Rules during pregnancy: is it possible and what to do in this case?

Pregnancy and periods: these two concepts seem incompatible. Some women claim to have had bleeding during their pregnancy. In this case, they ask themselves the following question: can you have your period during pregnancy and is it normal?

In reality, there are no periods during pregnancy. However, bleeding or blood-tinged discharge can sometimes occur, which can have different causes, ranging from natural processes to serious disorders. It is important to understand when this is harmless and when it may be a sign of pathology.

In this article, we will examine what “periods” look like during pregnancy, in which cases they do not threaten the life of the mother and child, and when they signal a problem.

Can you have your period during the first months of pregnancy?

There are many myths in gynecology, and one of the most widespread is that you can have your period during pregnancy. Some women report having regular periods until the third month of pregnancy, then giving birth to healthy children. Others, on the contrary, remember that these “periods” were the first sign of problems. What is really behind these stories?

Physiologically, periods during pregnancy are impossible. Each month, the uterus prepares for a possible conception: its lining, the endometrium, thickens after ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, this lining detaches and is expelled: this is a period. If the egg is fertilized, the endometrium remains in place and becomes the site of implantation of the future embryo. But many women continue to wonder if they can have their periods during pregnancy when they notice bleeding at the expected dates of their cycle.

So, what do women who claim to have had or still have their periods during pregnancy see? In reality, bleeding can occur during pregnancy, but it has nothing to do with the usual menstrual cycle. For example, when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall (called implantation), small blood vessels may be damaged. This results in small pink or brown vaginal losses. This is an implantation bleed that does not last long, a day or two at most, and often coincides with the expected period during the first month of pregnancy, which explains why they are confused.

Not all blood-tinged losses are harmless. They can sometimes be signs of serious problems: risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placental detachment. If you have such “periods” early in your pregnancy, you should quickly consult the gynecologist at the “NatuVitro” clinic that monitors you, where you can benefit from a complete diagnosis and assistance.

So, are there periods during pregnancy? No, there are not. Sometimes you find articles on the internet about pregnancy and periods, but medicine provides clear answers to this question, which should be trusted.

Difference between natural conception and IVF programs

In natural conception, the appearance of bleeding at the start of pregnancy is most often related to implantation of the embryo, hormonal changes, or a local sensitivity of the cervix. These processes occur under physiological conditions and usually involve light bleeding.

In the context of IVF (in vitro fertilization), the situation may be different. The woman receives hormonal support, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone are artificially regulated by doctors. Under these conditions, any appearance of bleeding requires very careful evaluation, as it may indicate a need to adjust doses.

IVF with egg donation also involves hormonal preparation of the endometrium for successful embryo implantation. In this case, bleeding can be a reaction to hormonal medications but must be monitored to exclude the risk of miscarriage or insufficient support.

Double donation IVF (donated eggs and sperm) has similar characteristics: the process depends entirely on the proper preparation of the woman's body and competent medical support. In such cases, bleeding cannot be considered normal, and the patient is advised to immediately consult a specialist at the “NatuVitro” clinic, where individual program details are taken into account.

Thus, the difference between natural conception and IVF lies in the fact that, during natural pregnancy, slight losses are sometimes possible and are not always dangerous, whereas in IVF protocols, any bleeding should be medically checked.

What do “pseudo periods” during pregnancy look like?

Although pregnancy cannot occur during periods, about a quarter of women experience bleeding, especially in the first trimester.

These bleedings are generally:

• Light, speckled, and not as abundant as during periods;
• Pink or brown in color, not bright red;
• They do not last long, from a few hours to 1 or 2 days.

Most often, they are related to embryo implantation in the uterine wall or increased sensitivity of the cervix. Under hormonal influence, blood circulation in the pelvis intensifies, and the cervix becomes vulnerable. After sexual intercourse, a gynecological exam, or a smear test, slight bleeding may appear, and some women wonder if they can have their periods during pregnancy. This is called contact bleeding or intermenstrual bleeding.

