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When does period stop after getting pregnant


Can You Be Pregnant and Still Have a Period?

However, it is common to experience some light spotting that’s dark brown or light pink during early pregnancy. 

Pregnancy with a period: Is it possible?

While some people may experience intermittent vaginal bleeding while they are pregnant, it isn’t possible to have a period. Menstruation only takes place in the absence of pregnancy. 

Each month, ovulation occurs when your ovary releases an egg to be fertilized by the sperm. The uterine lining thickens in anticipation of a fertilized egg being implanted, which then results in pregnancy. If an egg isn’t fertilized and implanted, both the egg and the uterine lining are shed through the vagina as menstrual blood.  

So, can you have a period while you’re pregnant? The short answer is no. Since you don’t ovulate — or release an egg — during pregnancy, you will not get your monthly period. You'll get your period back either weeks or months after you give birth (how long it takes can depend on whether or not you're breastfeeding) and once you're back in the flow (so to speak!) of your menstrual cycle, you can predict when your next period will arrive with our online period calculator.

How rare is it to be pregnant and have your period?

Despite numerous claims, it isn’t possible to get your period while pregnant. Once the body starts the production of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), your periods stop. 

I have never felt the need to write a review for any app, but this one deserves recognition. I never used to track my period and I ended up needing to have a blood transfusion because I was bleeding so much for so long. But when I downloaded Flo, It has helped me in so many ways. It has always been accurate, and gives me insight on the symptoms Ive been having on my period, and I can keep my symptoms logged so that I can show my doctor what was going on during my last period. It’s a really useful and helpful app.

Why you might experience a “period” during your first trimester 

Though people stop getting their period during pregnancy, it’s possible that they may still experience some bleeding. This bleeding does not necessarily indicate an underlying issue, but it’s important to understand the cause of it — and whether it’s time to see a health care provider.  

Bleeding tends to occur more often during the first trimester of pregnancy than the second or third. Estimates suggest that about 25 to 30 percent of pregnant people experience spotting at some point during their first trimester. There are a number of reasons for this bleeding.

Implantation bleeding: This refers to the light spotting that occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception, around the time when your period is due. Many people haven’t yet taken a pregnancy test at this point, so it’s easy to mistake the spotting for a period. This bleeding is lighter than a normal period, however, and only lasts for a couple of days. It occurs due to the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine lining. 

Cervical changes: Spotting can occur shortly after you get pregnant due to cervical changes, and particularly after having sexual intercourse. As long as no infection is present, there’s no need to be concerned about this. 

Other causes: Heavier bleeding that more closely resembles a period during the first trimester of pregnancy can indicate something more serious, including:

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Infection
  • Miscarriage
  • Molar pregnancy
  • Subchorionic hemorrhage, also known as subchorionic hematoma (bleeding between the placenta and the wall of the uterus)
  • Gestational trophoblast disease (GTD), a rare group of tumors that grow from the cells that normally develop into the placenta

These are all medical emergencies, and it’s important to see a health care professional immediately. They are often accompanied by symptoms other than bleeding, including: 

  • Back pain
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramps
  • Loss of consciousness or faintness
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Shoulder pain
  • Changes in vaginal discharge
  • Uncontrollable vomiting and nausea

Bleeding later in pregnancy: why it happens

We’ve already discussed why it isn’t possible to have a period during pregnancy, and why some people may experience light bleeding or spotting during their first trimester. Bleeding during the second and third trimesters is possible, though not common, and it may be an indicator that something else is going on. If you experience bleeding later in your pregnancy, it’s important to see your health care provider. 

