Can You Have A Light Period And Be Pregnant

How To Distinguish Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding differs from a normal period in that it is a smaller amount of blood loss than a normal period. It may be just some spotting, and should not be enough to fill several tampons. The colour is often dark brown or light pink rather than the bright red blood of a normal period, and there are no clots. The bleeding shouldnt last a long time, perhaps only a few hours, although it could be up to a week.

If your periods are regular, implantation bleeding happens a few days earlier than when a normal period is due, so it is often mistaken for an early period. There may be a slight abdominal cramp that occurs when the egg attaches onto the womb, but this cramping is generally faint and does not increase in strength over time. If you have severe pain associated with the light bleed, then it is unlikely that its due to implantation bleeding. Other signs of early pregnancy can occur with implantation bleeds, which include mood swings, breast tenderness and oily skin.

Pregnancy With A Period: Is It Possible

While some people may experience intermittent vaginal bleeding while they are pregnant, it isnt possible to have a period. Menstruation only takes place in the absence of pregnancy.

Each month, ovulation occurs when your ovary releases an egg to be fertilized by the sperm. The uterine lining thickens in anticipation of a fertilized egg being implanted, which then results in pregnancy. If an egg isnt fertilized and implanted, both the egg and the uterine lining are shed through the vagina as menstrual blood.

So, can you have a period while youre pregnant? The short answer is no. Since you dont ovulate or release an egg during pregnancy, you will not get your monthly period.

Scar Tissue In Your Uterus Is Causing Issues

Most women who have gone through routine dilation and curettage procedures heal with zero complications, but sometimes severe scarring causes the walls of the uterus to stick to each other, causing whats known as Ashermans syndrome. If your period seems to have lightened up a lot after youve had a D& C, this might be your problem. You may need surgery to remove the scar tissue.

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When To See A Doctor

If your periods suddenly become lighter and you think you may be pregnant, the only way to be sure is to take a pregnancy test. If the light bleeding is due to implantation, taking the test from 2-3 days after the start of the bleeding may show a positive result depending on the sensitivity of the urine test and the amount of hormones present in the body. But if the test is negative, it may still be too early, so wait another week and test again. Every woman is different and while for some the pregnancy test may be positive on the first day of your missed period, for others it may not be positive until up to one month after.

If you are not pregnant, having a noticeably light period from time to time normally isnt the sign of any problem. Sometimes this may be due to temporary disregulation in the menstrual cycle, such as during periods of stress. However, you should see a doctor if you have persistent irregular periods , severe lower abdominal pain, or any other unusual symptoms such as excessive hair growth or weight loss, because these could be indicative of an underlying condition.

Featured image is of menstrual pads scattered against a blue background

One of the first signs of pregnancy can be a light period, and it can be difficult to tell whether it is due to pregnancy or not as the bleed can occur at around the same time of a normal period.

What Are Some Less Common Signs Of Early Pregnancy

There are some additional signs of early pregnancy that arent as common. Just like with the most common symptoms, these signs of pregnancy may or may not happen. Its important to remember that everyone is different and will experience unique symptoms.

Less common signs of early pregnancy can include:

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Our Periods Age With Us

Periods usually start around age 12 or 13 and occur monthly until menopause in your early 50s. Many things can impact cycles over the course of 4 decades, but this is how periods typically differ by age:

• Teens: The first few periods may be very light, or even just spotting, lasting only a few days. It can take up to 3 years for periods to become regular.

• 20s and 30s: Periods are probably pretty regular, barring any pregnancies or hormone-disrupting illnesses .

• 40s: Perimenopause begins, and periods will become irregular. Besides occurring at irregular intervals, they may be lighter or heavier and shorter or longer. Enjoy that roller coaster!

Should I Take A Pregnancy Test Of I Only Had My Period For 2 Days

By | June 22, 2015, 4:10 p.m.

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Should I take a pregnancy test of I only had my period for 2 days?

While just 2 days of bleeding is definitely on the short side for periods, its pretty normal for the length and heaviness of your period to be different from time to time.

If itll give you peace of mind, theres no harm in taking a home pregnancy test. Generally bleeding during pregnancy is uncommon, so what you had was probably just a light, short period. But if youve had unprotected sex since your last period, and the bleeding was very light and different than your normal period, taking a pregnancy test is definitely a good idea.

