharge appears.
An ectopic pregnancy is dangerous due to possible rupture of the fallopian tube, therefore, if you experience your first period during pregnancy, you should consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.
What are periods like during pregnancy?
During the process of implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine cavity, sometimes there is a violation of the integrity of the endometrium, resulting in bleeding. Such discharge lasts until the egg is completely located in the uterine cavity.
What are periods like during pregnancy? Sometimes scanty dark red or brown discharge appears. As practice shows, the so-called “washing of the fetus” takes place on its own and may be slightly painful.
The cause of the spotting type of discharge can be physiological characteristics - the presence of duplications, pronounced saddle-shaped uterus, etc. The presence of copious scarlet blood with painful sensations of a pulling, cramping type - alarm signal termination of pregnancy.
Whatever your period during pregnancy, you should consult a specialist who will prescribe a series of examinations, or, if necessary, immediately call emergency medical help.
Heavy periods during pregnancy
The presence of blood-like discharge during the period after conception is not the norm. It is important for the expectant mother to understand that a few drops on the underwear occur as a result of the attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus, but heavy periods during pregnancy are already a pathology. Factors that provoke bleeding:
- miscarriage - scarlet, profuse discharge appears with aching, cramping attacks of pain in the abdomen and lower back;
- fading of pregnancy - the cause may be the presence of genetic pathologies of the fetus, and the symptoms are the same as with a miscarriage;
- pregnancy outside the uterus - characterized by heavy bleeding, difficult to diagnose in the early stages. An ectopic pregnancy is accompanied by all the signs of normal conception - toxicosis, increased fatigue/weakness, swelling of the mammary glands, an increase in basal temperature. Rejection of the fetus or rupture of the fallopian tube occurs with pain syndrome sharp, cramping type and profuse bleeding;
- placental presentation (location in the area of the internal os) - occurs in the second or third trimester of gestation. Bleeding can be quite severe, threatening miscarriage.
Painful periods during pregnancy
Painful periods during pregnancy are a good reason to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist. After fertilization occurs, menstruation stops, and the detachment of the uterine lining in this case is called bleeding or spontaneous abortion.
Low progesterone levels can cause miscarriage. In this case, the doctor prescribes drugs to maintain pregnancy in the early stages - Utrozhestan, Duphaston and others. The problem of miscarriage is associated with isthmic-cervical insufficiency, when the uterus is unable to withstand the increasing load as the embryo grows and its cervix begins to open. This condition is a consequence of traumatic childbirth, abortion, which results in the formation of non-extensible scars.
Pain and menstruation during pregnancy are the first signs of a miscarriage. An abortion can be complete (the entire fertilized egg is expelled) or incomplete (only part of the fertilized egg is expelled). In case of incomplete abortion, medical intervention may be necessary, since the condition is dangerous due to the resumption of bleeding. At the initial stage of spontaneous abortion, in most cases it is possible to maintain the pregnancy in a hospital setting, so it is important when cramping and severe pain If there is bleeding, call an ambulance.
Scanty periods during pregnancy
At the first stage of embryo development, spotting vaginal discharge is possible. The process of penetration of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall is accompanied by small tears in the endometrial mucosa and a slight appearance of blood. Scanty periods during pregnancy are sporadic or repeated until the embryo reaches the size of the uterus.
Light spotting brown or red discharge, as a rule, does not cause discomfort and goes away on its own. If necessary, you can undergo ultrasound diagnostics to assess the condition of the fetal egg.
Minor periods during pregnancy are observed in the presence of diseases - erosion, polyps, etc. The cause of the discharge may be the presence of neoplasms. Therefore, consultation with a gynecologist is recommended if any amount of blood is detected during pregnancy.
Heavy periods during pregnancy
The onset of pregnancy occurs under the influence of progesterone and estrogen, which increase blood flow to the cervical area, which can cause short-term and mild bleeding.
Lower abdominal cramps and heavy periods during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, pose a threat to the woman’s life and require immediate hospitalization. One of the causes of heavy bleeding is an ectopic pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tube, ovary or abdominal cavity. The fertilized egg develops to the size of the fallopian tube, and then an abortion or rupture of the tube occurs (maybe without bleeding). Sudden, acute pain when the fallopian tube ruptures is followed by loss of consciousness. It is necessary to take the woman to the hospital as soon as possible. Tubal abortion is characterized by pain and subsequent bleeding. In this situation, surgical intervention is also necessary.
Heavy periods during pregnancy are a consequence of infectious diseases resulting from inflammation of the cervix. With an urgent visit to a gynecologist, most diseases can be successfully cured during pregnancy without causing harm to the fetus.
Full periods during pregnancy
Female physiology is such that the lack of fertilization leads to the rejection of the inner uterine layer (endometrium), causing bleeding. The endometrium serves as a place for attachment of the embryo, therefore, in the event of conception and the appearance of blood, various disorders are discussed.
According to gynecologists, full periods during pregnancy are completely excluded. But bleeding, which is a threat to miscarriage, can develop due to certain factors. Discharge that resembles menstruation in the amount of blood and duration often leads to the loss of a child.
Bleeding is possible in the first months after conception, when pregnancy occurs immediately after a normal cycle. Let us remember the vitality of sperm in the female womb for up to seven to eight days. Menstruation during pregnancy can be triggered by the implantation of the fertilized egg into the endometrium, damage to the cervix during sexual intercourse, or infectious diseases.
The appearance of any discharge at any stage of gestation is a necessity for medical consultation, ultrasound or other diagnostics.
Pain during menstruation during pregnancy
The causes of bloody discharge after conception may not be harmless at all, and the consequences may be disastrous. Diseases of the expectant mother (endometriosis, fibroids), genetic pathologies during embryo development, ectopic pregnancy, unfavorable attachment of the fetus, excess male hormone are factors that cause menstruation during pregnancy.
Various types of discharge (scanty or, on the contrary, abundant), supported by pain, are an alarming sign. A timely visit to a gynecologist will avoid many problems with pregnancy.
Pain during menstruation during pregnancy, similar to contractions that cover the entire abdomen and lower back, is a good reason to call the emergency room. Going to the doctor on your own can cause termination of pregnancy.
]Sex during menstruation during pregnancy
Few couples prefer intimacy during menstruation. Gynecologists warn against physical love during menstrual periods due to the special vulnerability of the cervix (pathogenic microorganisms easily penetrate the reproductive organ) and recommend using a condom. The onset of conception also imposes its own restrictions on having sex: due to medical contraindications, with the threat of miscarriage and multiple pregnancies, at the initial stage of embryo development.
It is better not to practice sex during menstruation during pregnancy, since the presence of discharge in itself can be a dangerous condition, foreshadowing a miscarriage, developmental pathologies, the presence of an ectopic pregnancy and hormonal imbalance. Intimate intimacy in these cases can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion.