Pregnancy

Bleeding and Cramping During Pregnancy: Causes & Cure

People think bleeding or pain in early pregnancy is normal and sometimes do not even try to know the actual causes of it and when to face a doctor.

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase of every woman’s life. It comes with an incredibly eternal feeling along with a lot of changes in your life. Not every pregnancy faces complications. Also, it is very common to face serious situations during or after the period.

One such problem is bleeding during pregnancy. A pregnant woman can face bleeding in the first or last trimester or maybe in between any trimester. Cramping is another health issue from which anyone pregnant can suffer.

Is it normal to bleed and have cramps during early pregnancy?
Is it normal to bleed and have cramps during early pregnancy?

Is it normal to bleed and have cramps during early pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman goes through a lot of hormonal, mental, and other physical changes. At this very moment, a very slight change needs to be diagnosed as soon as it comes. Your body grows as the baby grows inside the womb. To adjust to the hormones, and body changes, Cramping occurs deliberately.

It may stay for a few minutes. You may have growing pains or joint muscle pain, or pelvic pain. On the other hand, bleeding without blood clots is also normal. There are hundreds of reasons why bleeding may occur implantation site, infection, sexual intercourse, and hormones. There is nothing to worry about if you bleed for these reasons.

This does not bring any harm to you or the baby. But if you are suffering from heavy bleeding because of ectopic, molar, hematoma, or ectropion then you may need to worry and take action. These types of bleeding are not normal and cause early miscarriages or termination of pregnancy.

Bleeding and cramping during pregnancy
Bleeding and cramping during pregnancy

Bleeding and cramping during pregnancy: Explanation

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is barely common and if it occurs then it might be an indication of a major problem. It may have many causes but sometimes it is not scary at all. 20% out of 100 women may experience vaginal bleeding in their first trimester which is not a matter of tension but bleeding later in the next trimester can be a serious issue.

Spotting at an early age or later may be a serious or non-serious issue. The light bleed may occur in the 1 or 2 weeks after fertilization. It does not take long if it occurs in the first trimester. Sometimes blood spotting may stay only for one or two hours. There can be non-serious and serious issues for bleeding during early pregnancy. The non-serious reasons include:

  1. Implantation site
  2. Infection
  3. Sex
  4. Hormones

Then comes the serious issues that may happen to cause bleeding when you are pregnant. Such as:

  1. Ectopic pregnancy:
    This pregnancy starts in the fallopian tube which means outside of the uterus where the fetus doesn’t survive.
  2. Molar pregnancy:
    In this case, an implanted fertilized egg doesn’t survive in the uterus.
  3. A Miscarriage:
    A miscarriage may cause early bleeding or heavy bleeding because that is anyone may lose her baby.
  4. Hematoma:
    It is a kind of small area, bruising which may lead to mild bleeding from the vagina.

Cramping and pain are familiar words in pregnancy. Feeling mild cramping in the lower abdomen is quite natural as your body starts preparing for the baby. The uterus grows as the body/belly grows. As this growth may cause some stretching, stretching, or tugging just like one faces menstrual cramps.

The pain only lasts for a couple of minutes in the lower abdomen or lower back. Also, you may suffer from muscle and pelvic joint pains at the end of the first trimester. These happen as the joints get extremely influenced by pregnancy hormones.

Heavy bleeding during pregnancy
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy

Heavy bleeding during pregnancy: Why & What to Do?

Vaginal bleeding with no blood clots in the first 3 months is considered less dangerous than heavy bleeding with clots. If you are in the early pregnancy period and you are suffering from heavy bleeding with blood clots, then it is a clear indication of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester with a heavy blood flow where all the tissues come out from the vagina through it. You cannot stop a miscarriage from happening and if your pregnancy is ectopic then the fetus will not grow. In this case, calling your gynae or visiting him/her would be the best solution because the doctor will suggest what to do next. 

Bright red blood early pregnancy no cramping
Bright red blood early pregnancy no cramping

Bright red blood early pregnancy no cramping: Why & What to Do?

Bright red blood spotting or light spotting is found normally in the first trimester as it happens for so many reasons. When the fertilized egg starts implanting itself inside the uterus, spotting or bright red bleeding may occur. It doesn’t last for long and also doesn’t cause any cramping. 

