However, major bleeding and painful bleeding may be signs of a serious problem.
Therefore, any bleeding during pregnancy should be evaluated by your healthcare professional.
This article will discuss risk factors for bleeding during pregnancy and possible causes of it during each trimester.
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Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding takes place if the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.
This usually occurs around one to two weeks after fertilization, around 2024 days into your menstrual cycle.
Implantation bleeding is usually light and may resemble spotting.
It may be accompanied by nausea, headache, and other symptoms.
Implantation bleeding is normal and is not a risk factor for pregnancy loss.
Miscarriage
Miscarriageis defined as a pregnancy loss that happens before the 20th week of pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies are not viable.
They can lead to severe complications, including death.
Ultrasound can be used to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
Sometimes surgery is needed to examine the fallopian tubes and see where the embryo has implanted.
Surgery may also be needed if the fallopian tube has ruptured or is at risk of rupturing.
However, many ectopic pregnancies can be managed with medication.
Infection
Sexually transmitted infections and other infectious conditions can cause problems during pregnancy, including bleeding.
One major exception is light bleeding after vaginal intercourse.
Changes in the cervix during pregnancy make it more likely to bleed.
It is thought to happen in approximately one out of every 200 full-term pregnancies.
Symptoms of placenta previa include passing bright-red blood, usually without pain.
It is generally diagnosed via ultrasound.
A person with placenta previa may require monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruptionis when the placenta starts to separate from the uterine lining before delivery.
The amount of bleeding is not a reliable sign of how serious the separation is.
Early delivery is recommended if the fetus is in distress.
Premature Labor
Premature laboris labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation.
There may also be bleeding.
If you are experiencing symptoms of possible premature labor, talk to your doctor.
You will likely be examined and given an ultrasound.
Several treatment options are available to delay labor and improve the fetus’s outcome after delivery.
This puts the vessels at risk of rupturing after the membranes rupture.
If vasa previa is not detected before labor, it can be devastating or even fatal for the fetus.
This is because rupture of the vessels can quickly cause the fetus to bleed out.
Emergency C-section followed by fetal resuscitation may be required.
Invasive Placentation
Invasive placentation is an uncommon cause of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
However, it is a significant cause ofpostpartum hemorrhage.
It is more common in people who have had one or more previous C-sections.
Uterine Rupture
Uterine ruptureoccurs when the wall of the uterus breaks open.
This condition is extremely rare.
It affects 0.8% of people with previous uterine surgery.
It affects only 0.03-0.08% of all delivering patients.
Bleeding and pain may occur with uterine rupture.
The fetus’s body parts may become easier to feel through the abdomen.
Immediate treatment is necessary.
Coagulopathy
Over the course of pregnancy, there are many changes within the body.
It can then lead to severe bleeding.
DIC during pregnancy is rare but can be serious and even fatal.
Risk Factors for Bleeding During Pregnancy
Different causes of bleeding during pregnancy have different risk factors.
Common risk factors include:
While some of these risk factors can be modified, others cannot.
Still, it’s important to do what you could to manage your health both before and during pregnancy.
Part of that includes going in for regular prenatal care.
Starting prenatal care early will help your provider manage any issues that could put your pregnancy at risk.
Summary
There are many causes of bleeding during pregnancy.
In the first trimester, possible causes include implantation bleeding, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and infection.
A Word From Verywell
Bleeding during pregnancy can be frightening.
Many causes of bleeding aren’t serious or can be treated in a straightforward way.
If bleeding during your pregnancy is serious, prompt medical attention is even more important.
Early treatment may make the difference between losing a pregnancy and keeping it.
It may also store your life.
Fortunately, many times bleeding in pregnancy is not life-threatening for you or your baby.
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