Bleeding During Pregnancy: Causes and When to Seek Help

It is quite common to have vaginal spotting or bleeding during pregnancy. Up to one in every four women (up to 25%) experience mild spotting or bleeding in pregnancy.

Bleeding and spotting during pregnancy do not always indicate an issue, but they can be an indication of miscarriage or more serious problems. Miscarriage occurs when there is loss of a pregnancy before completing twenty weeks of gestation.

Call your doctor if you see any spotting or bleeding, regardless of whether it stops. It may not be serious; however, your doctor should look into what is the reason behind it.

Keep reading to learn about the common reasons for bleeding in pregnancy at different phases and when to seek help.

Understanding Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

While spotting during 1 month pregnancy can occur due to the implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining and is generally harmless. However, it should not be overlooked, as it could be an indication of a problem more serious. That is why it is always a good idea to inform your healthcare care provider if you experience vaginal bleeding at any point in your pregnancy.

Bleeding during pregnancy may happen at different phases as well as for different reasons.

First Trimester

Possible reasons for vaginal bleeding in pregnancy— the first trimester— include:

• Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilised egg implants and grows outside of the womb)
• Implantation bleeding (when the fertilised egg implants into the uterine lining, occurring approximately 10 to 14 days post-conception)
• Miscarriage (loss of pregnancy before completing 20th weeks of pregnancy)
• Cervical and vaginal problems (e.g., cervix polyps, cervical infection, vaginal growths or warts)

Second/Third Trimester

Possible reasons for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy— second/third trimester —include:

• Miscarriage (pregnancy loss within the 20 weeks of gestation)
• Incompetent cervix (when the cervix opens prematurely, causing preterm birth)
• Placenta previa (when the placenta conceals the cervix, causing severe bleeding)
• Placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall)
• Placenta accreta (when the placenta extends too far into the wall of the uterus)
• Premature labour (starting labour too early may result in light bleeding)
• Cervical and vaginal problems (e.g., cervix polyps, cervical infection, vaginal growths or warts)
• Uterine rupture (tearing open of the uterus along the scar from a previous C-section or other uterine surgery)
• Bloody show (light bleeding along with mucus at the end of gestation, indicating the start of labour)

Bright Red Bleeding After a Positive Pregnancy Test: Is It Normal?

Spotting or bleeding during the early stages of pregnancy is commonly encountered and does not always indicate a miscarriage. Many women who have bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy go on to have healthy babies.

In some situations, bleeding can indicate a miscarriage. If you are bleeding during pregnancy, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for determining the cause.

Bleeding During Pregnancy—When to Seek Medical Help

If you are bleeding at any point during your pregnancy, consult your medical professional for guidance and assistance.

You should get in touch with your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if:

• You are experiencing heavy bleeding, i.e., soaking more than two pads every hour or passing big clots of blood
• You are having foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• You are having pain in the abdomen or shoulder
• You are feeling dizziness or fainting
• You are having shortness of breath
• You develop fever and/or chills

Coping with Pregnancy Bleeding: Tips for Self-Care

Following are some of the measures you can take for coping up with vaginal bleeding during pregnancy:

• Refrain from engaging in sexual activity until the doctor says it is okay to do so again.
• If your cramping and bleeding are severe, consume plenty of fluids.
• Refrain from travelling
• You may need to limit your activities or be placed on bed rest. Your doctor will discuss the exact type of activity modifications you may be required to make.
• In the majority of circumstances, medicine is not required. Refrain from taking any medication without consulting with your doctor.
• Avoid activities such as intense exercise or lifting heavy items.

It is important that you follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for the safety of both the baby and the mother.

Takeaway

Bleeding during pregnancy can be concerning. It is natural that your thoughts can turn to something negative. However, before you panic, try to take it easy and remain calm. Bleeding in pregnancy is not always dangerous and might resolve on its own. Your healthcare provider is the most appropriate person to advise you if bleeding during pregnancy is concerning.

If you experience any vaginal bleeding whilst pregnant, contact your provider right away. Pay attention to the colour and quantity of bleeding. Your provider should be aware of any bleeding, no matter how light it may seem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a difference between bleeding and spotting?

Spotting refers to light bleeding. It occurs when there are a few drops of blood onto your panties. Bleeding happens when the flow of blood is heavy enough to require a pad or panty liner to prevent the blood from ruining your underwear.

Is bleeding during pregnancy always indicative of miscarriage?

No, not every instance of pregnancy bleeding indicates a miscarriage. Certain reasons, such as implantation bleeding or changes in the cervix, are harmless.

Is it normal to get period-like bleeding when pregnant?

Bleeding resembling your period during pregnancy is not typical. Some bleeding is not always an indicator of a problem, but severe bleeding may indicate a complication.

Can intercourse induce bleeding during pregnancy?

Yes, since there is an increased flow of blood to the cervix during sexual activity, some women may experience mild spotting after sexual activity.

When does the bleeding stop during pregnancy?

Spotting during pregnancy tends to occur in the first trimester, but it can also happen in the later stages of pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you see bleeding or spotting during pregnancy to find out the cause whether, it is normal or a cause of concern.