Pregnancy Symptoms with Regular Periods: Possible Causes & What to Do

Question
Hi my name is Amber and I have been experiencing a lot of pregnancy symptoms like breast hurting all over, nipple discharge, Fatigue all the time. But the thing is that I have had a regular period. My mother in law told me that her friend had a regular period and she was having the same symptoms that I am having now and the doctor told her that she is pregnant. The same thing happend to her friends daughter and they both were trying to get pregnant and now here they are having babies when they had their periods too. I have an appt with my gyn this Thursday and I want to ask him questions about it but how do I ask him? Oh and another thing my tummy is hard and bloated too.. Can you tell me if I am pregnant or if it's possible?
                   
                                       Amber

Answer
Hi Amber!

Full flowing regular periods, certainly do not indicate a period.

However, just know that in early pregnancy spotting, and light bleeds are not uncommon.

The most common type of bleed in early pregnancy is called implantation bleeding. When the fertilized egg implants itself into your uterus, it can cause spotting, or light bleeding. Its usually associated with a mild period like cramp, and its usually described as brown in colour. Now this usually happens shortly after conception. And its frequently mistaken for a period, because it feels like one. And its also not uncommon for some ladies to see the effects of implantation bleeding later in pregnancy, but definately before the 12 week mark.

You definately need to see your doctor, and I am glad to made an appointment. Your doctor might also agree that pregnancy certainly could be a viable possibility, and that you could be seeing the effects of implantation.

If you're tested and it comes back negative, then this is most likely a hormonal imbalance issue. Hormonal imbalances will often mimic pregnancy symptoms to a tee. But the only way to know, is to have the blood work done.

If you are unsure how to talk to your doctor about this, simply just tell him that you are having pregnancy symptoms and you are confused if what you are experiencing is a period bleed, or an implantation bleed. From there, he will evaluate your condition and take the appropriate steps to investigate.

I hope this is of some help, and thanks for writing!

-Kristy