Potential reasons for mid- or late-term pregnancy bleeding include:

  • Sexual intercourse: Having sex during mid- and late pregnancy can cause some spotting or light bleeding due to increased sensitivity of the cervical and vaginal tissues during this time.
  • Preterm or term labor: This refers to delivery of the baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Cervical dilatation and uterine contractions generally occur to help the fetus move down, which can result in bleeding and a large amount of vaginal discharge. Other symptoms include a backache, abdominal cramping, changes in vaginal discharge, and a sensation of vaginal pressure.
  • Placenta previa: In this condition, the placenta is located close to or over the cervical opening. There are no symptoms other than vaginal bleeding, and it may hinder labor and delivery.
  • Placental abruption: This is a medical emergency that occurs during late pregnancy when the placenta starts separating from the uterine lining before the birth of the baby. It can cause heavy vaginal bleeding, as well as severe cramping and stomach pain. Certain health issues, like hypertension, may increase your risk of developing placental abruption.
  • Uterine rupture: This occurs when the uterine muscles tear or separate before or during labor. It’s considered a medical emergency, as it may result in uncontrolled vaginal bleeding. Though rare, the condition most often occurs in people who have a history of uterine surgery or cesarean delivery.

When to see your health care provider

Because it isn’t possible to get your period while pregnant, it’s important to be mindful of any bleeding you do experience during this time. While light bleeding or spotting during the first trimester is usually normal, bleeding that is accompanied by other symptoms may indicate something more serious, and it’s important to see a health care provider immediately. These symptoms include:

  • Cramping and pain
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Passing clots or heavy bleeding
  • Severe pain in your pelvis and stomach

It’s important to visit your health care provider if your bleeding is bright red in color and is heavy enough to soak through a pad. Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy may indicate an ectopic pregnancy.  If you suspect this, see your health care provider as soon as possible. 

There’s a lot of discussion surrounding pregnancy and periods, and we want to clear things up. Can you have a period and be pregnant? No. Since your period stops after your body starts producing hCG — also known as the pregnancy hormone — it isn’t possible to experience a true period during pregnancy. 

During the early stages of pregnancy, however, some people experience spotting or light bleeding — and it’s usually normal. This bleeding is called implantation bleeding, and it happens when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining. 

First trimester bleeding that occurs alongside other symptoms (like dizziness or pain) may indicate a more serious issue, such as ectopic pregnancy, infection, miscarriage, molar pregnancy, subchorionic hemorrhage, or cervical changes. If you are concerned and suspect an underlying cause for the bleeding, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention — many of these conditions are medical emergencies.  

It’s also possible to bleed during the middle and late stages of pregnancy. This bleeding is less common and may indicate a medical emergency such as preterm or term labor, placenta previa, placental abruption, or uterine rupture. Having sexual intercourse during the later stages can also cause bleeding, though it’s usually quite light.​

If you experience bleeding as well as symptoms like cramping, pain, fainting or dizziness, passing clots or heavy bleeding, and severe pain in your pelvis and stomach, be sure to see your health care provider right away.

Everything You Need to Know

My period is late: is there any reason to be worried?

It's the question many of us have wanted to know the answer to at some point or another: How late can a period be without being pregnant? If you're someone who uses a period calculator to predict their next bleed, and you're not actively trying to get pregnant, it's safe to say it can be... alarming if it doesn't turn up on time.

But it might comfort you to know that numerous studies show that a slight variation in the length of your menstrual cycle is normal. More than 100 women with average menstrual cycle lengths (between 21 and 35 days) took part in a large-scale study that showed interesting results: cycle variability of more than seven days was observed in 42.5 percent of the participants! As you can see, a one to two-day variation is very common.

Another large study conducted by Flo and the University of Adelaide showed that only about 16 percent of the participants had a 28-day cycle, even though you might have been told this was the typical length for menstrual cycles.

A late period under 16

Many teenagers want to know why their period is late. For many, the first few years of menstruation involve irregular periods.

The body is still developing in this stage of life, and a teen’s ovaries do not always release an egg monthly. This may result in irregular cycles — fewer than 20 or more than 45 days. A typical cycle for teenagers lasts between 21 and 45 days.

Having fluctuating periods for two years or less during adolescence is likely nothing to worry about. Your health care provider can conduct a physical exam to make sure everything’s healthy. Teens’ cycles start to regulate as their hormone levels stabilize, although some will still have irregular cycles on an ongoing basis.

Continue monitoring your body. When your period comes, use Flo to log the date and your symptoms. The app can help you better predict your period, even if you have an irregular cycle.

