If you are pregnant, and you notice a small amount of blood on your underwear… Try not to panic. It’s quite common to have bleeding during pregnancy and it’s not always a sign that something is wrong with your baby.
Yes, vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is more common than you think and has many causes. Some are quite serious, while most are harmless and should not cause concerns. We know that the sight of blood on your underwear is unpleasant and frightening, but that doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong. However, if you do notice vaginal bleeding in your pregnancy it’s best to consult with your health provider and make an appointment. Better safe than sorry right?
Causes of Bleeding in Pregnancy
As we mentioned earlier, there are many causes of bleeding in pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that there are two vastly different types of bleeding during pregnancy. The first type is called „spotting“. It’s usually harmless, light bleeding and occurs early in the pregnancy. It mostly happens when the embryo attaches itself to the uterine lining, and the bleeding is not that worrisome. However, the most common causes of bleeding in the second and third semesters are placental abruption, preterm labor, or miscarriage.
Pregnancy is a delicate period in every woman’s life and even the pregnancy itself can cause changes to the already sensitive cervix. During this time pap smear exams, and sexual intercourse during pregnancy can cause vaginal bleeding, and of course even urinary tract infections. Those are quite common as well.
Bleeding in the first trimester may also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or simply a miscarriage. Women who miscarry may have some type of bleeding before the miscarriage, but not always.
What Type of Bleeding Is Normal?
The light bleeding (or spotting) is quite normal in pregnancy. Bleeding in the first trimester happens in 15 to 25 of 100 pregnancies. However, the heavy bleeding in the later stages of pregnancy is not. Make sure to inform your health provider if there’s heavier bleeding than usual or if it’s accompanied by pain, fever, or cramping. Also, make sure to check the color of the blood, and check the flow of bleeding as well. If it’s getting heavier, it’s usually a sign that something is not right and you need to go to a doctor.
The most common treatment for vaginal bleeding is a medicine called progesterone, and you may have to take the progesterone until the 16th week of pregnancy, or even longer. A scan will follow the progesterone therapy, but you’ll be also advised to get plenty of rest as well. Make sure you don’t do any type of strenuous activities in this period, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Out of the things you shouldn’t do, don’t take any medication that is not prescribed by a doctor, and don’t use tampons as well. And finally, try to stay calm throughout it all. Make sure to stay positive and reach out to your doctor if you need any medical advice.
During your pregnancy or even after childbirth, some symptoms are not quite worrisome, but others can mean that something might be seriously wrong. Try to stay calm in the midst of it all. Good or bad, this too shall pass.