It is unlikely, once your body starts producing the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), your normal periods will stop. If you are concerned that you may be pregnant, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test or see your doctor rather than make any assumptions.
Having said that, bleeding in early pregnancy is surprisingly common. You may have what looks like a period. This is known as breakthrough bleeding. It happens when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle break through the pregnancy hormones that are flooding your body.
Bleeding may happen when the fertilised egg implants into the lining of your uterus (womb). This usually happens at about the time your period would have been due, and is called implantation bleeding. It's thought that any blood you notice around this time is more likely to be because of breakthrough bleeding than implantation bleeding.
It's only natural to be worried if you have spotting or bleeding at this time. It's a good idea to tell your doctor or midwife about any bleeding, because occasionally, it can be a cause for concern. Unfortunately, sometimes bleeding may be the first sign of a miscarriage. If so, it probably won't feel like a normal period. You are likely to have stronger tummy cramps and much heavier bleeding.
If you have dark or watery bleeding, together with sharp pains in your lower tummy, especially on one side, call your doctor straight away. You could have an ectopic pregnancy, and you'll need swift treatment.
It's much more likely that your bleeding is nothing to worry about. However, your midwife may look into why you've had it. Midwives and doctors often use the first day of your last period to estimate when your baby is due to be born. If you're only just pregnant, she may suggest that you have a blood test to check your hormone levels or she may refer you for an early scan.
Having said that, bleeding in early pregnancy is surprisingly common. You may have what looks like a period. This is known as breakthrough bleeding. It happens when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle break through the pregnancy hormones that are flooding your body.
Bleeding may happen when the fertilised egg implants into the lining of your uterus (womb). This usually happens at about the time your period would have been due, and is called implantation bleeding. It's thought that any blood you notice around this time is more likely to be because of breakthrough bleeding than implantation bleeding.
It's only natural to be worried if you have spotting or bleeding at this time. It's a good idea to tell your doctor or midwife about any bleeding, because occasionally, it can be a cause for concern. Unfortunately, sometimes bleeding may be the first sign of a miscarriage. If so, it probably won't feel like a normal period. You are likely to have stronger tummy cramps and much heavier bleeding.
If you have dark or watery bleeding, together with sharp pains in your lower tummy, especially on one side, call your doctor straight away. You could have an ectopic pregnancy, and you'll need swift treatment.
It's much more likely that your bleeding is nothing to worry about. However, your midwife may look into why you've had it. Midwives and doctors often use the first day of your last period to estimate when your baby is due to be born. If you're only just pregnant, she may suggest that you have a blood test to check your hormone levels or she may refer you for an early scan.
