Earlypregnancybleeding refers to vaginal bleeding during the first trimester, or the first three months of pregnancy.
It usually occurs after fertilization when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of youruterus.
This throw in of bleeding is also sometimes called implantation bleeding.
Mike Harrington / Getty Images
While bleeding during pregnancy may seem like a problem, it’s actually very common early on.
Even so, it’s best to talk to yourobstetrician-gynecologistif you experience any kind of bleeding during your pregnancy.
Sometimes early pregnancy bleeding can signal a number of problems, including miscarriage andectopic pregnancy.
Bleeding with pain or bleeding that is heavier than a normal menstrual amount is a reason for further investigation.
It is also called early pregnancy loss.Bleeding and cramping are signs of a miscarriage.
However, about one-half of women who have a miscarriage do not have any bleeding beforehand.
A pelvic examination can help identify nonpregnancy-related conditions like vaginal infections or polyps.
If pregnancy loss has not occurred, they may order blood work, lab tests, or ultrasound imaging.
Smaller than normal growth may indicate that pregnancy loss is either possible or imminent.
Ectopic Pregnancy
One cause of bleeding in early pregnancy that is not normal is an ectopic pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding is sometimes the only sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
Other symptoms may include abdominal, pelvic, or shoulder pain.
The structure housing the embryo can rupture in weeks as it grows.
This can put you at risk of internal bleeding or other complications.
You may also experience abdominal, pelvic, or shoulder pain with an ectopic pregnancy.
Molar pregnancies form tumors rather than embryos, and are one of the causes of early pregnancy loss.
There are no treatments for this condition, but it also doesn’t mean a pregnancy will end.
In most cases, these clots are only detected with an ultrasound after heavier periods of bleeding.
While these clots can result in pregnancy loss, in most cases the pregnancy can continue without further complications.
Summary
Light bleeding during early pregnancy is normal.
However, it’s still important to check with your obstetrician-gynecologist if you experience any bleeding while pregnant.
They can confirm your bleeding is not brought on by a problem with your pregnancy or an underlying condition.
If you experience light bleeding early in your pregnancy, there is probably nothing to worry about.
Some bleeding, particularly after implantation, is normal.
It’s still important, though, to keep your obstetrician-gynecologist informed.
If your bleeding becomes heavy or occurs with cramping or pain, call your healthcare provider immediately.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.
Hendriks E, MacNaughton H, MacKenzie MC.First trimester bleeding: evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician.
99(3):166-174.
15(3):157-160.
