Is it possible to be pregnant and still have a period? If the answer is yes, why might this occur?

-- Patti

It is possible to be pregnant and still have bleeding. It's a matter of semantics whether one can really call such bleeding a "period." Many women will have a small amount of bleeding when the embryo implants in the uterus, and often this occurs at the time of an expected period. Sometimes infections that irritate the cervix can lead to bleeding in early pregnancy, many times following intercourse. Small separations of the placenta can produce bleeding. Women who are starting to miscarry will bleed.

The bottom line is if you think you may possibly be pregnant, even if you are having bleeding, you should do a pregnancy test. If you know you are pregnant and are bleeding, notify your doctor.