Menstrual Cycles and Pregnancy: Common Misconceptions Explained

Menstrual cycle

Isn't this contradictory? You said that menstruation does not occur during pregnancy, so why was there a possibility of pregnancy in the previous answer?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/29

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If menstruation is delayed by more than 10 days, is there a possibility of pregnancy? Answer: There is a possibility of pregnancy if conception occurred during the ovulation period.
Will menstruation still come in that case? Answer: If conception has occurred, menstruation will not occur.

Reply Date: 2019/06/29

More Info

Understanding menstrual cycles and pregnancy can indeed be confusing, especially when considering the various misconceptions that exist. Let's clarify these concepts and address your concerns.

Firstly, it's important to understand the menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, although it can range from 21 to 35 days in different individuals. The cycle is divided into several phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. During the menstrual phase, the lining of the uterus sheds if there is no pregnancy, resulting in menstrual bleeding.

Now, regarding pregnancy: when a woman becomes pregnant, the hormonal changes that occur prevent the menstrual cycle from continuing in the usual way. Specifically, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, which signals the body to maintain the uterine lining and stop menstruation. Therefore, once pregnancy is confirmed, a woman should not experience a regular menstrual period.

However, some women may experience light bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy, which can sometimes be mistaken for a menstrual period. This bleeding can occur due to several reasons, including implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This type of bleeding is usually lighter and shorter than a regular period.

In your question, you mentioned a previous response that indicated the possibility of being pregnant while still experiencing some form of bleeding. This is not contradictory; it simply reflects the fact that early pregnancy can sometimes be accompanied by light spotting, which does not equate to a full menstrual period.
It's also worth noting that some women may have irregular cycles or experience changes in their cycle due to stress, hormonal imbalances, or other factors, which can lead to confusion about whether they are pregnant or not.
If you suspect you might be pregnant but are experiencing unusual bleeding, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and perform necessary evaluations to determine the cause of the bleeding and confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In summary, while pregnancy typically halts the menstrual cycle, light spotting can occur in early pregnancy and should not be mistaken for a regular menstrual period. Understanding these nuances can help clarify the relationship between menstrual cycles and pregnancy, reducing confusion and anxiety for those trying to conceive or navigating early pregnancy. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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