Pregnancy and periods

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones that prepare the female body for conception and pregnancy each month. Menstruation is the regular flow of blood once a month due to the rejection of the endometrium lining the uterine cavity in the absence of fertilization.

The duration of the monthly cycle is 21-35 days, in teenage girls it can reach 45 days. The first half of the cycle occurs with an increase in the level of estrogen, which is responsible for the strength of bones and active growth of the endometrium, which is the site for implantation of the embryo. Ovulation or the release of the egg from the follicle occurs approximately in the middle of the cycle. Ideally, this is day 14, the middle of the monthly cycle with a duration of 28 days. The egg moves into the fallopian tube and then into the uterus. The most favorable conditions for conception are three days before and the last day of ovulation. If the sperm penetrates the egg, pregnancy occurs and menstruation does not occur. If conception does not occur, the egg dies, the hormonal background decreases and the inner layer of the uterus is rejected. The next menstruation begins.

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Can you have your period and be pregnant at the same time?

The expectant mother may not even suspect her new position in the first month. The fact is that conception occurs approximately in the middle of the cycle, the fertilized egg needs from seven to fifteen days to implant in the uterine endometrium, and the hormonal background may not have time to change during this period. Or the beginning of intrauterine development coincides with a decrease in estrogen levels, which is why bloody discharge appears. The ability of the embryo to take root depends on the stability of the hormonal background, and pregnancy and menstruation are a common situation in the first period of gestation.

Still, it is necessary to distinguish between normal menstruation and bloody discharges during fertilization, which are minor, spotting discharges. The presence of normal menstruation against the background of the birth of a new life is an alarming signal, often indicating problems with embryonic development, the threat of miscarriage, pathologies of the course of pregnancy. Normal menstruation and pregnancy at the same time at any stage are a reason for concern and contacting a gynecologist. Provoking, dangerous factors are considered to be:

• the woman's body produces insufficient amounts of progesterone to ensure the normal course of pregnancy;
• the level of androgen (male hormone) is greatly increased, which contributes to the detachment of the ovum;
• poor blood supply to the fertilized egg at an unfavorable implantation site, leading to rejection;
• genetic causes that stop the development of the embryo, causing spontaneous termination of pregnancy;
• ectopic pregnancy.

All of the above situations create a real threat of miscarriage, and a timely visit to the doctor and precise adherence to his recommendations can serve as a guarantee of maintaining the pregnancy.

Pregnancy and period and negative test

The absence of the next menstruation is a clear sign of conception. Most women use an express test to confirm pregnancy. But what to do if there is a suspicion of pregnancy and bloody discharge appears? Menstrual bleeding does not affect the quality of the test, which reacts to the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the quantitative content of which initially increases in the blood and then in the urine. The credibility of the result will depend on the gestational age and the sensitivity of the test itself. The most accurate data can be obtained from a blood test at an early stage of pregnancy.

Situations when a woman notes pregnancy and menstruation, and a negative test, indicate errors:

• low sensitivity test (check the result after a week);
• strictly follow the instructions for use (test in the morning, use the first portion of urine);
• do not drink a lot of liquid at night, which reduces the level of hCG and reduces the reliability of the result;
• Observe the rules of sterility.

In the first months of pregnancy, you may experience menstrual-like discharge, so visit your gynecologist.

Pregnancy and delayed periods

Experts distinguish between doubtful and probable signs of conception.

Questionable early signs include:

• morning sickness/vomiting, change in taste preferences;
• changes, even perversions, in olfactory sensations;
• change in psycho-emotional background – mood swings, increased irritability, drowsiness, dizziness;
• pigments on the face, white line of the abdomen, around the nipples;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• increase in abdominal volume, which is caused by intestinal bloating;
• engorgement/filling of the mammary glands.

Possible early signs include:

• amenorrhea – delayed menstruation;
• the mammary glands are enlarged and tense;
• blue discoloration of the skin is detected on the vaginal mucosa and cervix;
• The size, shape and consistency of the uterus change closer to the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy.

It should be noted that pregnancy and delayed menstruation, as well as changes in the volume of the mammary glands and uterus, can be observed in the absence of fertilization. Therefore, it is necessary to do a test (works from the first day of delay with a regular cycle) or take a blood test (in the first days of the expected delay). You can also conduct an ultrasound diagnosis, which allows you to detect the fertilized egg a week after the delay.