You may witness hormonal bleeding in 10 or 12 weeks of your pregnancy. If this happens, then you just do not need to worry. Take a day off, relax and think positively. But if bleeding continues for days, then you must consult your doctor and do all the checkups to identify the reason behind it.

Light period with blood clots am I pregnant
Light period with blood clots am I pregnant

Light period with blood clots am I pregnant?

Light red blood during the early stages of pregnancy may refer to so many things. it is not serious until it becomes heavy bleeding for a long time. One possible cause of this bright red bleeding in the first trimester can be implantation bleeding. 

This may happen in the first 6 to 12 weeks of conceiving. This happens when fertilized eggs start implementing themselves in the uterus. Out of 100, around 20% face bright bleeding.

Bleeding without cramping during pregnancy
Bleeding without cramping during pregnancy

Bleeding without cramping during pregnancy

As there are multiple causes for bleeding during pregnancy, one of the conditions can be bleeding without any cramping. This condition is called placenta previa.In this type, the placenta lies very low in the uterus which may cover the cervix fully or partly. 

It causes vaginal bleeding but also resolves itself in 32 or 35 weeks. But if it does not, then you may go through a cesarean birth. You may bleed without cramping if a miscarriage occurs in the first trimester. You should consult a doctor as soon as you notice it.

7 Causes of bleeding and in early pregnancy
7 Causes of bleeding in early pregnancy:

7 Causes of bleeding in early pregnancy:

There can be different causes of bleeding in early pregnancy. Some of them are given below.

1. Implantation bleeding

Implantation means the fertilized egg wants to settle down itself into the side of your womb aka uterus. It makes its own space just 6 to 12 days after you conceive. It is a part of normal development in pregnancy that causes some bleeding from your blood vessels. The blood is light pink in color and the bleeding lasts only for a couple of hours.

This does not bring any harm to the baby. Most women don’t even understand that they are going through implantation bleeding although 20% of them face this change when eggs float into their new place to get oxygen and nutrition. The bleeding is often mistaken as a light period because the symptoms are almost the same. Such as:

  1. Lower back pain
  2. Nausea
  3. Severe headache
  4. Tender breasts
  5. Mild Cramping

2. Bleeding from the cervix

During pregnancy, each and every organ, especially reproductive areas, get more sensitive than usual. hormones change every now and then which results in increased blood supply in the cervix tissues.

This sensitivity in the cervix means any pressure around the cervix area such as irritation, intercourse, or internal examination may cause light bleeding or spotting. A sensitive cervix may be called a friable one. If it’s friable before you get pregnant, then it is not a risk for you and the baby. but you should consult a doctor if bleeding happens for any reason.

3. Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy can be another reason for early pregnancy vaginal bleeding. It is not very common like a miscarriage. sources say that it only occurs in 2.5% out of all pregnancies. A pregnancy is called ectopic when the fertilized embryo mistakenly grows itself outside the uterus, most usually in the fallopian tube.

If it happens then it can be very life-threatening to the mother as the fallopian tube may burst when the embryo starts to grow inside it. it brings a serious effect on the mother’s health and fertility. If you are having an ectopic pregnancy then there is no way out to save it.

You have to terminate it with the help of professionals because a fertilized embryo can only grow inside a womb, not anywhere else. Now how will you understand that your pregnancy is not normal? There are some symptoms that may give you some lead. the symptoms are:

  1. Bleeding (Light or Heavy)
  2. severe pain similar to sharp waves
  3. devastating cramping
  4. Rectal Pressure

4. Molar pregnancy Implantation site bleeding

Molar pregnancy is a kind of pregnancy where the problem starts with a fertilized egg. In this case, the placenta doesn’t develop naturally rather placental tissue grows abnormally because of a genetic disorder. That means the egg doesn’t contain genetic order or it is not even fertilized. The fetus doesn’t grow at all and this pregnancy may cause an early miscarriage.

A molar pregnancy can never survive at all, rather it brings serious health issues. It needs professional supervision to be treated well. This can cause bleeding and cramping at the same time. This may cause the passing of molar tissues which look like small grape bunches. Bleeding starts between 6 to 12 weeks. You may suffer from bright red or dark brown bleeding, pain in the lower stomach, nausea, vomiting, and so on.

