The process of becoming pregnant can be one of the most exciting stages in a family’s life, but it simultaneously brings with it a number of questions and uncertainties.
Coloured pregnancy is one of the conditions that it is key for women to be informed about. It is a phenomenon that often causes confusion and embarrassment for many women, as it strongly resembles menstruation even though the woman is pregnant.
In this article, we will look at the main symptoms, the differences between menstruation and a colored pregnancy, the causes of bleeding during early pregnancy and what to do if you suspect one.
Can you have menstruation during pregnancy?
The short answer is no. Despite some erroneous claims, it is not possible to be present with actual menstruation while pregnant. Instead, “spotting” may occur in early pregnancy, which is usually light pink or dark brown in color. This is known as a coloured pregnancy.
If there is enough bleeding to thoroughly soak a tampon or bandage, this is most likely a sign that there is no pregnancy. If you have had a positive pregnancy test and are bleeding profusely, seek medical attention immediately.
What are the symptoms of a colored pregnancy?
The main symptoms are:
- Light to moderate bleeding: it may disappear and reappear within a few days and vary in intensity from very light spotting to heavier bleeding. This is also why it is often confused with regular menstruation. The colour of the bleeding may be red, pink or brown and it may last for several days.
- Nausea and vomiting: Symptoms of nausea and vomiting are common in pregnant women right from the beginning of pregnancy. However, they are not a symptom of normal menstruation and are therefore one of the classic signs that even if you are spotting, you are probably experiencing a colourful pregnancy and not menstruation. These symptoms can occur due to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy.
- General fatigue and breast tenderness: Like normal pregnancy, fatigue and breast tenderness are common symptoms. Fatigue can result from increased levels of progesterone in the body, and breast tenderness is related to the body’s preparation for breastfeeding. However, these symptoms are also common in menstruating women, which further contributes to the confusion between colorful pregnancy and menstruation.
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen: pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen may resemble menstrual cramps. However, in a colored pregnancy, this symptom is the result of changes in the uterus and surrounding tissues during early pregnancy.
- Other symptoms: Some women may experience additional symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and frequent urges to urinate. These signs may be due to increased blood volume and changes in the body’s hormonal balance after becoming pregnant.
It becomes clear that the symptoms of a colorful pregnancy strongly resemble menstruation. For this reason, it is a good idea to get a reliable pregnancy test, such as Surecheck, and visit your obstetrician to be fully informed and reassured about your condition. Proper diagnosis and timely medical attention are key to avoiding potential complications.
Differences between menstruation and pregnancy
Menstruation occurs every month in women of reproductive age if they do not become pregnant. Eggs are released once a month from the ovaries, and when not fertilized, the egg passes through the uterus and is expelled. In a floral pregnancy, the egg is already fertilized by sperm and is not expelled from the body, therefore if bleeding is present, it is not menstruation.
The main differences between bleeding in a colored pregnancy and that in a menstrual cycle are:
- Bleeding intensity and colour: In a coloured pregnancy, bleeding is usually lighter and darker in colour compared to normal menstruation.
- Duration: a coloured pregnancy may involve short periods of irregular bleeding, while menstruation usually lasts for several days.
Causes of bleeding during early pregnancy
Bleeding during early pregnancy can be caused by a variety of things that range from standard physiological changes to conditions requiring more serious medical attention. Between 15 and 25 percent of women experience spotting in early pregnancy, and while it’s important to monitor your condition with your doctor, bleeding in early pregnancy doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Many women give birth to healthy babies and experience uneventful pregnancies after experiencing spotting in the first trimester. Some of the causes of spotting and bleeding include:
- Implantation bleeding
Implantation bleeding is a mild form of bleeding that occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. This usually happens around the time when you are supposed to have your period and can easily be mistaken for it. Implantation bleeding is lighter and shorter than normal menstruation and can be accompanied by mild pain and cramping.
- Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels during early pregnancy can lead to light bleeding. Rising levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can make the cervix more sensitive, causing light bleeding after physical activity or sexual intercourse.
- Changes in the cervix
After conception, the cervix may become more sensitive and bleed slightly. This may be due to the increased blood supply and changes in the tissues of the cervix. Such bleeding is usually mild and is not a cause for serious concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or unusual discharge.
- Polyps or infections
In rare cases, bleeding can be the result of polyps or cervical infections. Polyps are benign growths that can bleed when irritated. Infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections, can also cause bleeding and should be treated promptly.
- Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube. This can cause heavy bleeding and severe pain and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include severe abdominal pain, dizziness and weakness.