Confirmed pregnancy and menstruation are considered as a sign of early termination of pregnancy.

Signs of menstruation and pregnancy

About half of women worldwide are familiar with the concept of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The discomfort is as individual as each woman is unique.

Experts classify PMS as a set of disorders of neuropsychiatric, vegetative-vascular, and metabolic-endocrine nature. The most common cause of the problem is an imbalance of female hormones - estrogen and progesterone, as a result of: abortion, incorrect contraception, diseases of the genital area, pathology during pregnancy, etc. A number of doctors point to the relationship between PMS and problems with water-salt metabolism, the presence of vitamin deficiency, and a lack of vitamins in the female body.

Common signs of PMS:

• sleep disturbance (insomnia, “broken” state during the day);
• feeling of nausea, vomiting, bloating;
• breast tenderness/swelling;
• increase in body weight;
• pulling pain syndrome in the pelvic region, lower back;
• behavioral changes – irritation, depression, isolation, etc.

From the above, we can conclude that the signs of menstruation and early pregnancy are identical. Therefore, if the next menstruation has not occurred, there is a suspicion of pregnancy. It can be problematic to independently determine the fact of fertilization; it is better to visit a gynecologist.

Pain and periods during pregnancy

Pregnancy and menstruation are mutually exclusive concepts. However, a woman in this position may notice minor discharge at the beginning of pregnancy. Such deviations from the norm are provoked by: hormonal disruptions, the process of implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine cavity or other easily correctable situations (subject to timely consultation with a gynecologist). In the first months, a woman may also feel minor discomfort in the lower abdomen and lower back, as during menstruation. The beginning changes in the body lead to nagging pains, which are considered normal during the period of implantation of the fertilized egg.

The presence of pain and menstruation during pregnancy is a bad sign. Firstly, the reason may be the development of the embryo outside the uterine cavity. Do not postpone a visit to the doctor, especially if you have dizziness, nausea, pre-fainting condition, heavy bleeding, acute and cramping pain syndrome. Similar sensations are observed in case of miscarriage. The pain is cramping, aching in nature with a recoil in the lumbar region and is accompanied by bloody discharge.

Pain and blood may indicate premature separation of the placenta, which can lead to miscarriage. Call emergency medical care to save your life and that of your baby.

Pregnancy with IUD and periods

An intrauterine device is used as an effective method of contraception. The possibility of fertilization is 1-2%, and the reason is the exit of the device from the body of the uterus. The contraceptive ability of the device is based on the application of micro abrasions to the inner layer of the uterus. Therefore, after fertilization, there is a high probability of spontaneous miscarriage. In addition to increased tone, it is possible for the fertilized egg to attach outside the uterine endometrium. The presence of an intrauterine device increases the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy several times. The development of the embryo in close proximity to the device will also lead to termination of pregnancy.

Pregnancy with an IUD and menstruation is quite a probable fact. Only menstruation is more correctly called bleeding, and conception occurs either outside the uterine cavity, or the place of embryo attachment will be unsuccessful, contributing to an early termination of pregnancy. The use of an intrauterine device leaves the body of the uterus slightly open, which contributes to the unimpeded penetration of pathogenic microflora into its cavity.

Menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Let's take a 28-day female cycle as an example. The highest probability of conception falls on the interval of 10-17 days (the so-called "fertile window"). Remember that the first day of the menstrual cycle is the moment when blood discharge appears. The chances of getting pregnant before and after this period are practically zero. The possibility of fertilization is higher after menstruation with a peak in the middle of the cycle.

Until recently, such calculations were widely used by women as a "natural method of contraception." Modern medicine questions this method for obvious reasons:

• Often, women (25-35 years old), even with a stable cycle, experience spontaneous ovulation, which has been proven by numerous studies;
• the possibility of becoming pregnant remains during menstruation;
• As a result of hormonal imbalances, cycle irregularities are often observed (causes include stress, overexertion, change of residence, etc.).

