Yes, it's possible to get pregnant right after, on, or even just before your period. The likelihood of getting pregnant varies depending on timing and the length of your cycle. Show
If you're trying to get pregnant, the best time to have sex is just before or during ovulation. If you're not trying to get pregnant, use reliable contraception no matter which day of your cycle it is. Here's a rundown of your chances of getting pregnant during your period, and on the days before and after it. Can you get pregnant on your period?Yes, but it's unlikely. It's possible to get pregnant during your period when:
Here's why you could get pregnant during your period: Ovulation happens during the middle of your menstrual cycle – anywhere between 7 and 19 days before your period starts. During ovulation, an egg reaches maturity in one of your two ovaries, the ovary releases the egg into your abdomen, and it gets sucked into the nearest fallopian tube, where it can survive for about 24 hours. Conception occurs when an egg and sperm meet in a fallopian tube. A typical menstrual cycle is 28 days, which usually leaves a good few days between the end of your period and the start of ovulation. But some women have cycles as short as 22 days. If you have a short cycle or long periods, you could ovulate right after your period ends. And because sperm can survive in your reproductive tract for up to five days, if you have sex during your period, it's possible that live sperm will be there when you ovulate, ready to fertilize the egg. Can you get pregnant right after your period?Yes. Immediately after your period is still not the ideal time to get pregnant, but you are more likely to conceive at this time than during your period. That's because you're closer to the time when you will ovulate. Again, two factors can increase your chances of getting pregnant right after your period:
The shorter your cycle and the longer your period, the more likely it is that you'll be fertile during the last few days of your period or in the days just afterward. Can you get pregnant right before your period?Yes, but it's unlikely, and chances are even lower that you could conceive during this time than while you are on your period or right after it. That's because the time you are fertile has probably passed. However, if you have a menstrual cycle that is shorter than the typical 28 days, there are fewer days between ovulation and the start of your next period during which you are not fertile. That means your chances of getting pregnant right before your period are higher if you have a shorter cycle and lower if you have a longer cycle. Learn more:
Getting pregnant just after your period is unlikely, but it’s not impossible. Getting pregnant just after your period is unlikely, but it’s not impossible. The chances of getting pregnant are low right after periods compared to a few days or a week in the menstrual cycle:
Is it safe to have sex during periods?Unprotected sex during periods is not advisable. Having unprotected sex, whether oral, anal, or vaginal, always leads to a higher risk of infection owing to skin-to-skin genital contact. While it is often considered safe to have sex during periods, it may lead to a risk of infection due to vaginal discharge. Yeast infection is the most common infection acquired during period sex. Implementing birth control measures, such as using a condom, may lower your chances of contracting infections and getting pregnant. There are a few common benefits of having protected sex during periods, such as:
SLIDESHOWStages of Pregnancy: Week by Week See SlideshowWhat are the most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy?Many of the signs and symptoms differ from person to person. Below are a few common signs and symptoms that may indicate early pregnancy:
Health NewsHow soon can I take a pregnancy test?You can take a pregnancy test on the first day of a missed period. You may take a pregnancy test as soon as you miss a period or if your period is late.
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible if you miss your period or if you think you might be pregnant. Knowing about your pregnancy early helps you plan accordingly and seek the necessary care. You must read the instructions in your test kit to know about the accuracy of the test and how and when to perform it. Some pregnancy tests claim that they can give results a few days before a missed period. The results of testing this early are often less accurate. Certain pregnancy tests may detect pregnancy hormones as soon as 10 days after unprotected intercourse. These tests have higher chances of inaccuracy and giving false-positive or false-negative test results. QUESTIONThe first sign of pregnancy is most often: See AnswerHow do pregnancy tests work?Pregnancy tests are a quick and easy means to know whether you are pregnant. Most at-home pregnancy tests work by detecting the levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine.
Most pregnancy tests can be taken beginning on the first day of your missed period. Because the HCG concentration increases rapidly (doubling every two to three days), taking a test early may not be accurate enough. Refer to the label instructions in your test kit to know the best time to take the test.
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?Home pregnancy tests are quite accurate and reliable when you use them correctly. Most of the tests available at drugstores claim that they work 99 out of 100 times. Their accuracy is similar to that of a urine pregnancy test that you get in a doctor’s office or hospital.
You may want to visit your healthcare provider if you are not confident about the result of your pregnancy test. Subscribe to MedicineNet's Pregnancy & Newborns NewsletterBy clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time. Medically Reviewed on 2/24/2022 References Am I pregnant? Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy: (https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/early-signs-of-pregnancy-64319) Can I get pregnant just after my period has finished? (https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/can-i-get-pregnant-just-after-my-period-has-finished/) Medscape Medical Reference Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940 Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/pregnancy-tests |