5. Haematoma or small area of bruising

Hematoma is another reason for bleeding in early pregnancy. This is called subchorionic, hematoma, or hemorrhage which happens around the embryo where membranes surround it. bruises happen in one of the membranes and that results in haematoma.

This mostly happens without any symptoms. It can be seen in ultrasound as a very small bruise. It will either be absorbed in the body or come out through the vagina. Vaginal bleeding is the only symptom. It is not harmful at all for you and the baby. It will stop naturally after a few weeks. All you can do is avoid lifting heavy things during those days.

6. Cervical erosion/ectropion

Cervical erosion, also known as ectropion, is a gynecological condition that is very benign and often occurs in women, especially in the reproductive age group. It gets developed in the woman’s cervix and can be identified during an internal examination. In the reproductive age group, the cervical epithelium gets an increased amount of exposure to estrogen hormone which causes ectropion.

It causes bleeding in the last months of pregnancy but does no harm to the baby or the mother. You don’t need to take any medication or treatment for this. You may avoid sexual intercourse or heavy exercise because that provokes bleeding.

7. Vaginal infections

Vaginal Infection is a very sensitive thing for every woman. It may happen anytime, especially during pregnancy. At this time, your immune system becomes weaker and any bacteria, viruses, or fungi can attack your vaginal area and can cause infection in the bladder or urinary tract area.

This results in vaginal bleeding in your early pregnancy. Yeast infection is another thing that is addressed as vaginitis. It is a type of inflammation that causes bleeding. You can get infected through your partner as well because sexually transmitted infections exist. These infections include symptoms like:

  1. Burning sensation while peeing
  2. White Vaginal Discharge
  3. Itching around the vagina
  4. lower abdomen pain
  5. sores in the outside part of the vagina
5 Causes of abdominal pain in early pregnancy
5 Causes of abdominal pain in early pregnancy

5 Causes of abdominal pain in early pregnancy

Abdominal pain in early pregnancy is a very common phenomenon. But the causes are many- Let’s discuss them.

1. Growing pains

The word “Growing” attached to pains may sound weird but it happens in pregnancy when the womb starts to grow. You may feel cramping and severe aching on one or both sides of your abdomen. As the uterus grows, the ligaments supporting the uterus start stretching themselves and become thin. This causes sharp pain. It can be longer or sometimes uncomfortable. 

You may take some remedies for it. Having paracetamol is not risky for your pregnancy rather it may ease your pain. You can try other comfort measures such as keeping yourself hydrated, try heat packs, or a hot shower. Try using pillows under your belly to have support.

2. Muscle and joint pain

Pregnancy brings a huge change in your body and mind. When it comes to your body, the change is massive. your body goes through so much under the influence of hormones. These hormones will bring you aches like muscles and pelvic joint pain. 

As the baby grows inside the body, the pain usually starts at the end of the first trimester. You need to keep yourself very active so that the pain may go away soon. You can take paracetamol or a pain reliever under your doctor’s guidance.

3. Constipation

Constipation is very real in every pregnancy and it is another common woe. your bowel movement becomes slower than regular and you may find a problem opening it. Drinking plenty of fluids, fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain every day is a must to avoid constipation. You should follow a healthy diet that includes peppermint water or tea.

This two help in reducing the discomfort.  you may ask your GP to give you any laxatives occasionally. You should include physical activity regularly. Many think that the pressure that constipation creates all over the body may harm the baby but there is nothing to worry about. Constipation can be stressful but does not bring any harm to the baby.

4. Urine infection

Urine infection is a very common matter during pregnancy. One in three women will definitely suffer from urine infection during this time. Urine infection brings much discomfort to your daily routine. To Prevent or cure it, you may consult with your doctor. 

Take your urine sample and get it tested as per your doctor’s advice. if it shows positive results, then you might have to take a course of antibiotics, prescribed by your doctor. To avoid urine infection, you need to take plenty of fluids and try to empty the bladder wherever you go to the toilet. Peeing after sexual intercourse will also be very helpful.

