Bleeding during pregnancy
About 20 percent of pregnant women reported that they have spotting or light bleeding during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Read on to know the potential causes and the best action for you to take, if you’re experiencing the same situation.
Some bleeding have good signs
While early bleeding may indicate the presence of a serious problem, this is frequently not the case. In fact, most women who experienced light bleeding or spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy continue to have uncomplicated pregnancies and deliver a healthy baby.
Light vaginal bleeding during the first trimester is relatively common and should not be a concern as long as the volume of blood does not fully soak a pantyliner. It is normally either caused by implantation bleeding or cervical polyps which are not worrying.
- Implantation bleeding: Commonly mistaken as menstruation bleeding, spottings of blood that occurs when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. This may occur before a woman realizes she is pregnant.
- Cervical polyps: due to the heightened estrogen level and number of blood vessels in the tissue around the cervix during pregnancy, cervical polyps which are commonly found normally bleed. They are usually benign (non-cancerous).
Early Pregnancy (First and Second Trimester)
• Miscarriage – commonly following bleeding, abdominal pain, and back pain
• Ectopic pregnancy – This is where the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes (instead of the womb)
• Molar pregnancy – This is where a non-viable fertilized egg implants into the womb.
Late Pregnancy (Third Trimester)
This is a critical stage where any abnormal bleeding indicates issues with the pregnant mother or fetus.
• Placenta Abruption – Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta
• Placenta Previa – Abnormal placental placement (i.e. in the lower segment of the uterus)
• Placenta Accreta/increta/percreta – Abnormal placental attachment in the uterus.
• Vasa previa – Presence of fetal blood vessels over the cervical opening
• Preterm Labour
When Should You Be Worried?
Immediately seek a doctor’s attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, any time you notice bleeding during any stage of pregnancy :
- severe vomiting
- heavy bleeding (like a menstrual period) and/ or accompanied by pain or cramping
- intense back pain
- Intense abdominal cramps or pain
- vaginal bleeding or brown watery discharge
- pain in the tip of your shoulder
- discomfort when urinating or defecating
Reducing the risks of bleeding during pregnancy
- Bed rest yourself and try to sleep longer
- Rest your legs
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Reduce your physical activities
- Heighten the position of your legs
- Avoid lifting heavy objects (weighing more than 4 kilograms)
With early intervention by the doctors and healthcare providers, complications can be managed as soon as possible. We hope that you’ll have a healthy pregnancy!
“Empower your parenting journey with Mama Net! Whether you’re just starting your journey into parenthood or are a seasoned pro, Download our app for free on the App Store and Google Playstore for access to certified content, interactive tools, and a community of supportive parents and mothers.”
“Empower your parenting journey with Mama Net! Whether you’re just starting your journey into parenthood or are a seasoned pro, Download our app for free on the App Store and Google Playstore for access to certified content, interactive tools, and a community of supportive parents and mothers.”
