You can't get pregnant during your period

Shape, Nov, 2008 by Jenna Autuori

Forget what your college roommate told you: "You can ovulate--and get pregnant--when you're menstruating," says Lovera Wolf Miller, M.D., an ob-gyn in Michigan City, Indiana. Although it varies by woman, the typical monthly cycle lasts 28 days. "The egg is released about a week after your period has ended, or on day 14," says Miller.

"But the problem is that many women experience irregular cycles from time to time." That means that if you have a short one, it's possible to ovulate a week early, while you're still menstruating. Play it safe by using a contraceptive every time, or consider taking birth control pills.