The monthly cycle and pregnancy are physiological processes that are closely related to each other and controlled by hormones. In the first phase of the cycle, for which follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is responsible, the follicle matures and the uterine mucosa is renewed. FSH activates the production of estrogen in the ovaries and the maturation of follicles, one of which will become dominant (the egg will mature in it). When the egg has matured, the FSH level decreases when the signal from the hypothalamus reaches the pituitary gland. The ovulation stage and the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) begin. The follicle bursts and an egg ready for fertilization comes out of it. The second phase of the menstrual cycle occurs under the influence of LH, which forms the corpus luteum (progesterone is produced in it) at the site of the ruptured follicle. Progesterone prepares the uterine endometrium for conception by increasing the flow of fluid and nutrients and reducing the contractile activity of the uterus. After the implantation of the fertilized egg, the corpus luteum transforms into the body of pregnancy. If conception does not occur, the concentration of progesterone decreases, the uterine mucosa is rejected and excreted with menstrual bleeding.

Breasts during pregnancy and menstruation

Every woman is individual and the signs of conception in each case have their own characteristics. However, there are common distinctive symptoms, among which the leading role is given to the delay of menstruation.

As is known, pregnancy and menstruation are under the influence of hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal changes in a woman's body lead to discomfort in the chest. Enlargement of the mammary glands, intense blood flow to them increases sensitivity, often causing pain syndromes.

Since the breast undergoes similar changes during pregnancy and menstruation, it can be difficult to distinguish one condition from the other. Before the onset of menstruation, there is pronounced swelling and soreness of the nipples. As for the period of the beginning of gestation, in addition to pain, a pulling sensation, a venous network often appears in the area of the mammary glands, the nipples and the area around them become hypersensitive and darker in color.

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Sex and periods during pregnancy

The question of intimate relations between spouses during the period of expecting a baby is decided on an individual basis. The recommendations of the gynecologist are also important. In case of a doctor's prohibition, it is better to avoid physical intimacy to avoid problems with bearing a child.

The beginning of pregnancy occurs under conditions of colossal hormonal changes that can reduce the production of secretions in the vagina, increase the vulnerability of the walls, and also lead to a drop in immunity. If you do not suffer from toxicosis and sex remains an important part of your life, you should use a condom to prevent the penetration of pathogens. In the first months of gestation, frequent intimacy can provoke a miscarriage. Hypertonicity of the uterus, bloody discharge from the vagina can become prohibitive factors. Increased sensitivity of the mammary glands will require more attention from partners to mutual sensations.

Sex and menstruation during pregnancy must be discussed at a doctor's appointment, who can impose some restrictions, adjust the degree of sexual activity and make other recommendations. The appearance of pain syndromes, bloody discharge is a dangerous signal in the first trimester, requiring a mandatory gynecological examination.

Sex is considered undesirable in the case of a threat of miscarriage, placenta previa/low attachment, or risk of placental abruption. If pregnancy and menstruation in the form of minor discharge are confirmed by test results for infection, both spouses must undergo treatment.

Sexual intercourse in late pregnancy is generally not acceptable. Seminal fluid contains substances that stimulate labor.

Ectopic pregnancy and menstruation

The development of pregnancy outside the uterine cavity can occur in the tube, ovary or peritoneum. Medicine also knows of combined pregnancy, when part of the fertilized egg is located in the uterus and the other part is outside it. The number of tubal pregnancies reaches 95% of all cases.

When talking about the causes of such pathologies, doctors most often point to the presence of adhesions in the fallopian tubes. The egg after fertilization is unable to bypass the barrier that prevents penetration into the uterine cavity due to its large size. Embryonic development continues in the tube until space allows, after which a miscarriage or rupture of the fallopian tube occurs.

Pregnancy outside the uterus is always difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Neither ultrasound examination nor gynecological examination help. Ectopic pregnancy and menstruation, as well as the clinical picture described by the patient, are secondary signs of pathology recognition. Symptoms of embryonic development outside the uterine cavity include:

• lower abdominal pain syndrome;
• discomfort in the rectum;
• painful intercourse;
• vaginal bleeding, absence of normal periods.

The presence of fluid in the posterior fornix, as well as a positive reaction to human chorionic gonadotropin, the levels of which are stable over time, are a reason to suspect an ectopic pregnancy.

Pregnancy and menstruation, or rather heavy bleeding, accompanied by severe pain leading to fainting, can end in death. Rupture of the fallopian tube occurs with lightning speed, so you should quickly call emergency medical care.

