Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period?

The simple answer is yes, there is a possibility of getting pregnant when you are having your period. However, the chances are pretty slim and it all depends on the regularity of your periods and when you ovulate... Ovulating: Your menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period and ovulation usually occurs around days 12 to 16. As sperm can survive in the body for up to seven day after sex, it is possible to conceive if you have intercourse while on your period and then ovulate very early in your cycle. For example, if your cycle is shorter than the average 28 days, 22 days for example, then you can ovulate just days after your period, if your period lasted seven days or more. In this case, it’s more likely you could get pregnant just after you finish bleeding. Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles that vary more than a few days in length from month to month are considered irregular. If a woman has irregular bleeding, it can be difficult to judge when ovulation takes place, making the chances of pregnancy from unprotected sex possible even during a period. Likewise, if she has very long periods, there is a chance of getting pregnant as the gap between bleeding and ovulation is shortened. Ovulation spotting: This is when bleeding occurs close to ovulation. Typically this can be brown or red in colour and be mistaken for a period when it is actually extremely fertile cervical fluid, an ideal environment for sperm to live in. If a woman has unprotected sex during this spotting, the likelihood of getting pregnant is high. Bleeding in pregnancy: Sometimes a woman can think she is having a period because she is bleeding, but she is actually pregnant. This can be an implantation bleed, caused when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining. This often happens around the time that your first period after conception would have been due so can easily be mistaken for a menstrual period. Some women can bleed after sex when pregnant as the cervix is tender and can be irritated easily. An ectopic pregnancy, when the foetus starts to grow inside your fallopian tubes instead of your womb, can lead to bleeding, but is usually accompanied by a severe pain down one side of your abdomen. An infection in the vagina and cervix can also result in bleeding in pregnancy. If you are unsure when you are ovulating, it can be a good idea to use an ovulation kit to work out the best time for getting pregnant or avoid getting pregnant.