Hey there expectant mothers! Ready to learn about something that's both exciting and questionable? Well, hold on tight because we're talking about your period during pregnancy. That's right ladies; it’s not all rainbows and butterflies when it comes to being pregnant. But hey, you signed up for this wild ride so let's dive into the nuances of menstruation and pregnancy.
Can you still have a Period if You're Pregnant?
Yes, but also no. The answer is kind of complicated because technically speaking, a period occurs when an egg isn't fertilized resulting in shedding of blood from the uterine lining. However (brace yourselves), some women do experience bleeding during early stages of pregnancy which can be mistaken as periods.
Tip: Don't panic - this spotting or light bleeding is usually normal! It happens around 20-30% of pregnancies in the first trimester.
Wait... So What Causes Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Well dear readers, here are three possible reasons:
1) Implantation Bleeding: In simpler terms – implantation bleeding signifies that one fine day after conception there was a tiny implanted fetus attached somewhere in your uterus wall, which may cause some spotting beyond what typically follows sex without any other symptoms such as cramps or strong pain;
2) Subchorionic Hemorrhage: This sounds super scary but calm down ladies. This refers to some small amount of blood gathered underneath the gestational sac, causing slight spotting - this type bleeds ranging anywhere from light brown to extremely bright red;
3) Lastly and least likely than former two - Miscarriage: Unfortunately sometimes women do bleed due to account for miscarriage which could happen under circumstances including increased stress levels or hormonal imbalance.
How Can You Differentiate Between Menstrual Blood And Any Other Kind Of Bleeding In Early Pregnancy?
That’s a great query fingers snapping. Implantation bleeding typically only lasts for 1-2 days while periods last for anywhere from 5 to 7 days. So if you end up spotting outside of your first and second trimester either in the third or at some point beyond - this can also be attributed to the routine exams & tests which include cervical checks, pap smears etc.
Tip: If it's concerning you at any point, do not hesitate going to your gynaecologist: they will help put things into perspective
Can Menstrual Cramps Continue Throughout Pregnancy?
Lucky (or unlucky) enough? No!
You should barely feel any cramping throughout most pregnancies except perhaps an ominous threat during early pregnancy when small contractions do happen as uterus is getting acclimated with procreating 'a bun inside'. This stage usually goes away after such short burst of mild pain (There!)
What About Spotting During The Second and Third Trimesters?
Well ladies let me lift your spirits because spotting after week 20 could indicate that labour is beginning! However, on a more serious note – it may signal conditions like infections or placenta previa which sound frightening but must not make you panic because doctors are here to catch these symptoms ahead of time.
Sometimes women even bleed due complications due to apartum haemorrghage.. In very rare cases (less than one percent), vaginal bleeding could indicate placental abruption - which means 'Normal blood clots' separating before the kiddo was born. Nonetheless stay calm and always reach out
Do You Still Need To Keep Track Of Your Periods While Pregnant?
Heck no! Consider yourself lucky as for approximately nine months there might be no period tracking apps required since other effective forms of birth control would immediately go out-of-the-window if pregnant once-more!
Stay safe and keep a watchful eye on symptoms, other than that – happy carrying ladies!