Vaginal bleeding at any point can be distressing, but during pregnancy it can be even more so. Bleeding during pregnancy is not uncommon and usually not harmful, but it is important for pregnant women to report any vaginal bleeding to their healthcare professional as this can indicate a serious complication. Your doctor can determine if the condition requires further attention.
Difference between spotting and bleeding
Spotting is very light bleeding that leaves only blood stains on the underwear and cannot fill a panty liner. Vaginal bleeding involves a significantly heavier flow.
Causes of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy
Light bleeding in early pregnancy is not uncommon. It is believed that around 20% of pregnant women notice light bleeding during the first trimester of their pregnancy. There can be several reasons for this, and less serious causes include:
Some more serious causes of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy include:
Vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy has different causes than bleeding in the first half. Again, some are serious and some are not that serious. Those that are not serious can be listed as an inflamed cervix and a growth on the cervix. Some serious causes of vaginal bleeding later in pregnancy include:
Birth pains, especially if they come 3 weeks before your due date. This may be accompanied with a bloody show (mucus and bloody discharge), pelvic pressure, cramps, or a low, dull backache.
Vaginal bleeding: bloody show?
Many women wonder if vaginal bleeding in the later stages of pregnancy is actually the bloody show. If you see blood in the second half of pregnancy but before week 37, be sure to evaluate the amount of blood and the symptoms you are feeling. The bloody show is usually defined as light bleeding or mucus with slight traces of blood, often accompanied by stomach cramps. If you notice what appears to be a bloody show at this stage of pregnancy, you will want to call your healthcare provider immediately.
If you see light blood and feel cramping within 3 weeks of your due date, this may be a bloody show and is a normal sign that birth is imminent.
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy: What to do?
It's best to call your healthcare provider to report any bleeding you notice. Try to wear thin pads so you can see how much blood there is. Do not put tampons, have sex, or use anything that will block the flow or introduce bacteria into the vagina. And try to pay attention to how you feel - for example, if you feel dizzy or have cramps. These are important symptoms your healthcare provider will want to know about.
Your healthcare provider can determine that tests need to be done. These may include a pelvic exam or measuring your levels of hCG, a hormone released in the body during pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should not be an immediate cause for panic. However, it is important to know some common causes of vaginal bleeding and what to do if you notice any blood at certain stages of your pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can sometimes indicate serious conditions, so you will want to be aware of any changes as early as possible.