When experiencing bleeding during pregnancy, our first reaction is to worry. However, pregnancy bleeding is actually quite common, particularly during the first trimester. In most cases it turns out to be something minor, which is why it’s important to get informed about bleeding during pregnancy because it will help you to take proper precaution and eliminate unnecessary worry.
About 10% of all women experience some type of light bleeding during pregnancy. This bleeding, though, is not the same as getting your period. One of the most important things to do is to determine whether you’re spotting or bleeding since they are very different symptoms that can indicate totally different issues. So how is spotting different from bleeding? Spotting is very light bleeding, similar to what you may have at the beginning or end of your period. It can vary in color from pink to red to brown (like dried blood). For spotting during pregnancy you may need to use a panty liner but nothing more than that. If you find it to be a little heavier than that and you find yourself needing to use better protection, this would be considered pregnancy bleeding.
So what causes pregnancy spotting or bleeding?
Well to start, you can never be too sure on what causes pregnancy bleeding so it’s always best to contact your doctor or midwife to be safe and get a professional opinion. Here are some of the most common causes:
Sex – More blood flows to your cervix during pregnancy, so it’s not unusual to notice spotting after intercourse. A cervical polyp (a benign growth on the cervix) can also cause spotting or bleeding after sex.
Pap Smear or Internal Exam – Many pregnant women experience spotting after a pap smear or internal exam for the same reasons – greater blood flow to the cervix or a cervical polyp. Your doctor will usually give you a heads up about this before leaving the doctors office.
Implantation Bleeding – Some say that bleeding may occur very early in pregnancy, possibly before you realize you’re pregnant. The fertilized egg burrowing into the wall of your uterus may cause this implantation bleeding, but no one knows for sure. This type of bleeding usually lasts a day or two.
Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy – Spotting or bleeding, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping, can be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. This can be life-threatening, which is one of the reasons it’s important to let your practitioner know immediately if you have bleeding or pain in your first trimester. If you have an ultrasound that shows a normal heartbeat between 7 and 11 weeks, your chances of continuing the pregnancy are greater than 90 percent.
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 (between 13 weeks and mid-pregnancy), or premature labor (which can happen between mid-pregnancy and 37 weeks). Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor. Only 1% of pregnant women have this problem, and it usually occurs during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Even first-trimester bleeding may be a sign of an underlying problem with the placenta. Research shows a link between early pregnancy bleeding and a greater chance of later complications, such as preterm delivery or placental abruption, especially if bleeding is heavy.
Preparing for Labor – If your cervix begins to dilate as your body prepares for labor you may pass your mucus plug. It may have a little blood, which is why it’s also referred to as “bloody show.” If you’ve made it to 37 weeks, then passing your mucus plug is totally normal. However, if there’s more than a tinge of blood, or you have any other spotting or bleeding, be sure to call your practitioner.
Infections – Spotting can also be caused by conditions unrelated to pregnancy, such as vaginal infections and bladder infections. The cervix also becomes very friable, which means it can bleed easily because of the increased blood flow. If you have intercourse, there can also be a small amount of bleeding. Sometimes there is a small polyp or lesion that might bleed more in early pregnancy. If you think you may have any type of infection be sure to contact your doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Rh-negative Blood Type – If you’re having pregnancy spotting or bleeding and your blood type is Rh-negative, you’ll need a shot of Rh immune globulin. However, if you know for sure that the baby’s father’s blood is also Rh-negative or if it’s clear that the bleeding is not coming from the uterus, you do not need the shot.
IMPORTANT: If you’re experiencing pregnancy bleeding or spotting call your doctor or midwife right away. Even if you think it’s something minor or if the bleeding seems to have stopped be sure to always keep your health-care professional informed every step of the way. What your health-care practitioner does next will depend on your individual situation. If you’re unable to get a hold of your doctor or midwife and the bleeding hasn’t stopped, be sure to go straight to the emergency room. You’ll probably need an evaluation, which may include a physical exam, an ultrasound, and blood tests, to make sure you and your baby are fine and to rule out any complications.