5. Threatened miscarriage

If you are facing vaginal bleeding with lower abdominal pain and severe cramping, then you may fear that it is a miscarriage. Women suffer from miscarriages mostly in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. 10 out of 100 pregnancies face miscarriages. You may bleed for hours or face other problems. 

If you are passing tissues through your vagina and start bleeding, then you must see your gynae first. You may face other symptoms like sudden weight loss, contractions, white-pink Mucus, pelvic cramping, fluid from the vagina, undefined weakness, and whatnot. 

There is nothing you can do to prevent it. Having a miscarriage in the early pregnancy means you can no longer give birth to a baby. But you need to get treated properly. It does not need any medical procedure but your doctor should check if any tissues are still remaining inside the womb.

Signs of a miscarriage
Signs of a miscarriage

Signs of a miscarriage

There can be several signs of miscarriage but vaginal bleeding is the most common one. If you are having vaginal bleeding along with lower abdomen pain, then you must see a doctor to confirm if it is happening or not. The doctor will suggest further tests and treatment, he will ask you how long you have been bleeding or how the color of the blood is. If the blood has clots or tissues coming out with him, then a miscarriage is a must. There are other symptoms or signs of a miscarriage. Such as:

  1. Discharge of Fluid through your vagina
  2. Severe pain and cramping in the lower abdomen
  3. Discharge of tissues
  4. Having No feelings of being pregnant but instead feeling like having a menstrual period.
  5. Weight loss
  6. White-pink mucus
  7. Severe back pain

There is nothing you could do if you have already miscarried. The reasons are mostly unknown but if you get the signs of a miscarriage, you can go for further treatment. It does not even put you at risk for future pregnancies. Most mothers have passed their beautiful pregnancy even after they face an earlier miscarriage.

Bleeding in first trimester
Bleeding in first trimester

Bleeding in the first trimester

Bleeding in the first trimester is quite normal in pregnancy. About 20 to 30 women out of 100 go through this problem. The bleeding may have different phases and the severity of it depends on the color and condition of the bleeding. In the first trimester, your body takes time to adjust to the new change. The fertilized egg struggles to put itself into the womb.

You may bleed this time when the implantation goes on. This would be a non-serious matter just like other causes such as hormones, sex, and cervix. The color of the bleeding is light red and without clots. But if you start bleeding heavily with heavy clots, then it may be a symptom of miscarriage. If you suspect miscarriage, then you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

You may not save your pregnancy if you have already miscarried. Sometimes, most women complete their whole pregnancy with light bleeding or spotting.

Bleeding in early pregnancy 4 weeks
Bleeding in early pregnancy 4 weeks

Bleeding in early pregnancy 4 weeks

4 weeks of pregnancy comes under the first-trimester section where you need to be careful and conscious of your health. Doctors advise that the first 3 months of every pregnancy need to be under supervision because anything harmful may happen for so many reasons. It is already known that bleeding in the first trimester is quite normal.

But if you are bleeding heavily with dark blood clots and you have severe cramping like the menstrual period, then you must know that it is a sign of miscarriage.  miscarriages may happen due to hormonal reasons, diabetes, exposure to radiation or toxic place, or high intake of drugs. Sometimes the reason is unknown.

So if suspect a miscarriage, you should consult your doctor for further tests ultrasound, urine test, and all. You will get treatment after full supervision of your test results.

5 weeks pregnant bleeding
5 weeks pregnant bleeding

5 weeks pregnant bleeding

When you are five weeks pregnant, it is usual to see spotting sometimes. but it has to be a few drops of blood. It should be very less in the amount which does not cover a small pantyliner. It is more likely to cause implant bleeding but you need to see your gynae to have an opinion.  

But if this spotting turns into heavy bleeding and stays for more than two days, then it may become a matter of tension. This happens due to the cervix or other changes happen because of pregnancy hormones. They become very sensitive and fragile. Furthermore, always keep in touch with your health care provider to keep yourself safe.

Bleeding and cramping during pregnancy 6 weeks
Bleeding and cramping during pregnancy 6 weeks

Bleeding and cramping during pregnancy 6 weeks

It is quite a regular thing to face bleeding or spotting at week 6, the bleeding should be light because it happens mostly because of the implantation. But if you have cramping with bleeding it is most likely a miscarriage. 6 weeks comes under the first 12 weeks trimester, where a miscarriage may go unnoticed due to a period like bleeding. Seek medical care as soon as possible if you notice heavy vaginal bleeding.