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Pregnancy before and after menstruation

The menstrual cycle is divided into three phases: follicular, ovulatory and luteal, each of which changes the structure and functional features of the uterine endometrium and ovaries. The first stage is preparation for possible fertilization, the second (1-2 days) is favorable for conception. Pregnancy and menstruation are under the strict guidance of hormones. Therefore, the development of the third phase of the cycle is characterized by the creation of favorable conditions for the implantation of the fertilized egg, if fertilization has occurred, or the rejection of the uterine epithelium with the appearance of blood, if pregnancy has not occurred.

The probability of conception is maximum during ovulation, the onset of which cannot always be calculated independently due to the irregularity of the monthly cycle. Ultrasound diagnostics and daily measurements of basal temperature come to the rescue. The latter requires attentiveness from a woman, even pedantry, which in the era of busyness is not within the power of every representative of the fair sex.

As it turns out, everything is possible in medical practice: pregnancy before and after menstruation, even during menstrual bleeding. The following factors increase the possibility of conception after menstruation:

• cycle duration less than 21 days;
• bleeding for more than 7 days increases the possibility of the release of a mature egg in the last days of bleeding;
• lack of a regular cycle, when it is impossible to predict the ovulation period;
• presence of intermenstrual bleeding;
• the phenomenon of spontaneous ovulation.

It is believed that the first two days of menstruation are the most "safe". It is necessary to take into account the viability of sperm in the female body for up to seven days.

Irregular Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy

According to statistics, about 5% of the female population has an irregular menstrual cycle. Doctors' advice in this situation extends to an active lifestyle, reducing stress, taking special contraceptives or hormones that regulate menstruation.

Irregular menstrual cycle and pregnancy is a delicate issue with a possible favorable resolution of no more than 20%. The main difficulty in planning conception is the impossibility of predicting ovulation due to the fluctuations in the monthly cycle. According to doctors, with increasing age, the chances of such women decrease even more. Thus, in the range of 33-44 years, the probability of fertilization does not exceed 13%.

It is interesting that some doctors recommend regular and frequent sex when planning a pregnancy, while others, on the contrary, believe that with an increase in the intensity of sexual activity, sperm activity decreases. Whatever they say, conception is considered a “gift from heaven,” and a passionate desire to become a parent and the ability to give love create their own little miracles.

Irregular periods and pregnancy

About 40% of all cases of female infertility are associated with irregular menstruation, its absence or pathological bleeding. With these problems, ovulation does not occur. Such anomalies are called anovulation and are treated with infertility drugs. As practice shows, these pathologies of the menstrual cycle cannot be solved without checking the functions of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pituitary gland.

With an irregular cycle, it is possible to find out about the onset of ovulation only by measuring the basal temperature. This will be indicated by an increase in the rectal temperature, so on the same day of the next month, standard tests for the detection of ovulation should be scheduled. A more reliable method for determining ovulation is ultrasound, which monitors the growth and rupture of the follicle. Sometimes this is the only way to plan conception.

Pregnancy and menstruation are inseparable processes. The onset of menstruation indicates the readiness of the female body to conceive, bear and give birth, and the irregularity of the cycle complicates and delays the joy of motherhood. Problems with menstruation are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, which occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance. In this case, an increase in the presence of cysts on the ovaries is observed. An important factor is the presence of stress in a woman's life.

Irregular periods and pregnancy are a task for gynecologists and endocrinologists. If the desire to become a mother is great, then a simple method can help - regular sexual life without fear, nervousness and doubts.

Scanty periods and pregnancy

Few of the modern fair sex can boast of an ideal hormonal background. Menstrual cycle failures occur due to frequent emotional or physical overload, poor nutrition, time zone changes, stressful situations, etc. Hormonal disorders, pregnancy and menstruation are directly related. If the amount of progesterone is insufficient, there is a risk of detachment of the ovum. The situation is improved by taking medications.

At the beginning of pregnancy, women sometimes notice minor discharge, the appearance of which gynecologists associate with the moment of implantation of the embryo into the uterine mucosa. Scanty periods and early pregnancy are acceptable situations if they are not accompanied by pain and are monitored by a doctor. The cause of this phenomenon may be the presence of polyps on the surface of the endometrium, unevenness of the mucous layer, a number of diseases (for example, endometriosis), etc.

Minor scarlet or brownish discharge may indicate that the fetus is developing outside the uterine cavity. This condition is dangerous for the woman and requires surgical intervention, so if any type of vaginal discharge occurs, you should consult a gynecologist.

