Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy may panic you as it can be a sign of miscarriage. However, it does not always mean a miscarriage and can be due to other reasons also.

In some cases, it could just be a threatened miscarriage in which there is bleeding; but there would be no evidence of miscarriage and the pregnancy can be continued normally by seeking the help of your doctor.

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Bleeding is most common in the first trimester of pregnancy and 30 percent of women experience bleeding during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, bleeding can also occur due to implantation of the fertilised egg in the uterus. This is called implantation bleeding and is very light in nature or it could be just a spotting.

You have to be cautious during pregnancy and check for pain and cramps as it could be also an ectopic pregnancy that is causing the bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous as it may cause damage to the fallopian tube.

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Here are the most common reasons for first-trimester spotting or bleeding. You must visit your doctor to determine the reason.

Implantation Bleeding Or Spotting

Implantation Bleeding Or Spotting

There is a light bleeding or spotting when the fertilised egg gets implanted in the uterus. It usually occurs about 8 to 12 days after conception.

Decidual Bleeding

Decidual Bleeding

It is also a light bleeding that occurs during early pregnancy around the time when a woman expects her menstrual period. However, it is not a true menstrual period and occurs because a small part of the uterine lining sheds for the first few months of early pregnancy causing bleeding.

Increased Cervical Sensitivity

Increased Cervical Sensitivity

During pregnancy, the blood flow to the cervix increases due to hormonal changes. This can cause a light spotting especially after sex.

Infections

Infections

Some spotting or bleeding can also occur if you have some bacterial infections in the cervix or the vagina during pregnancy. They should be treated immediately as they may increase the risk of miscarriage or pre-term birth.

Subchorionic Hematoma

Subchorionic Hematoma

It is a type of a pregnancy clot that is present in the placenta. It is rare and may be present in only 1 percent of pregnancies. It causes light to heavy bleeding and can also end up in miscarriage. However, mostly the bleeding stops without any complications.

Vanishing Twin

Vanishing Twin

In this case, a pregnant lady is bears twins and one of the twins is miscarried and the other is viable. There may be light vaginal bleeding and low HCG levels as it should be in twin pregnancies.

Threatened Miscarriage

Threatened Miscarriage

In this condition, there is bleeding but the cervix is closed and there is no such evidence of a miscarriage. Threatened miscarriage can continue with a normal pregnancy but can also end in miscarriage.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy

In this condition, the fertilised egg is not implanted in the uterus but gets stuck in one of the fallopian tubes. This can cause pain and bleeding as the fertilised egg grows in size inside the tube. If you have mild pain, cramping and bleeding then consult a doctor to check for ectopic pregnancy.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage

Unfortunately, your bleeding can be an apparent sign of miscarriage. Bleeding during pregnancy can be a symptom of miscarriage but not all the time. Therefore, you need to check with the doctor and take all necessary precautions even if it is not a miscarriage.

Story first published: Thursday, July 16, 2015, 16:59 [IST]
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