Spotting during the First trimester
Spotting during the First trimester

Spotting during the First trimester

The 1st to 12 weeks is called the first trimester, so basically, all the symptoms, problems, and various issues are the same in these weeks. Light bleeding or spotting are regarded as normal in these weeks. But if anything like heavy bleeding with cramps occurs, then these are signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

If you suspect miscarriage, then you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible. You may not save your pregnancy if you have already miscarried. Sometimes, most women complete their whole pregnancy with light bleeding or spotting.

Spotting during the second trimester
Spotting during the second trimester

Spotting during the second trimester

There are several health issues that can cause bleeding in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Women may suffer from bleeding or spotting. The causes are: If the cervix gets irritated after sexual intercourse or cervical exam then light bleeding may occur during the 2nd trimester. It is a very common and less concerning the matter.

Cervix polyp may be another cause of the bleeding. It is a harmless growth on the cervix that requires a lot of increased blood tissue and that is why the bleeding occurs. Placenta Previa is a condition where the placenta lies low in the uterus and covers the cervix ( the opening of the birth canal)partially or completely. 

This is a very serious matter as it causes severe bleeding and it needs emergency medical care. In this case, the mother would have to go through a cesarean section as vaginal birth cannot be done due to the closing of the canal. Preterm labor in the 2nd trimester may cause bleeding in the 2nd trimester. 

You need to be very careful because preterm labor needs to be addressed quickly because your body gets ready for the labor before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. Late miscarriage may happen anytime. Cervical insufficiency or preterm labor is the reason behind it. late miscarriage causes heavy bleeding. 2 or 3% pregnancies may end in the 2nd trimester.

Spotting during the third trimester
Spotting during the third trimester

Spotting during the third trimester

Spotting during the third trimester is a sign of a serious problem. Sometimes it may refer to the time of labor but light spotting is different, it shows that the pregnancy might be at risk. In the 3rd trimester, some organ issues like placental abruption, bloody show, and placenta accrete may cause spotting and cause severe risk to the unborn baby.

In placental abruption, the placenta detaches itself from the wall before or during labor. Bleeding starts and covers the area between the placenta and uterus. This is very dangerous to the mother and the baby. In placenta accreta, the placenta doesn’t separate from the uterus wall causing vaginal bleeding. You need to call your doctor as soon as possible if any spotting is found by you.

How to stop bleeding during pregnancy
How to stop bleeding during pregnancy

How to stop bleeding during pregnancy

Usually, the bleeding that may happen in the early pregnancy stays for one or two hours or a few days. There is nothing that can actually be done to stop it. You just have to stay relaxed and calm. If you want to contact your doctor, then do it. Ask him/her for the best advice. avoid lifting heavy things and overthinking.

You may abstain yourself from sexual intercourse, using douche or tampon. Bleeding in the 2nd may occur due to cervical intervention or sex. You can take mild pain relief medication. Also Tranexamic acid is proposed to be used during bleeding.

How much bleeding during pregnancy is normal?
How much bleeding during pregnancy is normal?

How much bleeding during pregnancy is normal?

Light Bleeding or spotting is considered normal in early pregnancy. A few drops in your underwear are taken as normal when a pregnancy goes through a delicate state. The amount of blood should not cover the panty liners.

Around 30% of women face this bleeding during their pregnancy but complete a healthy one also. you should contact your healthcare provider whenever you experience light bleeding. You may not worry if you bleed without clots or brown discharge but your healthcare provider should know about your condition to give you the best advice.

Spotting everyday during pregnancy
Spotting everyday during pregnancy

Spotting everyday during pregnancy

You may have spotting every day for the 1st three months of pregnancy when the implantation process goes on. This seems very normal as it does not harm you or the baby. Again it may happen later in the pregnancy just because of sex or a cervical exam.

It may give a sign of labor if it chooses to continue. But this is not usual so spotting every day in the first trimester is usual and less stressful. But if this continues, then urgent medical care is needed for the patient.

