That's completely normal. I'm not sure why, but don't be worried by anything.
a week
Most definitely yes.
Yes, many women stop menstruating while taking the pill.
I am not sure; individual cases may vary; however, I am having the same problem. I started spotting in Sept. 08. My period came on full force the first week in Oct. I have have been spotting since then. In other words, my period has been on the entire month of Oct. thus far. (it's Oct. 15th now). I am going to go get checked for fibroids. My sister has them and they told her she had to go on the pill to stop her bleeding. I don't want the pill, but I can always get the fibriods removed.
It is very likely you will have some spotting and possibly an altered cycle if us stop BCP mid-cycle. I don't think calling it bad is accurate - just not something you should do if you can help it, because of the irregular cycle it will cause.
This is called break through bleeding, if it continues talk to your doctor about changing pills.
You should not stop taking your pills unless directed so by your physician. Since birth control will not protect you from pregnancy during the first week, you have a high chance of becoming pregnant if you have had unprotected intercourse during that week or after that week. You may also experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding. This is a side effect that may occur when you begin or end birth control.
Some women have spotting after using emergency contraception, and others don't. Your next period could come a week earlier or later than expected, or right on time.
Yes take a pill once every day at the same time. Even if your period starts before you get to the end of the pill pack. This is normal. Do not stop taking your pills or you could get pregnant.
Some women can skip a period by starting the next pack of pills early, shortening or eliminating the pill free week. Other women may have unscheduled bleeding or spotting as a result. There is no increased risk of pregnancy from doing so.
The placebo pill is taken so you have the habit of taking the birth control pill, even during your period. So your period should happen the week your placebo is taken. So if you are taking the pill and you have missed a pill and then doubled up or just missed the pill sometimes you can spot brown. Sometimes you can spot brown at the very end of your cycle. It could also be the birth control pill you are taking isn't the right one for you. Contact your physician if you are following the directions of the prescription and spotting mid cycle. i always skip placebo pills since they are only needed to remind you to the the pill at the same time every day. you get your period when you are supposed to start placebos. Brown spotting is a "period" and happens to me all the time.
Same thing happened to me after getting off the pill. I later found out that I had been pregnant while experiencing the horrible cramps. I suggest taking a pregnancy test.