Is a late period reason to take a pregnancy test?

There are many reasons for a late period besides pregnancy. When you stop having periods, it could be related to lifestyle factors such as stress, a strict diet, or extensive physical activity.

It might also result from the use of birth control pills, various diseases, hormonal abnormalities, or problems with your reproductive organs. Finally, it could be due to pregnancy.

Home pregnancy tests allow you to determine if you’re pregnant at a very early stage. These tests detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Your body makes this hormone when a fertilized egg is implanted in your uterus.

Is your period five days late or more? Take the test for the most accurate results. Some tests might be more sensitive than others.

Reasons for a late period: what might they be?

If your period is five days late, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. There are multiple factors that can cause your period to be late:

  • Physiological — Stress, sudden weight changes, climate or time zone changes, breastfeeding (lactational amenorrhea), etc.
  • Medically induced — Associated with taking or stopping medications including hormonal contraceptives and antidepressants​
  • Pathological — Caused by diseases such as ovarian pathology, uterine diseases, endocrine system disorders, etc.

Low body weight

Excessively low body weight — weight that is about 10 percent below normal — interrupts many hormonal functions in your body, which can cause ovulation and menstruation to stop.

People who have an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, often have delayed periods because of these abnormal hormonal changes.

Exercise

Doing physical activities that require rigorous training, combined with other factors, such as low body fat, stress, and high energy expenditure, may disrupt your menstrual cycle. Don’t forget to add workouts and other physical activity in Flo; it will make the prediction of your menstrual cycle and ovulation more accurate. 

It’s important to remember that if your period is more than five days late, you should consult your health care provider.

Frequently asked questions about late periods

Can you miss a period and not be pregnant?

Yes! Pregnancy isn’t the only thing that can cause a missed period. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome or follicular cysts, can make you miss your period. Stress, hormonal birth control, excessive exercise, malnutrition, breastfeeding, chronic diseases, and certain drugs can all cause you to miss a period.

How long does it take to miss a period after conception?

Most people miss their period around two weeks after conception. That’s because conception tends to happen around day 12–14 before your next period starts, which is when you ovulate. Two weeks after that, you’re on approximately day 28 of your cycle, which is when you would normally expect your period to come. 

Can I miss my period for two months and not be pregnant?

Depending on the cause, yes. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, chronic diseases, and malnutrition can make you miss consecutive periods. Some oral contraceptives can also stop your periods. However, it’s always a good idea to take a pregnancy test in these cases. If the test is negative, make an appointment with your health care provider to determine the cause of your missed periods.

How soon can you tell if you are pregnant?

Most health care providers recommend that you wait until the first day of your missed period to take a pregnancy test, because taking a test too soon after conception can lead to a false-negative result. However, some tests are more sensitive than others and can be taken as soon as 7 to 12 days after conception. The most precise way to determine pregnancy is to take a blood test to measure your level of hCG.

What are some home remedies for late periods?

The treatment for irregular periods depends on their cause. Since stress is a major factor in irregular menstrual cycles, activities such as yoga can help. Maintaining a healthy weight, gentle and regular exercise, and avoiding stress may help with irregular periods.

Can stress make your period late?

Absolutely! Stress and anxiety can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to many symptoms such as diarrhea, rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and late periods. Stress can suppress the action of certain hormones that are needed to regulate your menstrual cycle. That’s why finding effective stress management techniques can be helpful in regulating your menstrual cycle.

How much delay in periods is normal?

Menstrual cycles are considered normal if they last anywhere between 21 to 35 days. Your cycle can vary, but your period is considered late after five days from the date when you expected it to come. A period is considered to have been missed if it’s been six weeks or more since the first day of your last menstruation.

What are the signs of implantation?

Implantation is the process when an embryo attaches itself to the uterine lining. It doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, some people report feeling light cramping, headaches, and mood swings around the time of implantation. Implantation bleeding can occur around the date when you expect your period, but it’s usually lighter and only causes pink or brown spotting or discharge.

How can you tell if you’re pregnant within the first week?

