Technically speaking, you cannot have a true period and be pregnant at the same time, since a period indicates release of materials that lead to pregnancy. However, there is the possibility that you are having bleeding in early pregnancy that can be mistaken for a period. Some of the causes of bleeding in early pregnancy can be:
– Implantation bleeding. This occurs when the embryo burrows into the wall of the uterus and occurs around 5 days after ovulation. The timing is such that it could appear to be an early menstrual period.
– Birth control pills. If you get pregnant while you are on the pill, you may have intermittent bleeding before you it is obvious that you’re pregnant.
– Ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fetus is not inside the uterus. This can cause bleeding.
– Threatened, completed or uncompleted miscarriage. Bleeding during early pregnancy can indicate that a miscarriage has occurred or may occur.
If bleeding during early pregnancy is confused for a period, it can lead to confusion regarding your due date. If this is the case, an ultrasound may provide a more accurate due date.