BLEEDING DURING PREGNANCY: NORMAL OR NOT?
It can be terrifying for a mom-to-be to experience bleeding during her pregnancy. However, bleeding does not always indicate a miscarriage. Studies show that 25-40 percent of women will experience some vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of their pregnancy.
Here are some reasons why a pregnant woman is experiencing bleeding during her pregnancy:
Implantation bleeding
This occurs about 4 weeks into your pregnancy as the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining. It can result to a light spotting or streaking (streaks of blood). It usually lasts for one or two days around the time of implantation or when the period would have been due. Some women would think they simply had light period and don’t realize they are pregnant.
Bleeding after intercourse
This is one of the most common causes of bleeding during pregnancy. It is important to remember, though, that this is completely harmless and is caused by the increased blood supply and softening of the cervix. A cervical polyp (a benign growth on the cervix) can also cause spotting or bleeding after an intercourse
Pap smear or internal exam
A pregnant woman may experience spotting during a Pap smear or internal exam for the same reasons: greater blood flow in the cervix or a cervical polyp.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implanted itself outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. As the embryo keeps growing, it can cause the fallopian tube to burst, which can threaten the mother’s life. Although it is potentially dangerous, this happens to only about 2% of pregnancies. Other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include sharp abdominal cramps, dizziness, and pain in the shoulder, neck or rectum.
Infection
Spotting may also be caused by conditions unrelated to pregnancy. A vaginal infection or sexually transmitted infection can cause the cervix to become inflamed or irritated. An inflamed cervix is prone to spotting after sex or a Pap smear.
Placental abruption
This happens when the placenta starts to come away from the inner wall of the womb before the baby is born. In most cases, the placenta just comes away at the edge and may cause a small amount of bleeding. But if there is a large amount of blood, the placenta may be partially or completely separated from the lining of the womb. This is a serious matter because the abruption can deprive oxygen and nutrients to the baby. It is best to call a doctor once the signs of placental abruption like tenderness on the belly,back pains, and frequent contractions are felt.
Threatened or Actual Miscarriage
Miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, is most common during the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy. A miscarriage of this kind is often a result of a damaged fetus. The woman’s body is just doing its job to reject a pregnancy that is unable to survive its complications. Common signs of miscarriage include bleeding, cramping, stomach pains, and the signs of pregnancy (nausea, sore breasts, and bloated tummy) disappear.
No matter how light or heavy the bleeding is, it is advised for the mother to turn to her doctor for medical help, especially if she is more than 20 weeks pregnant. However, in most cases, bleeding (particularly in the early stage) settles spontaneously and the pregnancy continues unharmed.
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