Pregnant despite period?
To the question of whether you can be pregnant despite having your period, there is a clear answer: No. Hormone balance prevents this:
The follicle remaining in the ovary transforms into the so-called corpus luteum, which produces the corpus luteum hormone progesterone and (little) estrogen. On the one hand, this sets in motion a finely tuned interplay of other hormones. On the other hand, estrogen and the corpus luteum hormone lead to further thickening of the uterine lining to prepare it for implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization fails to occur, the corpus luteum regresses and stops producing hormones. The thickened lining of the uterus then regresses and is excreted from the body with the menstrual period – together with the unfertilized egg. Then the cycle starts all over again.
Pregnant despite bleeding
Despite pregnancy, however, bleeding can occur, some of which are similar to menstruation. For example, at the very beginning, there may be implantation bleeding – a small bleed that results from the implantation of the fertilized egg into the lining of the uterus. Many women think it is a somewhat unusual menstrual bleeding and are then surprised when they are obviously pregnant despite having a “period”. In some cases, women even only find out about their pregnancy after several months – usually through a visit to the doctor.
Even if (light) bleeding during pregnancy is usually harmless, it should always be clarified by a doctor.
Conclusion: Pregnant despite periods? No!
Immediately after fertilization of the egg, the female body adjusts its hormone balance so that no pregnant woman can get her period. It is therefore a misconception that women can be pregnant despite having a period.
