I’m still having periods, but could I be pregnant?
If you’re showing other signs of pregnancy but still have a period could you still be pregnant?
Sore boobs? Peeing more often? A metallic taste in your mouth? You may be experiencing some of these things making you think you have some early symptoms of pregnancy but have had a period, is it possible? Or could it be a chemical pregnancy?
In short, the answer is no. From the moment you conceive, your body starts to produce the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Once the body produces this, periods stop.
Could I still have some form of bleeding during early pregnancy?
Bleeding during early pregnancy is not an unusual sign of pregnancy experienced by many women and often mistaken for a period. It is known as implantation bleeding and is completely normal and does not need any medical treatment. It happens at a similar time in your cycle to menstruation, so it’s often confused with having an early period. The spotting will usually be pinkish or dark brown, whereas period blood is usually more red.
What should I do if I am bleeding?
If you have done a pregnancy test ruled out a false pregnancy test and have got the positive blue line but are still experiencing bleeding, do go and see your midwife, or if you have not seen your midwife yet, do make an appointment to see your GP. If you are also experiencing lower abdominal pain which gets worse with movement and can come and go or develop suddenly or gradually, dizziness, light-headedness and vomiting you must see a doctor as soon as possible as a combination of these symptoms could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy.
Yes, although it's not very likely. If you have sex without using contraception, you can conceive (get pregnant) at any time during your menstrual cycle, even during or just after your period. You can also get pregnant if you have never had a period before, during your first period, or after the first time you have sex. There's no "safe" time of the
month when you can have sex without contraception and not risk becoming pregnant. But there are times in your menstrual cycle when you're at your most fertile, and this is when you're most likely to conceive. Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues up to the first day of your next period. You're
most fertile at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts. This is the time of the month when you're most likely to get pregnant. It's unlikely that you'll get pregnant just after your period, although it can happen. It's important to remember that sperm can sometimes survive in the body for up to 7 days after you have sex. This means it may be
possible to get pregnant soon after your period finishes if you ovulate early, especially if you have a naturally short menstrual cycle.Understanding your menstrual cycle
You should always use contraception when you have sex if you don't want to become pregnant.
Further information:
- Can I get pregnant if I have sex without penetration?
- Contraception
- Periods
- Emergency contraception
- Natural family planning
- Pregnancy guide
- Baby guide
Page last reviewed: 8 July 2021
Next review due: 8 July 2024
Question: Can I still be pregnant even if I got my period?
When a woman is concerned about an unplanned pregnancy, getting her period can be a huge relief. Traditionally getting your period is a sign that you are not pregnant.
The problem is that some women can have bleeding during their pregnancy. Early pregnancy bleeding can trick a woman into thinking she had her period when
she did not. About a week after conception, the
newly conceived little life implants into the rich lining of the uterus and sometimes causes bleeding or spotting. This is called implantation bleeding. Usually the bleeding is lighter and shorter than during a woman’s period.
How can I know if I am Pregnant?
If your “period” is lighter, shorter and a little earlier than usual, be sure to take a home pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Be aware of symptoms you may be having that could indicate you are pregnant.
Pregnancy symptoms in very early pregnancy include:
Sore or swollen breasts. Most women notice tender and swollen breasts one to two weeks after conception even before a missed period. This can be mistaken for pre-menstrual tenderness but is usually much more pronounced.
Fatigue is another early pregnancy symptom which can be noticed before your missed period. Not knowing why you are so tired and just wanting to lay down and take a nap could be a sign you need a pregnancy test.
More pregnancy symptoms include nausea, frequent urination, darkening skin around your nipples, sensitivity to odors, mild cramps (less than during your period), mood swings and headaches.
Worrying about a possible pregnancy can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Be aware of the early symptoms and take a home pregnancy test if you have any doubts so you can know for sure. For an unplanned pregnancy, call True Care at 307-215-9684 to get scheduled for a free pregnancy test and pregnancy options consultation.
If you do have a positive pregnancy test and experience bright red bleeding, clots and/or pain (more than you have during a regular period) please see a doctor right away as these can be signs of serious complications.