If youre using hormonal birth control its common to have low-key periods like that many people love hormonal birth control for that reason. And if youre using it correctly, its super unlikely that youre pregnant.

-Emily at Planned Parenthood

Tags:menstruation, periods, pregnancy test

Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered 501 nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.

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In Some Cases Bleeding During Pregnancy Can Be A Sign Of A Serious Issue So If You’re Not Sure What’s Causing It Definitely Check In With Your Doctor

As SELF reported previously, if your bleeding is particularly heavy, comes with abdominal pain, or lasts for more than a few days, that’s a sign something more serious may be going on. You might be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should tell your doctor at your next regular appointment if you have any light spotting that goes away within a day. But if you have bleeding that lasts for more than a day, you should contact them within 24 hours. And if you pass any tissue from your vagina, experience moderate to heavy bleeding, or have bleeding along with abdominal pain, chills, or cramping, you should get in touch with them immediately. But, again, many cases of bleeding during early pregnancy aren’t serious.

And, on the other hand, if you’re not sure if you’re pregnant and notice youre having a period that comes at a weird time, isn’t as heavy as usual, doesnt last as long as usual, and comes with any other pregnancy symptoms, its worth taking a test, just in case.

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When Implantation Bleeding Happens

Implantation bleeding is totally normal and nothing to be concerned about. As we said above, it generally happens 6-12 days post-fertilization, or around the time of your expected period. If you are beyond that timeframe, it is not likely implantation bleeding. There are other types of vaginal bleeding that can happen during pregnancy. In fact, about 20% of women have some bleeding during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and experiencing vaginal bleeding, talk to your doctor.

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Why Does Implantation Bleeding Happen

About 10-14 days after conception , the embryo will implant itself into the wall of the uterus. This movement may break down some blood vessels within the uterus wall and cause some bleeding.

Menstruation occurs around 11-14 days after ovulation , which is another reason why the two are often confused with one another. Some women may simply believe their period is a few days early. Implantation bleeding typically happens within the week before the expected period.

For example, if you are sexually active and expect your period on January 25th, then you might question any spotting you have between Jan. 18th Jan. 25th as possible implantation bleeding. It is not common that implantation bleeding would occur before this time or after a period is expected or missed. However, if one experiences ovulation early in the fertility window and the implantation process is quick, or one experiences ovulation late in the fertility window and the implantation process is slow, it is possible.

Women know what their normal menstrual flow looks like, and as long as they are not on any kind of new medication or have a change in stress level, then their menstrual blood flow, color, and consistency are usually the same. So, when this lighter, pink spotting occurs, it will appear a bit out of place.

Can Bleeding Indicate A Miscarriage

Not all bleeding in pregnancy is harmless, and it can be the first sign of a miscarriage. As many as 1 in 5 pregnancies are thought to end in miscarriage. The cause of miscarriage is not always known, but researchers have shown that in some cases there is a problem with the developing pregnancy, which means it is unable to develop normally. For most women, miscarriage is a very sad and upsetting experience.

Experiences of miscarriage vary. In some cases there may be only very slight spotting, in other cases bleeding may stop and start or heavier bleeding with clots and cramping period type pains can occur. Sometimes there may be no bleeding at all.

For further information relating to miscarriage, please ask your nurse for further details.

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A Missed Period And Light Bleeding

A missed period is probably the most well-known pregnancy symptom, and the one that most often prompts women to take a pregnancy test. If your period is late or doesnt come at all, you may be pregnant.

But newly pregnant womenone-third to be exactmay have whats called implantation bleeding, or bleeding that is lighter, shorter and spottier than a regular period. When you become pregnant, the fertilized egg latches on to the uterus lining and embeds itself, which initiates the pregnancy. The movement may cause light bleeding a few days before your period is supposed to start. And while the amount differs from woman to woman, implantation bleeding is typically pinkish or dark brown in color. It will likely occur for a few days to a few weeks.

Brown recommends that all women track their menstrual cycle, especially if they are trying to get pregnant. You can use a regular calendar, or one of many phone apps. These apps can help you see what a normal menstrual cycle looks like for you, including how long it is and how heavy your period is. They can also anticipate your period and ovulation days for the months to follow, says Brown. I think this is really helpful for patients who are trying to get pregnant. It can help them track when theyre most fertile.

What Causes Spotting Or Light Bleeding During A Pregnancy

It is possible for some women to experience spotting during pregnancy, and this issue can be the result of various different things, which include:

Infection Spotting can be one of the signs that you may have contracted an STD , which can result in inflammation and lead to minor bleeding.