Most tests won’t be able to detect a pregnancy within a week of conception. Some tests can be used as early as the first week after having unprotected sex, but they’re not always reliable. If you get a negative test a week after sex, you should repeat it if you miss your period.

How many days after a missed period is a pregnancy test positive?

Once you’ve missed your period, most pregnancy tests are accurate. But some people might have lower hCG levels that can’t be detected by tests quite so soon. You can repeat a test 5 to 10 days after missing your period for more accurate results. A blood test can also accurately measure your hCG levels.

When menstruation starts after childbirth: how long after the birth of the child will menstruation

When does menstruation begin after childbirth

In women who do not breastfeed, the first menstruation occurs 7-8 weeks after childbirth. In the vast majority of nursing mothers, the menstrual cycle is restored later 3 . If the child is transferred to artificial feeding, ovulation can be observed as early as 27 days after the last breastfeeding 3 .

Let's see why this happens and what changes are observed in the uterus and ovaries during this period.

Menstruation after childbirth

The uterus, the weight of which during pregnancy, excluding the fetus, increased to a kilogram, and the length - up to 39 cm, begins to decrease 2 . Its muscle fibers contract and undergo physiological decay and rebirth 2 . By the end of the postpartum period, it becomes the same as before conception - weighing about 50 g and a length of 8-9see 1 .

The inner surface of the uterus, to which the placenta was attached, gradually heals.

  • Discharge (lochia) first becomes brown, then yellowish white.
  • Approximately from the 10th day there are light discharges without admixture of blood.
  • By the 5-6th week of the postpartum period, the discharge completely stops 1.2 .

    • It is believed that the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) is completely restored by 6-8 weeks and “freezes” in anticipation of the first menstrual cycle after childbirth 1.2 .

    Active changes are also taking place in the ovaries. The follicles begin to mature in them. The accompanying hormonal changes lead to the resumption of menstruation 3 .

    What determines the onset of menstruation after childbirth

    The process of restoring the menstrual cycle is primarily affected by lactation - the formation of milk in the mammary glands 3 . The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for this process, inhibits the onset of cyclic processes in the ovaries 3.4 .

    Breastfeeding an infant supports lactation and prolactin release. Therefore, if a mother breastfeeds her baby exclusively and at least 6-10 times a day (with an interval of 4 hours during the day and 6 at night), postpartum lactational amenorrhea is usually observed, that is, the absence of menstruation 3. 4 .

    According to some reports, in lactating women, the first menstruation is observed on average 4.5 months after childbirth. Some do not have them until the end of lactation 3 .

    How long after childbirth does menstruation begin if the woman had a caesarean section?

    If milk is scarce and the woman is not breastfeeding, the first menstruation may start as early as 4 weeks after the caesarean section 3 . This is 2-4 weeks earlier than after natural childbirth 3 . Preservation and enhancement of lactation postpones the start of the cycle indefinitely 3 .

    How can the cycle and nature of menstruation change after childbirth

    The body needs time to return all organs and functions to the state it was before pregnancy. Therefore, the restoration of the ovaries may be delayed 4 .

    In 40% of women, a new egg matures already in the first menstrual cycle after the birth of a child 4 . However, more often at the beginning of the postpartum period, ovulation - the release of a mature egg from the follicle - does not occur. Such cycles are called anovulatory. Their typical manifestation is irregular periods 4 . The duration of anovulatory cycles can be from 1.5 to 6 months 5 .

    How long do periods last after childbirth if there is no ovulation?

    Periods that occur during anovulatory cycles are called dysfunctional uterine bleeding. They are abundant and sometimes last more than 10 days 5 . As soon as ovulation is restored, the cycle becomes what it was before the conception of the child 3 .

    When to see a doctor

    In the postpartum period, a woman should be especially attentive to her health. The slightest disturbances in well-being and the appearance of suspicious symptoms are a reason for contacting an obstetrician-gynecologist.

    Below we will explain in which cases a doctor's consultation is urgently needed.

    Postpartum hemorrhage

    In the first months after childbirth, attention should be paid to the amount of discharge. Abundant discharge of blood or its impurities in the lochia - signs of postpartum hemorrhage 2 .

