Vaginal Bleeding and Spotting during Pregnancy
It is common for expectant mothers to bleed or spot during their pregnancy. This is especially prevalent in the first trimester of the pregnancy. In many cases, light spotting is no cause for alarm. However, there are instances when the underlying cause of the bleeding is quite serious. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the causes of bleeding during pregnancy. Furthermore, a health check by your doctor is always essential.
Bleeding in every trimester is caused by different reasons and this is what we will look at the beginning with the first trimester.
First Trimester Bleeding
20% of pregnant women have reported bleeding or spotting during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The probable causes for this bleeding are:
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Implantation bleeding
After the first six to 12 days after conception, you can have some normal spotting. This is because the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine lining. Since the bleeding is usually light and only lasts for a couple of days, women may never realize they are pregnant.
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Miscarriage
This is another cause of bleeding during pregnancy. It is especially common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. While many women are always concerned that they have a miscarriage when they experience bleeding, 90% of these women will not miscarry. Bleeding does not always mean a miscarriage. Besides bleeding, there are other symptoms of a miscarriage such as painful cramps and passage of tissue in the vagina. If you observe this along with bleeding, then you should see your doctor. Find out what are the signs and symptoms of miscarriage here & what are the causes of miscarriage here.
Related:
HOW TO STOP VAGINAL BLEEDING OR SPOTTING DURING PREGNANCY?
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT A MISCARRIAGE?
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Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is where the embryo attaches itself on the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. As it continues to grow, the fallopian tube bursts causing a lot of bleeding. It is a life-threatening condition.
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Molar pregnancy
It is a rare condition because it involves the growth of tissue in the uterus instead of a baby. It is rarely cancerous.
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Cervical changes
The extra blood flow to the cervix during pregnancy can be triggered by intercourse or a pap test. As a result, bleeding may occur. It is no cause for alarm
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Infection
Infections in the vagina or cervix such as STIs can cause bleeding in pregnancy.
Second and Third Trimester Bleeding
Bleeding in the later stages of pregnancy may be an indication of a more serious problem and you should seek medical help immediately. It caused by:
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Placenta Previa
In this condition, the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the birth canal. The placenta is low positioned.
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Placenta abruption
When the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus before labor, then you will experience a lot of bleeding.
Related: THE PLACENTA – WHAT IS IT, COMMON POSITIONS & COMPLICATIONS
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Uterine rupture
Bleeding during pregnancy can also be caused by the tear of a previous C-section scar.
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Vasa Previa
It is a condition where the baby’s blood vessels in the placenta cross the birth canal and may can tear open.
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Premature labor
This is usually a few days or weeks before labor begins. You will observe small amounts of blood.
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Cervical or vaginal injury
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Polyps
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Cancer
Bleeding during pregnancy can be from normal or abnormal causes. Whether it is in the first or last trimester, call your doctor when you experience it.