When to see a doctor for spotting during pregnancy
When to see a doctor for spotting during pregnancy

When to see a doctor for spotting during pregnancy

No matter how much you bleed, light or heavy, bright or brown, you need to record it and call your doctor as soon as possible to be safe. Any Vaginal discharge can be a symptom of future large problems so keeping regular contact with your health care provider is necessary.

He/she will decide. If it is a matter of concern or not. He/ she can prescribe you some tests to check thoroughly about the problem. You should ask him/her to check properly if your vaginal bleeding makes you feel weak or faint. Pregnancy is a very sensitive period where you need to keep regular contact with experts to avoid such serious conditions.

Can you get a full period and still be pregnant?
Can you get a full period and still be pregnant?

Can you get a full period and still be pregnant?

No, you cannot get a full period and still be pregnant. Light bleeding or spotting is often considered as a full period as many women mistakenly take light bleeding like a period and often don’t get the hint of being pregnant. If she bleeds heavily like a full period, then there is a chance of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss.

Positive pregnancy test but bleeding and cramping
Positive pregnancy test but bleeding and cramping

Positive pregnancy test but bleeding and cramping

You may have a positive pregnancy test but you have already heavy bleeding with cramping which is a sign of early miscarriage. Light bleeding is common in pregnancy because it happens due to a new change in the body. Light bleeding doesn’t contain cramping. Cramping comes along with bleeding when the pregnancy is already miscarried or it is an ectopic pregnancy.

Pregnant and bleeding with clots and cramps
Pregnant and bleeding with clots and cramps

Pregnant and bleeding with clots and cramps

This is totally a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. The tissues come out with the clots and the body gets severe cramps with back pain. It is often mistaken as a full period but it actually is a hint of a bigger problem. Your pregnancy gets terminated with bleeding clots and cramps. There is nothing you really could do than rest if something serious has already happened.

What does it mean if you have blood in your stool while pregnant?
What does it mean if you have blood in your stool while pregnant?

What does it mean if you have blood in your stool while pregnant?

If you have blood in your stool while being pregnant, it is caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids. These are common due to constipation. You need to eat a lot of fiber, drink fluids and take laxatives to avoid the problem. Talk to your doctor if you are passing blood with stool. 

He may prescribe you the laxative or may want to check thoroughly. Without his advice or prescription, do not just jump to any conclusion and take medicine. By eating healthy, you can treat your constipation.

4 Things to Consider on Bleeding and Cramping During Pregnancy

The things that one should consider at this time – 

1. Tests for bleeding in early pregnancy

There are several tests to identify the reason behind bleeding in early pregnancy.  DO an Rh testing to know if immune globulin is needed or not. You need to have a quantitative beta-HCG level test, blood typing, RH testing, and also ultrasonography.

2. Internal examination

Often internal examination is necessary through the cervix to check if everything is going right or not. Vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum go through a physical check-up if you have some complications in your pregnancy. The outside area is checked first and then a speculum is inserted to widen the vagina. Cervix is checked this way.

3. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is very necessary for pregnancy. Without a proper ultrasound every two months it is necessary to check everything inside. a baby’s first heartbeat, movement, amniotic fluid, position, etc are diagnosed through ultrasound, if you bleed during pregnancy, your doctor will definitely suggest you have an ultrasound test of your lower abdomen to check if any internal bleeding is happening or not. 

Someone in the ultrasound room will rub a gel on your abdomen. And then a handheld scanner will be used to get the pictures inside your belly. you need to have a full bladder to get a clear image. It takes 15 or 20 minutes.

4. Blood tests

Blood tests are being done to know your blood group and to check the pregnancy hormone level in your blood. Checking RBS (random blood sugar) is another important thing as many newborns get gestational diabetes from their mothers. To keep it balanced, it is necessary to know the level of diabetes. A blood test is also done to have a regular check-up.

Q/A on Bleeding and Cramping During Pregnancy

Does bleeding during pregnancy always mean that there is a problem?
Does bleeding during pregnancy always mean that there is a problem?

Does bleeding during pregnancy always mean that there is a problem?