    Bleeding in the late postpartum period, that is, after 24 hours and within 6 weeks after delivery 6 , occurs much less frequently than on the first day after the birth of a child - in 0.2-3% of cases 7 .

    They may be caused by 6 :

    • pieces of placenta in the uterus;
    • too slow recovery of the size of the uterus;
    • penetration into the uterine cavity of pathogens causing inflammation;
    • bleeding disorder 6 .

    Postpartum endometritis

    According to statistics, postpartum endometritis is diagnosed in 4-5% of women who gave birth spontaneously, and after cesarean section, endometritis is detected in 10-15% 9 .

    After the birth of a child, the inner surface of the uterus resembles an open wound, so pathogens from the vagina, penetrating into the uterine cavity, can easily cause inflammation 8 .

    Signs of postpartum endometritis or inflammation of the lining of the uterus include:

    • purulent lochia;
    • fever;
    • lower abdominal pain 1 .

    What is important to know?

    Not only the inner surface of the uterus, but also cracks, abrasions on the surface of the soft tissues of the cervix, vagina and perineum can become entry gates for infection to enter the body 2 . Therefore, in the postpartum period, it is extremely important to observe special rules of intimate hygiene.

    During the first 8 weeks it is better to use special postpartum sanitary napkins. When menstruation returns after childbirth, you can replace the pads with tampons, for example, o.b.® ExtraDefence 10 . With soft, bi-directional SilkTouch® wings, these tampons adapt to your body shape and provide reliable protection during your period, day and night 10 .

    The processes of restoring the reproductive system after childbirth can proceed in different ways. They are influenced by the individual characteristics of the body, the course of pregnancy and childbirth, the nature of lactation and feeding the baby 2.3 . For example, after a caesarean section, recovery is 3 times slower than after a natural birth 3 . If the mother is breastfeeding, the uterus returns to normal faster 1 . Proper postpartum hygiene is an important part of caring for the female body.

    The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

    Literature

    1. Zanko S. N., Radetskaya L. E., Zhukova N. P. Obstetrics / Vitebsk. - 2017. - 383 p. / ISBN 978-985-466-891-8
    2. Tayupova I. M., Sakhautdinova I. V., Kuleshova T. P. Physiology and pathology of the postpartum period // Ufa: BashNIPIneft. - 2014. - 59 p.
    3. Khaskhanova L. Kh., Musaeva Ya. V. Physiological and pathological postpartum period // Grozny: Chechen State University Publishing House, 2016. – 96 p.
    4. Nazarova NM, Prilepskaya VN, Nekrasova ME Postpartum contraception: efficiency and safety // Gynecology. – 2018. - 20(2). - P. 5-8.
      DOI: 10.26442/2079-5696_2018.2.5-8
    5. Zaidieva Ya. Z. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding in the age aspect // Medical Council / №3. - 2012. - S. 78-83. Belousova A. A., Aryutin D. G., Toktar L. R. Late postpartum hemorrhage // Obstetrics and gynecology: opinion news, training. 2019. V. 7, No. 3. S. 64-69. doi: 10.24411/2303-9698-2019-13009.
    6. Adamyan L. V, Kan N. E, Lomova N. A Postpartum endometritis // Clinical recommendations / 2016.
    7. Shulzhenko E.V., Zaritskaya E.N., Mirlas E.M., Borzunov M.N. -100.
    8. O.B.® EXTRA DEFENCE Tampons / https://www. obtampons.ru/produkty/ob-extradefence.

    Menstruation after childbirth | Clinic.kg

    Menstruation after childbirth

    June 30, 2019

    A healthy pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby is a reason for a woman to be proud of herself and her health. An important topic that worries many women after childbirth is menstruation: when to expect it, why the cycle is irregular, is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, and much more. We will analyze the main issues in our article.

    Postpartum discharge

    Postpartum profuse discharge in a woman has nothing to do with menstruation - these are lochia, which become bloody from bloody, and then transparent, completely disappearing. After about two months, the uterus and ovaries return to their physiological state and size, which means that the onset of menstrual cycles with the maturation of eggs and menstruation is quite possible. Thus, a woman can expect her first menstruation from the 2-3rd month after childbirth.

