By Elise
Birthday rules: make a wish!
But let's start with a little quiz: “What are the birthday rules? »
- Answer a: Periods that we celebrate once a year with a super cake
- Answer b: The ten commandments of a truly successful birthday
- Answer c: Periods that you only have once a year (because it's so much more convenient)
- Answer d: Bleeding in early pregnancy on or near the usual day of menstruation
If you didn't choose answer d, it might be time to fill in the gaps. Otherwise, a little reminder never hurts! Knowing your body also means avoiding health problems. And this is all the more important when you are expecting a baby.
The birthday rules: explanation
Wrongly, we call “anniversary periods” metrorrhagia, bleeding that can occur at the beginning of pregnancy, generally on the usual date of menstruation or very close. It's not uterine lining to shed when our monthly egg isn't fertilized. On the contrary, it is bleeding due to the implantation of an embryo. It is therefore not menstrual blood but blood from small vessels that rupture when the egg implants in the wall of the uterus. This phenomenon occurs on average ten days after fertilization, and can fall on the day when you would have had your period if you were not pregnant.
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Should I be worried if I have anniversary periods?
First, if you didn't know you were pregnant, bleeding is a good indicator. Of course you will have to confirm your condition with a pregnancy test - the blood test remains the most reliable way.
Then, during pregnancy, one in four women experience bleeding during the first trimester. If it is the famous "anniversary periods", identifiable by their pinkish or brown color (different from that of menstruation) and not painful (a slight tightness) there is no need to worry. They should only last a day or two. For your comfort you can these days wear menstrual panties rather than a sanitary napkin containing harmful endocrine disruptors for babies.
What if my bleeding is frequent or painful?
- Bleeding during pregnancy can have other causes than anniversary periods, and it is important to consult your gynecologist or your midwife in the slightest doubt. Heavy bleeding, dark in color or accompanied by pain may be a sign of a miscarriage or a complication. They can also alert on an ectopic pregnancy.
- Apart from pregnancy, bleeding out of period or on the contraceptive pill should be the subject of a consultation if they are frequent. Called " spotting ", they are mostly harmless but can sometimes be a sign of an STD.
The case of pregnancy denial
You can finally have your period while being pregnant without knowing it, while keeping your usual menstrual cycle. This phenomenon is called denial of pregnancy. But don't worry, this is a rare phenomenon that is explained by an unconscious defense mechanism...