No, bleeding during pregnancies does not always mean that there is a problem rather it may give an indication of future health problems for the mother and the baby. Light bleeding or spotting in the early pregnancy is regarded as common or normal matter. This happens because of various reasons. If a woman gets pregnant, then she should know which types of bleeding are okay and which are not normal.

What is early pregnancy loss?
What is early pregnancy loss?

What is early pregnancy loss?

When a pregnancy does not survive after just completing 13 weeks of it, it is called early pregnancy loss. It is identified as miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. A woman can have early pregnancy loss without even knowing that she is pregnant. It generally happens within one or two weeks of conceiving. The reason can be unknown sometimes but mostly it depends on the chromosomal abnormalities. A woman’s age is a big factor in early pregnancy loss.

What problems can cause bleeding during early pregnancy?
What problems can cause bleeding during early pregnancy?

What problems can cause bleeding during early pregnancy?

There are several problems that can cause bleeding during pregnancy.

1. Infection: 

Infection may happen in any part of the reproductive area such as the vagina and cervix. Any STI’s (sexually transmitted infection), mostly chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes may cause bleeding in the first trimester.

2. Early pregnancy loss:

Any pregnancy that cannot survive after completing 13 weeks is early pregnancy loss.  chromosomal abnormalities are one of the reasons for early pregnancy. Age is also another factor that may cause miscarriage or early pregnancy loss.

3. Ectopic pregnancy:

When a fertilized egg resides anywhere else except in the uterus such as the fallopian tube, the pouch of Douglas (retro vaginal pouch) is called an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive long and it is also harmful to the mother. Bleeding may start in the first trimester to give an indication of a serious condition.

4. Cervical changes:

When you get pregnant, extra blood starts to flow to the cervix. This bleeding may get triggered by sexual intercourse or pap smear test.

How common is bleeding during early pregnancy?
How common is bleeding during early pregnancy?

How common is bleeding during early pregnancy?

Bleeding during early pregnancy is very common. In 100 pregnancies, 15 to 20 face bleeding in the first trimester. Light bleeding may occur in 1 or 2 weeks after conceiving because of implantation or cervix changes. But if you worry, you can definitely consult your doctor anytime you start bleeding.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?
What is an ectopic pregnancy?

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

A pregnancy is called ectopic when the fertilized embryo mistakenly grows itself outside the uterus, most usually in the fallopian tube. If it happens then it can be very life-threatening to the mother as the fallopian tube may burst when the embryo starts to grow inside it.

It brings a serious effect on the mother’s health and fertility. If you are having an ectopic pregnancy then there is no way out to save it. You have to terminate it with the help of professionals because a fertilized embryo can only grow inside a womb, not anywhere else.

What problems can cause bleeding later in pregnancy?
What problems can cause bleeding later in pregnancy?

What problems can cause bleeding later in pregnancy?

Any pregnant woman may face light or heavy bleeding later in pregnancy. Inflammation of growth in the cervix may cause light bleeding. but if you face heavy bleeding, the problem is serious. your placenta placement may cause heavy bleeding. 

Also if you face any amount of bleeding, it may give you an indication of preterm labor. Bleeding may also happen because of sex and internal examination by your health care provider.

What problems with the placenta can cause bleeding during pregnancy?
What problems with the placenta can cause bleeding during pregnancy?

What problems with the placenta can cause bleeding during pregnancy?

Placental abruption may cause bleeding during pregnancy. How placental abruption happens is it detaches from the uterus wall before or after birth.it may peel away partially or completely from the inner wall. This causes vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain. The baby gets deprived of oxygen and nutrients because of this sudden development. The bleeding it causes is heavy.

Can bleeding be a sign of preterm labor?
Can bleeding be a sign of preterm labor?

Can bleeding be a sign of preterm labor?

If vaginal bleeding starts before 37 weeks, then it is a sign of preterm labor. Along with vaginal bleeding, cramping, contraction, pelvic pressure or diarrhea are also common signs. If this happens before 37 weeks, it may bring severe repercussions to the baby and the mother also. It is managed to depend on the condition of the mother and the baby. If it requires urgent delivery of the baby, then it has to be done within the given time.

Dr Vilma

M.D., MPH (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) Furman University, BS - Tulane University School of Public Health, MPH - University of Illinois at Chicago, MD

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