Can you be pregnant and still menstrate?

In most cases, no, a person cannot be pregnant and still menstruate. Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining that occurs when a fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus. If an egg is fertilized and implanted, the menstrual cycle stops, and menstruation does not occur.

However, there are some rare cases in which a person may experience what is known as a "false period" while pregnant. This is usually caused by a sudden drop in progesterone levels, which can cause the uterine lining to shed even though a fertilized egg has implanted. False periods typically occur early in pregnancy and are shorter and lighter than normal periods.

If you think you may be pregnant, even if you have experienced bleeding, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm.