Scarleteen

Hello!
I recently went to my nurse to get more pills, and she told me that if you were pregnant on the pill, you would still get your withdrawal bleed. I had always thought that it was a sign you were most likely not pregnant. She didn't seem very sure of her answer, but I was wondering if she was right or wrong? If you had more than two withdrawal bleeds, is that a sign you aren't pregnant? If someone could just explain how the withdrawal bleed works in terms of pregnancy, that would be great!
Thank you

Hi daisydaisy,

Yes, she was incorrect, someone who is pregnant will not get their period (or their withdrawl bleed). So, if you're on the pill and have a pregnancy scare, getting a withdrawl bleed will signal that you're not pregnant (although we recommend testing as the best way to get a concrete answer).

Thank you for confirming she is wrong? Can I just ask, if the withdrawal bleed is not a real period, how can it mean you're not pregnant? I'm just really curious as to how it all works!

Hi Daisy,

I think a good place to start is with this article (it actually addresses you initial question, but also discusses the mechanics of the pill):
Three questions about taking the birth control pill (and plenty of answers)