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A period during pregnancy is not possible. If you experience bleeding or even spotting during pregnancy, it could be a signal that something is wrong. In any case, bleeding is an indication for medical consultation. In such cases, a quick response is the most important and often determines the further course of the pregnancy.
Spotting early in pregnancy is often confused with menstruation. This is because spotting usually occurs around the time of your expected period. In addition, the bleeding can be as heavy as a normal period. However, it should be remembered that menstruation during pregnancy does not occur and may only be a threatening symptom of pregnancy. Therefore, it is always better to consult your pregnancy doctor.
During pregnancy – what is menstruation?
Menstruation is the result of the shedding of the uterine epithelium under the action of estrogens and progesterone. This epithelium is removed from the woman’s body during the so-called period. When fertilization occurs, the epithelium does not shed because it is necessary for the development of the baby and during pregnancy. Therefore, the appearance of a period in pregnancy is impossible.
The period of pregnancy – spotting at the beginning of pregnancy
Before a woman finds out about her pregnancy, she may develop implantation spotting, which she may mistake for pregnancy. However, this spotting is caused by the implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall, which sometimes leads to damage to the blood vessels. However, the implantation blood is lighter and the woman does not feel any pain. Despite this, many women later believe that she had her period in the first few months of pregnancy.
Spotting in pregnancy is also the result of hormonal changes caused by the developing pregnancy. Spotting in early pregnancy may be due to sub-chorionic bleeding. It is due to the formation of hematomas. They are usually absorbed by the 20th week of pregnancy. However, it happens that they lead to serious complications and even miscarriages.
Pregnancy period – other reasons
There are many causes of bleeding in pregnancy. These include:
- molar (gestational trophoblastic disease) – occurs around 5-6 months of pregnancy. Initially, it is almost invisible during ultrasound examinations, and its appearance is only evidenced by a high level of hCG in blood tests. Today, this disease is no longer such a threat, neither to the mother nor to the child;
- cervical diseases, e.g., erosions;
- leading placenta;
- ectopic pregnancy – spotting is then accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness and nausea. In this case, it is not possible to save the child’s life, and in addition, such a pregnancy also poses a threat to the woman’s health;
- miscarriage – this is when bleeding occurs, plus severe abdominal and spine pains and uterine contractions.
In any case, and during pregnancy, you should see a doctor immediately. Even if the amount of blood is insignificant. If a medical condition develops, it should be diagnosed as soon as possible. This is very important for the health of the mother and the developing baby.
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