Menstruation during pregnancy – Is it possible?

For many women, the cessation of menstruation is one of the first signs suggesting pregnancy. On the other hand, it sometimes happens that, despite being pregnant, bleeding occurs around the time of the expected period. Is it possible to have a period during pregnancy? When does menstruation return after childbirth?

Can you have a period during pregnancy?

According to physiology, menstruation does not occur during pregnancy. This is due to the increased levels of progesterone and estrogen produced by the pregnancy corpus luteum. Menstruation itself is the result of the shedding of the uterine lining, which becomes more vascularized in preparation for implantation. If fertilization does not occur, the lining is shed, and the next menstrual cycle begins. If a woman becomes pregnant and the embryo implants into the uterine lining, the period does not occur. This is one of the first signs of early pregnancy in women with regular menstrual cycles.

Period-like bleeding early in pregnancy

Many pregnant women notice bleeding in the first weeks of pregnancy. Some future mothers confuse this with menstruation, not realizing they are pregnant. However, this is not a period but rather implantation bleeding. It does not occur in all women, and when it does, it is lighter and shorter than a normal period. It usually happens around the time of the expected period. Other symptoms of embryo implantation include breast tenderness, nausea, heightened sensitivity to smells, and frequent urges to urinate.

Possible causes of bleeding during pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy that resembles a period always causes concern among expectant mothers. This is associated with potential pregnancy complications, one of which may be spotting or vaginal bleeding. In the first weeks of pregnancy, this could be related to a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. In the second half of pregnancy, bleeding may be a sign of placenta previa (low-lying placenta), placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta), or preterm labor. Other situations that may cause spotting include sexual intercourse, genital infections, or low progesterone levels in the woman’s blood. Any episode of bleeding resembling a period during pregnancy should be reported to the healthcare provider or evaluated in the emergency room to rule out serious causes.

Period after pregnancy

When menstruation returns after childbirth is very individual. The postpartum period lasts about 6-8 weeks, but when the period will return depends on the woman’s body. It is believed that breastfeeding and the associated high levels of prolactin, which lower estrogen levels, inhibit the growth of the uterine lining, thereby delaying menstruation. Therefore, women who exclusively breastfeed may experience a delayed return of their period compared to mothers who use formula. Bleeding that occurs shortly after childbirth is not a period but is called lochia (postpartum discharge). If it is heavy, a gynecological examination should be performed to rule out any retained products of conception in the uterus.