Can your periods while pregnant

Although a woman will not have a period when she is pregnant, she may still experience some bleeding. While bleeding is not necessarily a sign of an underlying problem, it is essential to understand the potential causes and know when to speak to a doctor. Bleeding tends to be more common during the first trimester. Some mild spotting can occur as the placenta implants in the uterus. A woman can also experience changes in the cervical cells during pregnancy, which may cause some light bleeding, especially after having sex.

If a woman does experience bleeding at any stage of pregnancy and is concerned, she should note the color, amount, and consistency of the bleeding and speak to a doctor. Women should seek emergency medical attention for bleeding during pregnancy if they have additional symptoms that include:. Vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain early in pregnancy may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, especially if these symptoms occur before an initial ultrasound.

Any woman who suspects an ectopic pregnancy should see a doctor as soon as possible. If a woman is bleeding and has symptoms of preterm labor, which is labor before 37 weeks of gestation, she should seek medical attention. These symptoms may include a constant ache in the lower back, abdominal cramping, and regular contractions. Heavy bleeding may indicate a health issue that requires treatment.

If a woman experiences bleeding during pregnancy, she should speak to a healthcare professional for guidance. Whether you're trying to become pregnant or trying your hardest to avoid it, you can usually take your period as a sign that you don't have to think about a baby anytime soon. But, in a new interview with InStyle, Serena Williams says she actually got a period during the early stages of her pregnancy—and she was completely floored to find out that she was actually pregnant.

She was even more shocked when her doctor told her she was seven weeks along. Oh, and she was playing in the Australian Open at the time. Just a little refresher: Every month if you're ovulating , the lining of your uterus thickens and an egg makes its way from one of your ovaries through the fallopian tubes.

If it comes in contact with sperm, the sperm can fertilize the egg. If fertilization happens, the egg will continue its journey to the uterus and can implant on that lining. If things continue from there, the fertilized egg becomes an embryo and, later, a fetus and the placenta will develop from the uterine lining. But, if the egg doesn't get fertilized, your body sheds that built-up uterine lining through your vagina, causing a period.

View on Instagram. Thomas Ruiz, M. Other things can also cause bleeding, like a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy when the fertilized egg implants someplace other than in the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. If you think you might be pregnant and have pain or bleeding, call the doctor right away. See our article on vaginal bleeding in pregnancy for a complete rundown of possible causes. If you notice bleeding while you're pregnant, call your doctor or midwife right away, even if the bleeding has stopped.

Many women who bleed a little during pregnancy deliver without complications, but you may need an evaluation to rule out a serious problem. If you're actively bleeding or have severe pain of any kind and can't immediately reach your practitioner, head straight to the emergency room.

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We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. FAQ Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Mayo Clinic. Bleeding during pregnancy.