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Can You Still Have Your Period if You're Pregnant?

Medically reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD

If you're pregnant, you won't get your period. But you can have other bleeding that might look like a period.

The bleeding may be due to:

  • Implantation. When sperm “meets” or fertilizes an egg, the egg should then implant into the lining of the uterus. This tends to happen around the time you’d normally get your period.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. This happens when the fertilized egg implants someplace other than in the uterus, like an ovary (the organ that stores eggs). An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.
  • Miscarriage. This is the loss of an embryo or fetus before it's developed enough to survive. It’s also called the loss of a pregnancy.

What Should You Do if You Have Bleeding While Pregnant?

If you have bleeding and pain while pregnant, go to an emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency number) right away.

What Else Should I Know?

Taking a home pregnancy test is an option, but the results might not be correct. You could have a negative result and still be pregnant. Signs of pregnancy can include a missed or late period, feeling sick or throwing up, or tender breasts. If you think you’re pregnant, see your doctor or go to a health clinic like Planned Parenthood.

Also go to your doctor or a clinic if a home pregnancy test is positive. You can find out if the result is correct and get the proper medical care.

Medically reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
Date reviewed: April 2024