It is not possible to get periods after you have conceived or during the nine months of pregnancy. In fact, it may take a few months for you to get your period after having the baby. However, you may bleed despite conception or during pregnancy, but that is not periods. Several factors can cause bleeding during pregnancy. Let us look at it in detail.
Why do periods stop during pregnancy?
The menstrual cycle consists of four phases. They are:
Menstrual phase
It begins on day one of your period and lasts four to five days. During this phase, the uterus sheds the inner lining of soft tissue and blood vessels in the form of blood through the vagina.
Follicular phase
This phase starts soon after bleeding is over and lasts till the 13th day of the menstrual cycle. During this phase, the pituitary gland secretes hormones to stimulate the eggs in the ovaries and help them grow. The egg starts to mature in a sac called the follicle. It takes 13 days for the egg to mature. During this phase, the uterus develops a lining of soft tissue and blood vessels called the endometrium.
Ovulatory phase
On the 14th day, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone that causes the ovary to release the mature egg cell into the fallopian tube, where it waits for the sperm for 24 hours.
Luteal or secretory phase
This phase lasts from the 15th to the 28th day of the cycle. If sperm comes in contact with the egg, fertilization occurs. If sperm does not fertilize the egg, the egg disintegrates, and the uterus sheds the endometrium causing the next period.
Your body needs the endometrium during pregnancy to provide blood and nutrients to your baby. If pregnancy does not happen, your body does not require the thick layer of endometrium and breaks it down. If you become pregnant, your body retains the lining, and you stop getting periods.
However, even though you do not get your periods during pregnancy, you can experience bleeding.
What causes bleeding during pregnancy?
Several reasons can cause bleeding during pregnancy. While some causes are not harmful, some can be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and notice any bleeding from the vagina, you should immediately contact your doctor. Common causes of bleeding are:
- Implantation bleeding: When a fertilized egg attaches itself or implants itself to the uterus lining, it can cause bleeding. This is usually harmless.
- Ectopic pregnancy is outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This is a serious condition and can be fatal if not treated urgently.
- Molar pregnancy is when instead of a baby, there is a mass in your uterus.
- Miscarriage causes bleeding from light spotting to heavy ones.
- Bleeding in the third trimester of pregnancy can indicate conditions such as preterm labor, placenta previa, placenta accrete, placental abruption, and uterine rupture. These are serious conditions and require medical intervention.
Conclusion
You cannot have periods during pregnancy. However, you may notice spotting or mild to heavy bleeding. You should consult with your doctor if you notice any bleeding during pregnancy. If your bleeding is accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, you should ask for medical help. Mild spotting usually goes away with rest, but if your bleeding continues, it could indicate something serious.