Miscarriage Spotting can be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. This typically occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its essential to consult a medical professional immediately to get these conditions ruled out.

Sexual Intercourse During intercourse, there is increased blood flow to the cervix, which can result in light spotting for a short time afterward. Even so, its still not out of the question to have a sexy pregnancy and to keep you and your partners intimate relationship on track.

Smears Similar to intercourse, during a pap smear or similar vaginal examinations there is increased blood flow that can result in spotting.

More Serious issues If spotting occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, it could indicate a more serious problem. This includes a miscarriage, placenta previa or a premature labor. Spotting or bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy, which can be a sign of placental issues is often associated with issues in later pregnancy.

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Why Can’t You Technically Have A Period When You’re Pregnant

Throughout the month, your body prepares for pregnancy. It does this by building up the endometrium, or uterine lining. If you become pregnant, this lining serves to help nourish the fertilized egg at the very early stages of pregnancy. If you don’t become pregnant, your body sheds the endometrium, via your period. Therefore, it’s impossible to be pregnant and have a period, because you don’t shed your endometrium while pregnant.

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last

Implantation bleeding should last only between a couple of hours to three full days. If the bleeding you are experiencing is bright or dark red blood, lasts more than three days, and is a full flow in that you are filling up pads/tampons, it it very unlikely you are experiencing implantation bleeding.

Women who are going through their first pregnancy will likely spot or bleed a little bit more than women who are used to the egg attachment.

However, if your menstruation cycle is shorter than normal , you did not fill up pads or tampons, it was more pinkish/brownish than red, and you had less cramping than normal, it is possible that you are having implantation bleeding.

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What Did Your Implantation Bleeding Look Like

The truth is, implantation bleedingcan resemble a lighter version of your period. The color is usually pink or slightly red when it starts, MacLeod says, although it can be brownish as the bleeding resolves. The texture can vary, but it shouldnt be overly thick. It should not contain clots, Lamppa says.

Youre Experiencing Early Signs Of Menopause

When a patient mentions a diminishing return on her tampon investment, the first thing Dr. Choi looks at is age. Menopause might be around the corner, but not always. Sometimes with aging the cycles change, she says, noting that its not necessarily a sign of infertility. Someone who needed to use a super pad in their 20s and early 30s may find they need less protection in their later 30s.

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Questions You May Be Asked

Bleeding early in pregnancy isn’t normal. But it is common. If youve seen any bleeding, you may be concerned. But keep in mind that bleeding alone doesnt mean something is wrong. Just be sure to call your healthcare provider right away. They may ask you questions like these to help find the cause of your bleeding:

• When did your bleeding start?

• Is your bleeding very light or is it like a period?

• Is the blood bright red or brownish?

• Have you had sex recently?

• Have you had pain or cramping?

• Have you felt dizzy or faint?

How To Tell If It Is Your Period Vs Spotting

Menstruation or the menstrual period refers to the monthly vaginal bleeding that is experienced by women of reproductive age. Most women recognize their menstrual period. The typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. The menstrual bleeding is heavy enough to require the use of a pad or tampon and lasts for 3-5 days on average. Menstruation stops during pregnancy.

Symptoms of a period

• Cramps in the abdomen, pelvis, or lower back

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Bleeding Later In Pregnancy: Why It Happens

Weve already discussed why it isnt possible to have a period during pregnancy, and why some people may experience light bleeding or spotting during their first trimester. Bleeding during the second and third trimesters is possible, though not common, and it may be an indicator that something else is going on. If you experience bleeding later in your pregnancy, its important to see your health care provider.

Potential reasons for mid- or late-term pregnancy bleeding include:

Extreme Dieting And Exercise Arent Your Periods Bff

Disordered eating, excessive exercise, and weight fluctuation can impact hormones and cause periods to change or disappear altogether. For example:

• According to the Mayo Clinic, if body weight drops 10 percent below normal , hormones stop ovulation and periods. You may have heard of this happening to women with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
• A 2014 study found that binge eating is also associated with menstrual dysfunction.
• Intense or excessive exercise either as part of eating disorder behavior or athletic training can also cause periods to diminish or disappear. According to the Office on Womens Health, this can happen to women who have not exercised much and suddenly start an intense exercise program.

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