Despite common misconception, it’s actually possible to get pregnant on your period. Here’s what you need to know. Most people have menstrual cycles that last 26 to 34 days, and if someone with this cycle has an average two- to eight-day period, they will probably not get pregnant during their period.

The chances of becoming pregnant are much lower before and after the fertile window, but it is still possible, and there are several factors to consider. According to a 2018 study, a person is most likely to get pregnant between the 8th and 13thTrusted Source day of the menstrual cycle. This means that the likelihood of a person becoming pregnant during their period is low.

The fertile window usually occurs in the middle of a person’s cycle. This window lasts a few days before ovulation and ends a day after ovulation. People are most likely to become pregnant during this time.

Also, if a woman who bleeds during ovulation and mistakes it for period has intercourse, she can get pregnant. This is because a man’s sperm can live in a woman for 72 hours after it has been released.