You’d think that it would be easy to tell if you’re pregnant or not. However, the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy can be confusing. There is also other confusion, for example, can a girl be pregnant and have her period? Read on for all you need to know about the relation between pregnancy and period. Of course, if you need confirmation one way or another, the best thing you can do is to take a pregnancy test.
Can a Girl Be Pregnant If She Has Her Period?
The answer is no. When you think that you’re pregnant, but find bleeding from your vagina, you may wonder, “If a girl has her period, can she be pregnant?” If you are getting all the usual signs of your monthly period (i.e. moderate bleeding for about five days), chances are you’re not pregnant. Pregnant women may experience bleeding, but they don’t have menstrual periods. The only way of having periods is that the ovum (egg) doesn’t implant in the womb, so the womb lining disintegrates and sheds.
Does She Really Have a Period?
Soon after a woman becomes pregnant, and the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, she may experience light bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, when the embryo “buries” into the womb lining. This usually occurs about 12 days after fertilization/conception. If this happens to you, you may ask yourself, “Can a girl be pregnant if she has her period?”
To help clarify this, here are some differences between implantation bleeds and menstrual bleeds.
1. The first sign that bleeding is due to embryo implantation is the time of the bleeding. Implantation bleeding typically happens on the sixth day following ovulation, whereas menstrual periods usually begin two weeks after ovulation.
2. Another indication is the amount and color of the blood. Implantation bleeds normally appear as spots and are brown or light pink; menstrual blood is often red and may contain clots.
3. You will not normally get any menstrual symptoms with implantation bleeds – none of the usual premenstrual tension or cramping. Instead, you may experience early pregnancy symptoms: morning sickness, enlarged breasts, weariness, and taste disturbances.
But It Can Be Something Serious
The question “If a girl has her period, can she be pregnant?” no longer bothers you now that you can tell if your bleeding is brought by embryo implantation or menstrual periods. There may be other factors causing bleeds outside of normal menstruation, for example a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo implants outside the uterus – this is a medical emergency).
Other Signs of Early Pregnancy
Instead of wondering “can a girl be pregnant and have her period”, read on to see if you have any of the following signs of early pregnancy.
1. Vaginal Discharge
In early pregnancy, it is normal for vaginal discharge changes to occur. The vagina walls become thicker, which causes white milky secretions. But if you have a burning or itching feeling, or smelly discharge, see a doctor to check for bacterial or yeast infection.
2. Breast Changes
Due to dramatic changes in the levels of reproductive hormones once you become pregnant, your breasts may be tingly, swollen and sore. They can also feel tender, fuller or heavier. In addition, the areola, the ring around the nipples, may become darker.
3. Morning Sickness
Early pregnancy is traditionally associated with morning sickness. However, not everyone gets the sickness and some have it later in the day. Hormones are believed to cause the nausea, but no one knows exactly what’s happening. The hormones also affect taste, which is why some pregnant women develop strange food cravings.
4. More Signs
There are other symptoms you may have during early pregnancy. For instance, the baby can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination. You may also get constipation, back pain, headaches and mood swings. Women may feel dizzy and can pass out, due to hypotension and low blood sugar.
Remember Every Pregnancy Is Different
Some women will have many of these symptoms, others will be lucky enough to have none at all. Most women begin to “feel” pregnant in about four weeks. Remember that every pregnancy is different and the only factor in common is the break in menstrual periods.
If you think you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test. The majority of pregnancy tests are accurate by the time you are due to start your next period. If the test is positive, arrange to see your doctor as soon as you can.