Bleeding During Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is bleeding coming through the vagina during pregnancy, for any reason.

Up to 10% of women have vaginal bleeding at some time during their pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months (first trimester). Bleeding is even more common with twins.

Bleeding during pregnancy can be a frightening experience. There are several reasons why bleeding may occur in pregnant women. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can pose a serious risk to you or your baby. Vaginal bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy often complicates many pregnancies. Heavy bleeding during late pregnancy can be an indicator of a problem with the placenta.

Some common causes on bleeding during pregnancy are:

1. Implantation of placenta in the uterus
Many women after the first 10-14 days of fertilization experience spotting or bleeding. It happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This kind of bleeding is lighter and spottier in color than a normal menstrual period.

2. Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
Spotting or bleeding can be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping.

3. Placental problems or premature labor
In the second or third trimester, bleeding or spotting can be a sign of a serious condition such as placenta previa, placental abruption, a late miscarriage, or premature labor.

4. Molar pregnancy
Bleeding is the most common symptom of molar pregnancy. However this is an uncommon cause of bleeding in the first trimester. In this condition an abnormal mass forms inside the uterus after fertilization instead of a baby.

5. Cervical changes
This is also a normal kind of bleeding. During pregnancy there is an increase in the blood supply and blood flow to the cervix, therefore many may go through light spotting after a sexual intercourse or any contact to this area.

6. Infection
Some cervical infections cause bleeding in early pregnancy.

7. Uterine rupture
Rarely, the uterus tears open along the scar line from a prior C-section. This may cause vaginal bleeding, intense abdominal pain and abdominal tenderness.

These can also include a possible yeast infection, urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis or hemorrhoids.  Some sort of cervical infections and even unstable hormones can be the causes behind your vaginal spotting.

Bleeding During Early Pregnancy
Bleeding during early pregnancy is fairly common, with about 1 in 4 women experiencing symptoms during their first trimester. Some women will notice light bleeding about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This is called implantation bleeding, and is caused by the egg implanting itself in your uterus. As the egg finds a home for itself in your uterus, it may disrupt the lining just a little bit, causing light bleeding. This bleeding should only last a couple of days and be fairly light.

Bleeding During Later Stages
Bleeding can also occur during your second trimester and third trimester. Bleeding may be a sign of early or preterm labor. Miscarriage, or stillbirth, is still a possibility at the later stages of pregnancy. Heavy bleeding usually involves a problem with the placenta. The two most common causes at this time are placental abruption and placenta previa. Preterm labor also can cause such bleeding. Late bleeding may pose a threat to the health of the woman or the fetus. It may require treatment in a hospital or delivery.

When to contact a Doctor?
If you have any vaginal bleeding that lasts more than a day, contact your health care provider within the next 24 hours. Contact him or her immediately if you:

1. Experience moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding
2. Experience any amount of vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever or chills
3. Pass tissue from your vagina.

Other symptoms are pain, cramping, fever, chills and contractions.

Treatment
Treatment for spotting or vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy depends on the causes. Usually slight bleeding will stop on its

own but don’t risk the life of mother and fetus so rush to hospital as soon as possible. Women with rhesus negative blood groups like O- or A- should see the doctor within 72 hours. Go for all physical exams, lab tests and ultrasound to access the status of the pregnancy and explain the type of bleeding in detail to the doctor. Do not use tampons while bleeding during anytime of pregnancy.

Note

To help prevent a miscarriage or other problems during pregnancy:

• Avoid smoking and using drugs of any kind, including alcohol.

• Eat a well-balanced diet.

• Get regular medical checkups.

Other possible causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy:

• Early labor (bloody show)

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Infection of the cervix

• Trauma to the cervix from intercourse (small amount of bleeding)

Other diseases and medications can cause bleeding during pregnancy. The causes may differ depending on your age.

Characteristics of the bleeding can indicate its causes. These include:

• Length of bleeding

• Quality (light or heavy bleeding, with or without pain)

• What makes the bleeding better

• What makes the bleeding worse

Home Care

Avoid sexual intercourse until you know the cause of the bleeding. Drink only fluids if the bleeding and cramping are severe.

If a miscarriage occurs, expect a small amount of vaginal bleeding for up to 10 days. Avoid using tampons for 2 to 4 weeks.

Medication is usually not necessary — don’t take any medication without talking to your doctor.

What to Expect at Your Doctor Visit

Your health care provider will get a medical history and will perform a physical examination.

The doctor may ask you the following questions:

• Time pattern

Have you had bleeding before during this pregnancy?
When did the bleeding begin?
Has it been constant since the beginning of the pregnancy?
How far along is the pregnancy?

• Quality

How much are you bleeding?
Do you have cramping?

• Aggravating factors

Have you been injured, such as in a fall?
Have you had changes in physical activity?
Have you been under extra stress?
Did the bleeding occur during or after sexual intercourse?

• Relieving factors

Does rest reduce or stop the bleeding?

• Other

What other symptoms do you have?
Do you have a fever?
Do you have an illness?
Do you have pain in your abdomen?
Are you weak or very tired?
Are you fainting or dizzy?
Do you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
Are there changes in urination?
Are there changes in bowel movements?

• Other important information

Is there an IUD in place?
What medications are you taking?
Have you had previous problems during a pregnancy?
Have you had sexual intercourse recently?

The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.

Tests that may be performed include:

• Blood tests

• Ultrasound of the abdomen or pregnancy ultrasound

Your doctor may recommend:

• For an infection of the vagina or cervix: antibiotics that are safe for the baby.

• For bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy: surgery or medical treatment to remove the growing embryo and control internal bleeding.

• For a miscarriage: antibiotics to fight infection, and blood transfusions for severe blood loss.

• For vaginal bleeding caused by placenta previa: bed rest in the hospital, at least until the bleeding stops. A cesarean section if it is close to the delivery date, or if the bleeding continues.

Related Posts:

1. Cramps During Pregnancy
2. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
3. Sex During Pregnancy Do’s And Don’ts
4. Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy
5. Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms Information
6. Signs and Symptoms of Labor
7. Preterm Labor – What is Preterm Labor
8. Ectopic Pregnancy
9. Preterm Labor – Preterm Labor Suspicious Signs
10. Sexual disorders after childbirth