Bleeding during pregnancy is one of the most common problems a female faces. That does not always mean there’s a problem – but!! But!!!it can be a dangerous sign.
Why am I bleeding during pregnancy?
Most common in the first trimester so here first of all u need to know the difference between bleeding and spotting.
Bleeding vs. Spotting in Pregnancy
Spotting is when you observe a few drops of pink, red, or dark brown blood. You see it in your clothes. If you place a pad, the blood won’t fill it. Spotting during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is usually not a dangerous sign no need to panic.
Bleeding:
The flow of blood is greater than a drop and you need to wear a pad or panty and blood fill it. That’s the time should call your doctor.
Possible Causes:
What are the most common causes of bleeding in the first trimester?
15% and 25% of all pregnant females undergo bleeding or spotting-like problems in the first trimester. Although it’s common you should call your doctor to let them know about your situation.
Some causes of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy are:
During Implantation: In early pregnancy, you may get some stains of blood This happens when the developing egg implants in the wall of the uterus and causes light bleeding.
Hormonal changes:
Cervical changes: Your cervix becomes more sensitive and changes occur in the preparation for pregnancy. This sometimes causes bleeding after— sex.
Ectopic Pregnancy: When a pregnancy places other than its normal place (uterus)outside of the uterus for example fallopian tubes. It can be a dangerous condition without treatment.
Molar Pregnancy: A rare condition when an embryo plants in your uterus, but in a tumour form.
Subchorionic Hematoma: Collection of Blood between the amniotic sac and your uterine wall. In most cases, bleeding goes away without causing complications but in some cases, it may be an alarming sign of miscarriage.
Polyps: Abnormal growth on the cervix majority of them are benign causing irregular vaginal bleeding but they are harmless.
Infection: Bacteria gonorrhea, bacteria chlamydia, and other agents such as viruses HPV hepatitis B, and many more causing sexually transmitted diseases, and UTIs can cause light bleeding.
Miscarriage: The end of the pregnancy before 20 weeks spontaneously. It often starts with light bleeding and gets excessive along with severe pain.
What are the most common causes of bleeding in the second or third trimester?
Bleeding after 12 weeks of pregnancy is less common and it could be an alarming sign.
Conditions are as follows:
Placenta Previa: When the placenta occupies all or some part of your internal os.
Placental Abruption: A rare condition but life-threatening for a fetus where the placenta separates from the uterine wall.
Preterm labour: Labour starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy. In preterm labour, other signs are regular intervals of uterine contraction along with watery or mucus discharge. In cervix incompetence, the cervix starts dilating earlier, and bleeding starts.
Labor: After 37 weeks of gestation bleeding also started. Blood stains along with mucus at the end of pregnancy a sign of labor.
What are other causes of bleeding during pregnancy?
Some other causes of bleeding during gestational time that are not interlinked with health conditions are:
Sex: Some couples may have an experience of mild bleeding after intercourse because vessels in the cervix have more flow of blood and become fragile.
During Pelvic Exam or Ultrasound: During the last weeks of pregnancy when swiping is done the so starts light bleeding along with mucus but no need to worry. If it’s a fresh gush of blood then need to talk to a doctor. When TVS done there is also mild spouting.
Injury/trauma: A fall from a height on the abdomen results in placental abruption and excessive bleeding.
Can you bleed in early pregnancy and not miscarry?
Yes. Most of the time bleeding in early pregnancy doesn’t mean it’s miscarriage.
Is period-like bleeding during pregnancy normal?
Bleeding that looks like bleeding in menstruation is not normal during pregnancy. Bleeding isn’t always an alarming sign but can lead to complications. So amount, colour, pain, or painlessness with clots or without clots are the important questions that a doctor should ask.
Care and Treatment:
First, need to do
- Ultrasound
- Physical Examination
- lab investigations
Treatment advice related to lifestyle modifications.
- Bedrest
- Hydrate yourself
- Avoiding sex
- Avoiding travel
- Hospitalize if the bleeding is severe
- Strong and heavy exercise and lifting heavy objects to avoid further complications
Medications:
First 13 weeks of gestation
- Tab Duphaston (Hormonal Progesterone) for pregnancy support
- Cap Transaminase 250mg, 500mg (Tranexamic acid) to prevent bleeding
When should bleeding during pregnancy be treated by a doctor?
Your doctor should be aware of any bleeding or spotting episodes during your gestational period.
Contact your doctor shortly if you notice any of the following symptoms along with bleeding
- Excessive bleeding.
- Fever
- Cramping or contractions.
- Pelvic pain or pain in your abdomen.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Preterm labor along with your water bag leak
Important Note:
Bleeding at any point in pregnancy can be alarming. Don’t panic at that time, try to relax and stay calm. Sometimes, bleeding during pregnancy isn’t serious and goes away on its own. Your doctor is the best one to tell you if the bleeding is alarming. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if you experience any vaginal bleeding while gestation. They’ll want to evaluate any pregnancy complications.