Heavy periods and pregnancy

According to gynecologists, pregnancy and menstruation are incompatible phenomena. If there is bloody discharge after conception, it is called bleeding. Smearing, scanty discharge at the beginning of pregnancy occurs in half of pregnant women and, as a rule, is not a pathology. Such deviations from the norm are caused by hormonal imbalances, damage to the endometrium during the implantation of the fertilized egg, overexertion and other factors.

Heavy periods and pregnancy against the background of severe pain syndrome are unacceptable. Such symptoms indicate:

• spontaneous termination of pregnancy - profuse discharge, often scarlet in color, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
• frozen pregnancy – the embryo stops developing due to genetic pathologies;
• embryo development outside the uterine cavity - discharge may be strong (if the fallopian tube ruptures) or absent altogether. The pain is cramping, the attack leads to loss of consciousness and a sharp drop in pressure;
• placenta previa - the location of the placenta closer to the internal os is often accompanied by severe bleeding, threatening miscarriage.

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No periods and pregnancy

Long periods without menstruation or amenorrhea do not always indicate problems of a gynecological, endocrine or neurological nature. An example of a physiological variant of the norm would be the period of gestation, lactation, puberty and menopause.

A distinction is made between primary, when menstruation has not occurred before the age of 16, and secondary amenorrhea - a delay of up to six months or more in a woman of childbearing age without fertilization. The reasons for the absence of menstruation may be: genetic abnormalities, dysfunction of the pituitary gland, brain and hypothalamus, passion for diets, increased physical or emotional stress, endocrine problems, etc.

The absence of menstruation and pregnancy is a problem that a gynecologist and endocrinologist deals with. Complications of cycle disorders:

• infertility;
• early detection of age-related diseases due to estrogen deficiency – osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems;
• increased risk of genital cancer;
• at the onset of pregnancy - the threat of miscarriage at the beginning of gestation, premature labor, diabetes during pregnancy, preeclampsia.

Periods with clots and pregnancy

Pregnancy and menstruation are mutually exclusive concepts, so if you notice any kind of bloody discharge, it is better to visit a gynecologist.

Menstruation with clots and pregnancy are a reason to immediately contact a doctor. Such bleeding can be a harbinger of miscarriage. In this case, scarlet discharge with severe pain, weakness, fever, and possible vomiting.

The presence of a hematoma, which provokes the detachment of the ovum, will be indicated by brownish discharge. The discharge is of a smearing nature, and clots may also be present.

Cramp-like pain is typical of spontaneous abortion. The process causes bleeding with clots or tissue fragments, which can occur in the first weeks of gestation.

If pregnancy stops, heavy bleeding with thick inclusions may occur.

Dark bleeding with clots against the background of abdominal pain and uterine tone is a common picture of placental abruption. Fortunately, complete placental abruption is rare.

Pregnancy and menstruation cause anxiety in expectant mothers, and a timely visit to the gynecologist helps to avoid unnecessary nervousness and problems with bearing a child.

What to do if you are pregnant and have your period?

According to gynecologists, pregnancy and menstruation are incompatible. Doctors classify bloody discharge during pregnancy as bleeding, which requires mandatory examination and identification of its causes.

Progesterone is called the "pregnancy hormone" and helps the embryo to take root in the mother's body. If there is a deficiency after conception, bloody discharge may occur, which poses a risk of termination of pregnancy. Timely visit to a gynecologist allows you to eliminate the violation of progesterone production and give birth to a healthy baby.

• Cases when pregnancy has occurred and menstruation is in progress are also explained by:
• unsuccessful implantation of the embryo in the uterine cavity (there is a fibroid, endometriosis, etc.);
• during the process of implantation of the fertilized egg, minor damage to the endometrium occurred;
• the woman has an excess of male hormones (hyperandrogenism), which results in the detachment of the ovum;
• as a result of fetal developmental abnormalities, ectopic pregnancy;
• When two embryos were born, one of them was rejected.

The presence of spotting or heavy bleeding from the vagina, especially against the background of severe pain (of any nature - pulling, cramping, encircling) requires an immediate visit to a gynecologist or an emergency call for medical assistance at home. Some conditions, such as a ruptured fallopian tube as a result of the embryo developing outside the uterus, are the most dangerous. Therefore, immediate response and surgical intervention are necessary.