Here are some of the frequently asked questions about early pregnancy issues.

Can i still have my period during pregnancy ?

Some pregnant women do have light, irregular bleeding during pregnancy. This may be confused with normal period because it usually comes around the time when you expect your period. However this bleeding shouldnt be like your normal period. This spotting or irregular bleeding should not be enough to fill a tampon or pad and is usually light pink or dark brown in color.  Bleeding that fills a pad or tampon is a good indication that you are probably  not pregnant.

I am having symptoms of early pregnancy even though my period was heavy ?

If you are having symptoms of pregnancy but  had a heavy period, then you may want to see your health care provider right away. This could be a sign of infection, hormonal imbalance or a miscarriage.

Is is normal to be cramping during pregnancy ?

Light cramping early in pregnancy is normal. This cramping feels like light menstrual cramps throughout the lower abdomen or on one side or the other. This is usually the result of changes occurring in the uterus as the implanted egg begins to grow and develop.

A cyst known as corpus luteum cyst can occur on the ovary during ovulation. This cyst can cause discomfort during  early pregnancy. The cyst produces progesterone until the placenta is formed enough to produce it’s own  progesterone.

Is it possible to determine the  exact date of delivery ?

Figuring out the exact date of conception is not so easy. It is assumed that  a woman with a regular menstrual cycle will be ovulating during certain time of the month.

Conception takes place during ovulation because that is when the egg is made available. However most women do not ovulate at the exact date every month. Sperms can also live in the body 3 to 5 days after intercourse. As a result, determining the exact date of conception can be difficult.

Most doctors  use  the last date of menstrual period as well as an ultrasound  to determine the gestation of the baby. However these are all estimations. Due dates are not an accurate tool for determining  conception because they are also estimations.

If i had a negative pregnancy test after i missed my period, could i still be pregnant ?

A negative pregnancy test could mean the following :

• you are not pregnant
• you took the test too early
• you took the test wrong

Pregnancy test vary in their sensitivities  in detecting the pregnancy hormone hCG. Your body may not have  enough time to produce enough hormone that will show up on the test. If you let the test sit for too long, it can also give you an invalid result. You need to follow instructions carefully and wait until you miss your period. Some people get positive results a  day after they miss their period and others may have to wait for about for a couple of weeks to get positive results.