Did You Know You Can Get Pregnant During Your Periods? Here's How

While most of us believe that it's impossible to get pregnant while you are in your periods because of the simple biology taught to us in 10th class, this belief is wrong. You can get pregnant in your periods. The simple way to understand this concept is to first realize that when you talk about pregnancy, it's all a matter of chance. And the chance of you getting pregnant at 'that time of the month' is not 0%. It's a positive number that researchers and gynecologists estimate is somewhere between 1-15%.

So what's the science behind it?

Let's start with the basics. When our ovaries is ready with a matured egg, it releases the egg. This process is called ovulation. The egg is then sucked by the nearest Fallopian tube (there are 2 in your body) to transport it to the uterus. This Fallopian tube is the area of your body where the egg has a chance to get fertilized by the sperm. If conception doesn't happen, the egg is shed along with your uterine lining- that had grown thick to protect the fertilized egg- and this process is called your period.

Now consider this. Most women have a menstrual cycle that lasts for 28 days. This is the time between the first day of your period till the first day of your next period. Ovulation generally happens on the 14th day, which is exactly in between of your menstrual cycle. And an egg can survive for up to 24 hours while sperms can live for about 5 days and sometimes even 7.

So according to this calculation, the time when you are most fertile will be during your ovulation, or to be more precise, in your 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th day. And period will be from day 1 till day 6.

Also read: 10 reasons for delayed periods

But sometimes, your menstrual cycle may be short. If the gap between your periods is less than 22 days, your periods can immediately be followed by ovulation or there may only be a 3-4 day gap between them. This means that if you have intercourse without protection on the last or even the 5th day of your period and ovulate after it, the sperms will still be alive and ready to fertilize the egg when it comes down. If you naturally have short cycles, then you are definitely at a greater risk of pregnancy.

The chances are elevated even in women who have blood spotting between periods. This is because the time is too close for ovulation and if you mistake this vaginal bleeding for a period and have unprotected sex, pregnancy may be on the cards for you. Spotting generally occurs due to hormonal imbalance, thyroid irregularity, structural issue, abnormality of the cervix, or a vaginal infection.

Watch out for signs like abdominal cramping, spotting, breast tenderness and moodiness after you have intercourse. They can occur just after 2 weeks and can mean pregnancy.

Using contraception, through pills, implants or condoms during intercourse is usually the best way to ward off any risks. It's also important to keep a good track of your menstrual cycle and know your body well.

Also Read: Early menstruation can be harmful for your lung health