GETTING your period is usually a pretty sure sign that you're not pregnant – as your period happens in place of an egg becoming fertilised.

But it is actually possible for a woman to get pregnant at any time of the month – even while they are having their period.

Can you get pregnant on your period?

Yes, you can get pregnant while on your period – but it’s one of the less likely times of the month for it to happen.

The chances of getting pregnant on your period are higher if you have a short menstrual cycle and early ovulation.

Your period starts on day one of your menstrual cycle, and most people ovulate around the middle of the cycle.

So, with a 28 day cycle, the time you are most likely to get pregnant is days 11 to 21.

Sperm survives up to five days in your body – so if you ovulate (i.e. release an egg) early, it is possible to have sex on your period and get pregnant, because the sperm is still alive when you become fertile.

Can you get pregnant a couple of days after your period has finished?

Yes, you can get pregnant in the couple of days after your period has finished – but, again, it is one of the less likely times in your cycle.

After your period starts, your cycle is moving closer to ovulation, and to your fertile phase, which is roughly days 11 to 21 in a 28-day cycle.

The closer you have sex to your fertile phase, the more likely you are to get pregnant.

Sperm can live up to five days in your body, so if you have a short cycle and early ovulation your chances of getting pregnant in the days just after your period are much higher.

Can you get pregnant just before your period?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant in the days just before your period – but this is the least likely time in your cycle for this to happen.

By this point in your cycle, you have ovulated and the egg has died if your cycle is very regular.

Even if the sperm lives for five days in your body, it is unlikely to still be around after your period and by the time you become fertile again.

That said, bodies and menstrual cycles can be unpredictable, and you are always risking pregnancy if you don’t use contraception.

Source: Read Full Article