Any bleeding during pregnancy is a reason to see a doctor. Even if it seems insignificant, it is best to make sure everything is fine for you and your baby.

Causes of “periods” during pregnancy

Although there cannot be periods during pregnancy, many myths lead women to wonder if they can have their periods during pregnancy. The answer remains the same: no, but bleeding can occur. Its nature and causes vary depending on the stage of pregnancy.

First trimester

Implantation bleeding

One to two weeks after conception, the embryo attaches to the endometrium, which can damage small blood vessels. This causes light brown bleeding lasting less than two days and causes no pain.

Ectopic pregnancy

When the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity (most often in the fallopian tube), the woman presents symptoms similar to normal pregnancy. However, bleeding, sharp pains, and cramps in the lower abdomen can be signs of a dangerous situation requiring urgent surgical intervention.

Subchorionic hematoma

Partial detachment of fetal membranes leads to blood accumulation between them and the uterine wall. This can be due to hormonal disorders or physical overexertion.

Miscarriage

During the first 12 weeks of gestation, the risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss is highest. This manifests as bleeding, sometimes accompanied by clots, cramps, and lower abdominal pain.

Infections and cervical erosion

Inflammatory diseases, sexually transmitted infections, or cervical ectopy can cause bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse.

Cervical vesicular ectopy

A rare pathology where, instead of normal embryonic development in the uterus, abnormal tissue develops. It is accompanied by bleeding, rapid increase in uterine size, nausea, and significant vomiting.

Second and third trimesters

Placenta previa

When the placenta is located low and partially or completely covers the cervix, painless bleeding can occur and recur.

Placental abruption

Premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall causes heavy bleeding and intense pain. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Premature labor

Labor starting before the 37th week of gestation is accompanied by mucus and blood-tinged discharge, contractions, and a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.

Presence of vessels

If the umbilical cord vessels pass near the internal opening of the cervix, they can rupture during vaginal opening, causing dangerous bleeding.

Uterine rupture

A rare but critical situation usually occurring at the site of a cesarean scar. It involves severe pain and massive hemorrhage and requires emergency surgical intervention.

Mechanical factors

Abdominal trauma or sexual intercourse in advanced pregnancy can damage blood vessels and cause slight bleeding.

In some cases of recurrent miscarriage, reproductive methods such as surrogacy or artificial insemination should be considered.

How long do bleeding episodes last during pregnancy?

Normally, implantation bleeding lasts no more than 3 days. If bleeding is heavy, bright red, or accompanied by pain, it is no longer normal and requires medical check-up.

How to distinguish bleeding from periods during pregnancy?

Periods are a natural process during which the body sheds the endometrial layer that was preparing for possible conception. Periods are characterized by heavy, bright red bleeding, sometimes with clots, dull pain, weakness, or mood changes.

Implantation bleeding is sometimes confused with periods. Unlike regular periods, they are almost never accompanied by pain or cramps. The simplest way to confirm is by taking a pregnancy test.

It is important to understand that any bleeding during confirmed pregnancy (except for implantation) always requires consulting a doctor.

What to do if you experience bleeding during pregnancy?

If you notice bleeding during pregnancy, stay calm above all. Acting thoughtfully will help preserve your health and that of your baby:

• Use a sanitary pad (no tampon) to assess the intensity and color of the bleeding.
• Put aside your activities, lie down, avoid physical effort, sexual intercourse, and stress.
• Inform your doctor of your symptoms. In case of heavy bleeding or pain, call emergency services.

When to call emergency services?

• The bleeding is as heavy as a period.
• Severe pain in the abdomen or lower back.
• Weakness, dizziness.
• Fever increase.
• Presence of large clots or tissue.

The doctor will perform an examination (ultrasound, tests, consultation), determine the gestational age, and identify the cause of the bleeding. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly increase the chances of avoiding complications and carrying the pregnancy to term.