Dear Oshiri,

Pregnant women cannot have a regular period. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus, which is made of blood and tissue, leaves the body through the vagina. When a woman is pregnant, the fertilized egg attaches itself to this lining of the uterus, so it does not leave the body.

If a woman seems to be menstruating normally, it is highly unlikely that she is pregnant. Usually the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. However, some pregnant women may get light spotting during the first couple months of pregnancy that may seem like a period — but this is rare. If a woman is experiencing other symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, headaches, and sore or enlarged breasts, she should take a pregnancy test just to be sure.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.