A: It’s not likely that you would have a true period once you are already pregnant, because a period occurs when the lining of the uterus is shed in the absence of pregnancy.

On the other hand, some women do bleed after they conceive. If this bleeding occurs close to the time of the expected next menstruation, it may be confused with a period. Some reasons for early pregnancy bleeding include blood loss that can occur when an embryo implants into the uterus, from an unusually placed placenta or from the cervix itself (either from a polyp, infection or sexual relations).

Bleeding can also be an early warning sign of a miscarriage. If you know you’re pregnant and have been bleeding, contact your health provider for an examination. Please see my article entitled “Bleeding in the First Trimester” for more information.