The bleeding came on the exact day her period was due.

The pregnancy test was positive, but she assumed she must still be menstruating.

She was not.

Pregnant women do not have menstrual periods.

A period happens when pregnancy has not occurred and the womb sheds the lining it prepared for a pregnancy. Once pregnancy begins, that monthly shedding stops.

Bleeding can still happen during pregnancy. The cervix becomes more delicate and may bleed after sex or a pelvic examination. An infection or a small area of bleeding inside the womb may also be responsible. Sometimes no cause is found.

Light bleeding does not automatically mean miscarriage. Many women who bleed in early pregnancy go on to have healthy babies.

However, you cannot identify the cause from the timing or colour of the blood alone. Bleeding may also occur with a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy is growing outside the womb. Later in pregnancy, bleeding may be connected to labour or a problem with the placenta.

Get emergency help if the bleeding is heavy or comes with severe stomach pain. Pain mainly on one side also needs urgent attention.

Do not wait if you develop shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting. These can be signs of internal bleeding from an ectopic pregnancy.

Even if the bleeding is light and you feel well, contact your maternity clinician for advice.

The fact that it arrived “on schedule” does not make it your period.

Save this post. Someone may be using the calendar to reassure herself when she needs to be checked.

Original post:
https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/10/12/daily-health-tips-can-i-menstruate-when-im-pregnant/