Bleeding During Pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy is common, mainly during the first trimester, and usually, it’s no cause for alarm. But because bleeding can sometimes be a symbol of something serious, it is vital to understand the possible causes and obtain checked out by your doctor to form sure you and your baby are healthy.
Bleeding within the first trimester
About 20% of girls have some bleeding during the primary 12 weeks of pregnancy. Possible causes of first trimester bleeding include:
Implantation bleeding, you’ll experience some spotting within the first six to 12 days after you conceive because the fertilized egg implants itself within the lining of the uterus. Some females do not realize they’re pregnant because they mistake this bleeding for a light-weight period. Usually, the bleeding is extremely light and lasts from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
Miscarriage
Because miscarriage is commonest during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it tends to be one of the most important concerns with first trimester bleeding. However, trimester bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve lost the baby or getting to miscarry. In fact, if a heartbeat is seen in sonography, over 90% of girls who experience first trimester vaginal bleeding won’t miscarry.
Other symptoms of miscarriage are strong cramps within the lower abdomen and tissue passing through the vagina.
Ectopic pregnancy
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually within the Fallopian tube. If the embryo keeps growing, it can cause the Fallopian tube to burst, which may be life-threatening to the mother. Although ectopic pregnancy is dangerous, it only occurs in about 2% of pregnancies.
Other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are strong cramps or pain within the lower abdomen and lightheadedness.
Molar pregnancy
This is often a really rare condition during which abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus rather than a baby. In rare cases, the tissue is cancerous and may spread to other parts of the body.
Other symptoms of molar pregnancy are nausea and vomiting, and rapid enlargement of the uterus.
Additional causes of bleeding in early pregnancy include:
Cervical changes. During pregnancy, extra blood flows to the cervix. Intercourse or a Pap test, which causes contact with the cervix, can trigger bleeding. this type of bleeding doesn’t cause concern.
Infection. Any infection of the cervix, vagina, or a sexually transmitted infection (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes) can cause bleeding within the first trimester.
Bleeding within the Second and Third Trimesters
Abnormal bleeding in late pregnancy could also be more serious because it can signal a problem with the mother or baby. Call your gynecologist as soon as possible if you experience any bleeding in your second or third trimester.
Possible causes of bleeding in late pregnancy include:
Placenta previa
This condition occurs when the placenta sits low within the uterus and partially or completely covers the opening of the birth canal. placenta previa is extremely rare within the late third trimester, occurring in just one in 200 pregnancies. A placenta previa bleeding, which can be pain-free, is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Placental abruption, In about 1 percent of pregnancies, the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus before or during labor, and blood pools between the placenta and uterus. Placental abruption is often very dangerous to both the mother and baby.
Other signs and symptoms of placental abruption are abdominal pain, clots from the vagina, tender uterus, and back pain.
Uterine rupture
In some cases, a scar from a previous C-section can tear open during pregnancy. Uterine rupture is often life-threatening and requires an emergency C-section.
Other symptoms of uterine rupture are pain and tenderness within the abdomen.
Vasa Previa
During this very rare condition, the developing baby’s blood vessels within the umbilical cord or placenta cross the opening to the birth canal. Vasa Previa is often very dangerous and complicated to the baby because the blood vessels can tear open, causing the baby to bleed severely and lose oxygen.
Other signs of vasa previa like – abnormal fetal heart rate and excessive bleeding.
Premature labor
Vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy may be a sign that your body is preparing to deliver. a few days or weeks before labor begins, the mucus plug that covers the opening of the uterus will pass out of the vagina, and it’ll usually have small amounts of blood in it (this is understood as “bloody show”). If bleeding and symptoms of labor begin before the 37th week of pregnancy, contact your doctor directly because you would possibly be in preterm labor.
Other symptoms of preterm labor include contractions, vaginal discharge, abdominal pressure, and ache within the lower back.
Additional causes of bleeding in late pregnancy are:
Injury to the cervix or vagina
Polyps
Cancer
What to do If you’ve got Abnormal Bleeding During Pregnancy
Because vaginal bleeding in any trimester is often a sign of a problem, call your doctor. Wear a pad in order that you’ll keep track of how much you’re bleeding, and record the sort of blood (for example, pink, brown, or red; smooth or filled with clots). Bring any tissue that passes through the vagina to your gynecologist for testing. Don’t use a tampon or have sex while you’re still bleeding.
You should expect to receive an ultrasound to identify what the underlying explanation for your bleeding could also be. Vaginal and abdominal ultrasounds are often performed together as part of a full evaluation.
Go to the emergency room or call directly your gynecologist if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, which might be signs of a miscarriage or other serious problem:
Severe pain or intense cramps low within the abdomen
Severe bleeding, whether or not there’s pain
Discharge from the vagina that contains tissue
Dizziness or fainting
A fever of quite 100.4 or more degrees Fahrenheit and/or chills