If a woman is pregnant, she is not able to have a menstrual period. A menstrual period is the shedding of the lining of the uterus...where the fertilized egg implants itself for a viable pregnancy.
If a woman is pregnant, she MAY experience some bleeding or spotting...but neither of these would be a menstrual period. If there is uterine bleeding, this could indicate a problem. In fact, "up to a quarter of pregnant women have some spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, and about half of these women miscarry". And, please know, this type of bleeding is not menstrual bleeding (shedding of the uterine lining), but originates from elsewhere (such as bleeding from the cervix, vaginal walls, etc).
What else would cause spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, if not from a period?
- Sex, Pap smear, inserting a tampon or any vaginal medication into the vagina may cause some spotting. The blood supply to the cervix has increased, and "bumping" it may cause some light bleeding or spotting.
(What type of vaginal medication could I be referring to? It is common for women to experience a yeast infection early in pregnancy, due to hormonal fluctuations, and a doctor may recommend using an OTC product---such as monistat--for treatment).
- Infection (including yeast infection), sexually transmitted infection or disease, could all cause some spotting
- Implantation bleeding (should be called implantation spotting!), which can occur about the time of your expected menstrual period. Women, on average, ovulate in mid-cycle, or about 2 weeks before their period begins. Coincidentally, it takes about 2 weeks from the time of an egg to be released (ovulation) to implantation. Most women do not experience, or rather do not notice, implantation spotting, but it can occur around the time of an expected period (assuming you have a regular cycle).
As Rosa said, spotting could be pink, brown or red, and it is literally a "spot" or extremely light bleeding...much like you would experience at the very end or very beginning of your menstrual period. When you have a menstrual period, it is unmistakable--it is heavy, red and lasts for several days. Spotting can be defined by any type of light bleeding that occurs when you are not having a period. Breakthrough bleeding, however, is another type of bleeding that is not during your period, and occurs between your normal period. Breakthrough bleeding is heavier, more like a period, and would not be considered "spotting".
For all of these factors, it is important for women to know their cycle, and have a basic idea when their menstrual periods occur. Only when you know what's normal for you, will you then know if the bleeding you are experiencing is a menstrual period, spotting, breakthrough bleeding...or bleeding that may be caused by an infection or trauma.
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Great question, as many women have asked this.
If a woman is pregnant, she is not able to have a menstrual period. A menstrual period is the shedding of the lining of the uterus...where the fertilized egg implants itself for a viable pregnancy.
If a woman is pregnant, she MAY experience some bleeding or spotting...but neither of these would be a menstrual period. If there is uterine bleeding, this could indicate a problem. In fact, "up to a quarter of pregnant women have some spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, and about half of these women miscarry". And, please know, this type of bleeding is not menstrual bleeding (shedding of the uterine lining), but originates from elsewhere (such as bleeding from the cervix, vaginal walls, etc).
What else would cause spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, if not from a period?
- Sex, Pap smear, inserting a tampon or any vaginal medication into the vagina may cause some spotting. The blood supply to the cervix has increased, and "bumping" it may cause some light bleeding or spotting.
(What type of vaginal medication could I be referring to? It is common for women to experience a yeast infection early in pregnancy, due to hormonal fluctuations, and a doctor may recommend using an OTC product---such as monistat--for treatment).
- Infection (including yeast infection), sexually transmitted infection or disease, could all cause some spotting
- Implantation bleeding (should be called implantation spotting!), which can occur about the time of your expected menstrual period. Women, on average, ovulate in mid-cycle, or about 2 weeks before their period begins. Coincidentally, it takes about 2 weeks from the time of an egg to be released (ovulation) to implantation. Most women do not experience, or rather do not notice, implantation spotting, but it can occur around the time of an expected period (assuming you have a regular cycle).
As Rosa said, spotting could be pink, brown or red, and it is literally a "spot" or extremely light bleeding...much like you would experience at the very end or very beginning of your menstrual period. When you have a menstrual period, it is unmistakable--it is heavy, red and lasts for several days. Spotting can be defined by any type of light bleeding that occurs when you are not having a period. Breakthrough bleeding, however, is another type of bleeding that is not during your period, and occurs between your normal period. Breakthrough bleeding is heavier, more like a period, and would not be considered "spotting".
For all of these factors, it is important for women to know their cycle, and have a basic idea when their menstrual periods occur. Only when you know what's normal for you, will you then know if the bleeding you are experiencing is a menstrual period, spotting, breakthrough bleeding...or bleeding that may be caused by an infection or trauma.
I hope this helps to clear up any confusion!
September 29, 2009 - 1:14pmThis Comment
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