Bleeding During Pregnancy

It is quite normal to panic when you suddenly experience bleeding or spotting during your pregnancy.

But, this strange sign often poses no threat to you or your baby and doesn’t necessarily lead to unpleasant results, like miscarriage.

Bleeding or spotting, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, is very common. Here are the various possible reasons you may experience bleeding while expecting.

What are the normal causes of bleeding during pregnancy?

• Bleeding or spotting can occur between day 6 and day 12 after fertilization, which means upon implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine wall. At this stage, the bleeding is light and can last from a few hours to few days.
• Bleeding in early pregnancy can be due to cervical changes and increased amount of blood flow going into the cervix.
• Bleeding or spotting can be caused by infections like fungal infections and STDs (such as Herpes).

What are the abnormal causes of bleeding during pregnancy?

• Bleeding can be indicative of a potential miscarriage if associated with strong cramps and pain in the lower abdomen.
• Bleeding associated with dizziness and strong cramps in the lower abdomen can mean an ectopic pregnancy which occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
• Bleeding or spotting may be a sign of molar pregnancy which is not a very common case and occurs when a benign tumour or an unusual mass of tissues develop instead of a fetus.
• Painless abnormal bleeding at any trimester of the pregnancy may be a sign of a placental disorder or a preterm labour.

It's important to remember that while some bleeding during pregnancy can be normal, it’s crucial to monitor the situation closely and seek medical advice whenever you’re concerned. Not all bleeding indicates a serious problem, but it’s better to be cautious. Keeping track of the amount, colour, and timing of the bleeding can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider. Additionally, avoiding hard activities and stress during episodes of spotting can help prevent aggravating the situation.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and staying in close communication with your doctor is key to ensuring the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

In any case and at any time of your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your ob-gyn if you experience a bleeding or an unusual symptom or health condition. It’s the best thing you can do to keep yourself and your growing baby healthy while pregnant!