    When should my period start after childbirth?

    This period depends on the type of feeding of the child: natural or artificial. Breast milk is produced under the influence of the pituitary hormone prolactin. The level of estrogen does not increase, therefore, when breastfeeding, menstruation begins, on average, 2 months after childbirth, more often when feeding “by the hour”. But there are times when some nursing women do not have periods for a year, and for some, they can recover in a month and a half after childbirth. On average, the onset of menstruation with breastfeeding varies from 3 months to six months.

    How long do periods last after childbirth?

    Often the first menstruation is quite heavy. There may be strong discharge, menstruation with blood clots. If you have to change the pad every hour, you should seek help from a doctor: this may be a symptom of bleeding that has begun. Subsequent periods usually become normal. In other cases, in the first months, women have irregular spotting. This is typical for breastfeeding, when prolactin synthesis gradually decreases.

    Reasons for the slow recovery of the regular cycle

    Each woman has her own individual period for the restoration of the menstrual cycle. This is determined by the activity of the production of hormones of the sex glands, the pituitary gland, the state of the immune and reproductive systems as a whole. There are a number of reasons for this that affect the body in the postpartum period:

    • features of the individual hormonal background;
    • hereditary factors;
    • nature of the birth process;
    • features of uterine restoration.

    What to do if the menstrual cycle has become irregular:

    • In the first months of the postpartum recovery period, do not panic. In most cases, this is the norm. For each woman, the normalization of the cycle occurs individually, usually during the first months of the resumption of menstrual bleeding. Irregularity is more common in nursing mothers.

    • It takes about 2 months to restore the normal function of all organs and systems. Balance in the endocrine system comes later, especially if breastfeeding is used. Therefore, a woman can feel completely healthy, but she will not have a period.

    • Irregular cycle should only be noticed after 3 cycles. This may be due to an inflammatory process, endometriosis or a tumor of the genital organs. A delay in the second period is not dangerous, unless it is associated with a second pregnancy.

    Menstruation after caesarean section

    Menstruation after caesarean section is restored in the same way as after normal delivery. During lactation, periods do not come for six months. Against the background of artificial feeding from the maternity hospital due to the lack of nipple stimulation (which activates the synthesis of oxytocin, which contracts the uterus), recovery may be somewhat slower, plus there is still a scar on the uterus. Therefore, the restoration of menstrual function may occur a little later, for several weeks.

    Cycle after a pathological course of pregnancy or childbirth

    After termination of a missed pregnancy or abortion, the first menstruation occurs within 45 days. If this does not happen, the woman should seek help from a gynecologist. To exclude such causes of amenorrhea as the remaining part of the fetal egg in the uterus or inflammation, 10 days after the termination of a frozen or normal pregnancy, an ultrasound scan is necessary.

    Pathologies of menstruation, what to pay attention to and immediately contact a specialist:

    • Sudden cessation of postpartum discharge is a sign of a bending of the uterus or endometritis, accumulation of lochia in the uterine cavity - lochiometers.
    • Scanty periods for 3 or more cycles. Perhaps they are a symptom of hormonal disorders, Sheehan's syndrome or endometritis.
    • Irregularity of menstruation six months after its restoration, interval between spotting for more than 3 months. Most often associated with ovarian pathology.
    • Excessive bleeding for 2 or more cycles, especially after a surgical delivery or abortion. They are often caused by the tissues of the membranes remaining on the walls of the uterus.
    • The duration of menstruation is more than a week, which is accompanied by weakness, dizziness.
    • Abdominal pain, fever, foul smell, discoloration of vaginal discharge - a sign of a tumor or infection.
    • Spotting before and after menstruation is a likely symptom of endometriosis or an inflammatory disease.
    • Itching in the vagina, an admixture of curdled discharge is a sign of thrush.
    • Bleeding twice a month for more than 3 cycles.

    Is it possible to get pregnant?

    The most common myth is that a woman cannot get pregnant if she is breastfeeding a baby.

    Learn more