Every woman has at least asked, “can a woman get pregnant on her period?” “what are the chances of getting pregnant while on my period?” questions like this surprise most people, but it does not to others. Hence, we will break down questions and answers surrounding pregnancy during menstruation.
How can you get pregnant while on your period?
The chances of becoming pregnant while on your period are low but not non-existent.
This is because, during ovulation, your ovary releases an egg into your fallopian tube, where it waits for fertilisation for 24 hours before travelling to the uterus.
Meanwhile, the uterus forms a lining to host a growing embryo.
If an egg meets a sperm during ovulation and implants in the lining, you can also expect a baby on the way. Otherwise, your body sheds both the lining and the egg.
Most women’s menstrual cycles span 24 to 28 days, beginning with the first day of their period and ending with the first day of their next period. Because an egg can survive for 24 hours after ovulation and sperm can survive within a woman for up to five days, a woman can become pregnant beginning five days before ovulation and terminating a day after.
Ovulation typically happens 14 days before the start day of your next cycle, leaving you with a week between the last day of your period and the first day you ovulate if you have a 28-day cycle and a week-long period.
However, if you have sex on the last day of your cycle and ovulate a few days early, there may still be viable sperm inside you, and you may become pregnant.
Chances of getting pregnant while on your period
You will rarely become pregnant in the days preceding your period. However, our peak fertility differs because we are all unique, and our cycles differ. This means that for some women, the days preceding menstruation are fertile. Getting pregnant five days before your period is possible for some women who ovulate at the end of their menstrual cycle. Still, peak fertility usually occurs earlier in the menstrual cycle.
Can you be fertile on your period?
While it is quite unlikely, the short answer is yes. At the same time, women cannot conceive while on their period. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for up to five days. This indicates that a small percentage of women are at risk of falling pregnant from unprotected sex during their period. The length of your menstrual cycle determines everything.
Assume you have a menstrual cycle that is less than 28 days long. If you have intercourse near the end of your six-day period and ovulate soon after, there is a chance that some of the sperm will survive, and you will become pregnant. While getting pregnant is improbable, it is technically feasible if you do not know when you are fertile.
Can you be pregnant and still have a period?
Many women ask if they can have a period while pregnant.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot have a period or menstruate when pregnant.
During early pregnancy, however, it is usual to encounter some light spotting that is dark brown or pale pink.
While some women may have intermittent vaginal bleeding while pregnant, it is impossible to have a period. Menstruation occurs only when there is no pregnancy.
Ovulation occurs once a month when your ovary releases an egg to be fertilized by sperm. The uterine lining thickens in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized egg, which results in pregnancy. If an egg is not implanted and fertilized, the egg and the uterine lining are lost as menstrual blood through the vagina.
Therefore, you cannot have a period during pregnancy since you are not ovulating or releasing an egg.
Because it is impossible to get your period while pregnant, it is critical to be aware of any bleeding that occurs during this time. While light bleeding or spotting is usually common during the first trimester, bleeding accompanied by other symptoms may suggest something more serious. Hence, it is advisable to speak to a doctor immediately.
