Can you get pregnant about seven or eight days before your period starts?

Whether pregnancy can occur about seven to eight days before the expected menstrual period depends on the ovulation status. For women with regular menstrual cycles, ovulation has usually already passed by this time, making the likelihood of pregnancy low. However, if the menstrual cycle is irregular or ovulation is delayed, a woman may still be in her fertile window, and pregnancy is possible. The detailed analysis is as follows:

For women with regular 28- to 30-day menstrual cycles, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next period. After ovulation, the egg remains viable for approximately 12 to 24 hours. Seven to eight days before the next period, the egg has likely already lost its viability. Even with intercourse, sperm would have difficulty fertilizing the egg, resulting in a low probability of pregnancy.

If a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular and frequently delayed, ovulation may also be postponed accordingly. In such cases, she might still be in her ovulation phase seven to eight days before the expected period. If the egg is still viable, fertilization can occur after intercourse, leading to pregnancy. Additionally, factors such as emotional fluctuations and excessive stress may occasionally delay ovulation, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy.

In daily life, if pregnancy is not currently planned, reliable contraceptive methods—such as condoms—should be used during intercourse regardless of whether it is the ovulation period. Relying on the "safe period" for contraception is not recommended.