What are the chances of getting pregnant while on your
Periods come and go, sometimes in a pattern and other times they arrive when they feel like it. The menstrual cycle is a natural part of life and should be discussed more. In this article, we’re looking into the chances of getting pregnant while on your period.
This article includes:
- What happens to the body during a period?
- Can you get pregnant while on your period?
- What are the chances of getting pregnant while on your period?
- What are the symptoms of pregnancy during menstruation?
- Can you be pregnant and still have a period?
- When can a woman not get pregnant?
- Trying to get pregnant
This article has not been written by a fertility specialist. Therefore you should seek professional advice if you are concerned.
What happens to the body during a period?
You’re probably familiar with the menstrual cycle, but we’ll outline the basics. Each month, a woman’s ovary releases an egg. The egg travels through the fallopian tube and stays there for 12 – 24 hours. The womb is also preparing for pregnancy by thickening its lining. When you have sex, there is a chance this egg will become fertilised.
If the egg does not become fertilised, it gets reabsorbed into the body. The uterine lining releases and this is what forms your next period. On average, ovulation occurs between 10 and 16 days before the period begins.
The average menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days, but it can be different for all women. Some will have a longer cycle, while others will have a shorter cycle. Monitoring your period and ovulation may help you to understand your typical cycle.
Can you get pregnant while on your period?
Now that we know what happens to your body during your period, what are the chances of getting pregnant on your period?
Having unprotected sex while on your period could still lead to pregnancy. Many believe that this is not the case, but despite the chances being low, it can still occur.
There are many reasons why this can occur, and it depends on your typical ovulation cycle. Even if you know when each stage of your cycle occurs, there’s no way of being 100% protected if you’re sexually active.
If you are breast feeding whilst on your period, why not read our article, can you get pregnant while breast feeding?
What are the chances of getting pregnant while on your period?
If you’ve just had period sex, you might want to know what that means for you. Maybe you’re trying to get pregnant, or perhaps not; either way, it’s important to wait until you are ready to have children.
The odds of getting pregnant on your period are different for everyone. What does that mean? Well, it means that it may depend on each woman’s ovulation cycles!
It is estimated that those with shorter cycles have a higher chance of becoming pregnant while on their period. However, the chances can also be increased by how early in your menstrual cycle you ovulate.
For example, let’s say you were to have unprotected sex on the last day of your period. Then, your body ovulates just a couple of days later. This may not sound like a reason to suspect pregnancy, but sperm survive for up to five days inside the vagina. This means there’s a chance that the sperm could fertilise the egg released during ovulation if you have period sex.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy during menstruation?
The early signs of pregnancy are often similar to the feelings we experience during the menstrual cycle. This can make them harder to spot, especially if you are spotting too.
Generally, if your bleeding is light and not during your usual period time, it is likely spotting. If there is a chance you might be pregnant, you should take a test. Those with irregular periods may also struggle to recognise a missed period.
There are some other signs that you can look out for, including:
- Cramping
- Sore breasts
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to smells
- Strange tastes in the mouth
Can you be pregnant and still have a period?
If you have discovered that you’re pregnant, but you’re still bleeding, it could be implantation bleeding. You should seek medical advice if you’re bleeding like a period.
Periods stop when you become pregnant, so other bleeding may be the cause of something else. Implantation bleeding is commonly associated with cramping. It usually only lasts for a few days. You could also experience ovulation bleeding.
If you haven’t discovered that you’re pregnant, you may mistake implantation bleeding for a period. If it’s not happening around your usual time, you may be pregnant. You should complete a home pregnancy test. The pregnancy test will measure the level of hCG in your urine.
hCG is a hormone that is only released during pregnancy. In the beginning, it rises rapidly before levelling off later in the pregnancy.
It’s important to seek advice if you are bleeding while pregnant. A healthcare professional will be able to provide advice and testing if necessary.
When can a woman not get pregnant?
Ultimately, during your fertile years, there is no set time when you 100% cannot get pregnant. This means that you should take extra precautions, such as birth control pills if you don’t want to become pregnant.
There are many types of non-hormonal and hormonal birth control options for you to choose from. Birth control is only as effective as they state if it is taken or used properly every time.
A woman’s fertility is generally higher in the 20s. This remains the case until you reach the age of around 35 when the chances of fertility start to drop faster. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to have a baby after 35.
Everyone is different, and it’s important to remember that when trying to conceive. Some women become pregnant fairly quickly after deciding to try, but for others, it can take longer. It doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong. Speak to a professional if you are worried about your fertility.
Trying to get pregnant
If you’re hoping to become pregnant in the near future, you’re probably searching for ways that can improve your chances. We’re told about timing intercourse, checking cervical mucus and tracking the fertile period. With this in mind, it’s important to have a good understanding of your monthly cycle and fertile window.
You can use ovulation tests to find out the time frame in which you ovulate. This can help you to build a better understanding of when may be the best time to try and conceive. Other things, such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption and taking care of yourself may help.
If you are under 35, it’s recommended that you seek professional advice after one year of trying to get pregnant. If you are over 35, you should seek advice after six months.
We hope this article has been useful on the chances of getting pregnant while on your period. Essentially, while you do have a lower chance of becoming pregnant on your period, it’s possible to get pregnant anytime. If you are trying to conceive, there are other times in the month when the chances of pregnancy may be higher. So, there is a chance you can get pregnant on your period.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, why not check out this similar article: chance of getting pregnant after a vasectomy?
Hey there, I’m Abigail!
In 2022, I graduated with a First Class Degree in Marketing and since then, I have been working as a blogger and Marketing Assistant. Before heading to university, I also achieved a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
I have been blogging for over four years and have covered many topics during this time. My focus has been on pregnancy, babies, sleep and baby name ideas.
I am passionate about learning new things and helping others. I hope that you find my blogs useful and informative. See you in the next article!