Can You Still Get Your Period After Successful Conception?

Is it possible to experience menstrual pain even if conception is successful?

The menstrual cycle is 28 days, lasting for five days.
I want to have a baby...
My period was from January 7 to January 11, with ovulation on the 20th.
We had intercourse on the 17th, 19th, 20th, and 22nd.
However, I got my period on February 6, and I experienced menstrual cramps with bright red blood.
I heard that it is possible to have a period even if conception occurs.
How can I determine the status of the menstrual blood? Is it still possible to be successfully pregnant even if I got my period, or does it indicate a failed conception?

Zi Zi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/06

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the arrival of menstruation generally indicates that there is no pregnancy.
The most accurate way to confirm pregnancy is through a pregnancy test; a positive result indicates that you are pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/02/06

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can still get your period after successful conception, it's important to clarify some key points regarding menstruation, conception, and early pregnancy signs.

Firstly, if conception is successful, meaning that a sperm has fertilized an egg and the fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus, a woman typically does not get her regular menstrual period. However, some women may experience light bleeding or spotting, often referred to as implantation bleeding, which can occur around the time when a period would normally be expected. This bleeding is usually much lighter than a typical menstrual flow and may last for a shorter duration.

In your case, you mentioned that your menstrual cycle is 28 days long, and you experienced bleeding on February 6th, which would align with the expected start of your period. The fact that you experienced menstrual-like bleeding, especially if it was accompanied by menstrual cramps, suggests that it could be your regular period rather than implantation bleeding. However, it is also possible for some women to experience bleeding during early pregnancy, which can be confusing.

To determine whether you are pregnant despite having bleeding, consider the following steps:
1. Timing of Bleeding: If the bleeding occurred around the time your period was due, it is more likely to be your menstrual period. If it was lighter and shorter than usual, it could be worth investigating further.

2. Pregnancy Test: The most reliable way to confirm pregnancy is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, which is a hormone produced during pregnancy. For the most accurate results, it is best to take the test after your missed period.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have taken a pregnancy test and received a positive result, or if you are unsure about the nature of your bleeding, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test to measure hCG levels and provide further guidance.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to other early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and frequent urination. These can provide additional clues about whether you may be pregnant.

5. Understanding Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: If you are pregnant and experience bleeding, it is important to monitor the situation. Light spotting can be normal, but heavy bleeding or cramping may require medical attention to rule out complications such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

In summary, while it is uncommon to have a full menstrual period after successful conception, some women may experience light bleeding. The best way to confirm pregnancy is through a pregnancy test and consultation with a healthcare provider. If you suspect you might be pregnant, taking these steps can help clarify your situation and guide you in the right direction.

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