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Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy - When to Worry


A minor spotting or light bleeding during pregnancy is nothing to worry about for most women. It's often one of the early signs that you're pregnant. However, heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts for more than a few days could be a sign of a severe problem. Here's what you need to know about vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

When Is Bleeding During Pregnancy Normal?

Spotting is any light bleeding from your vagina without regular menstrual periods. In most cases, it lasts for a short time and goes away. During the first trimester, it's normal to have some light spotting or bleeding after sex or while you have a Pap smear. Light bleeding during early pregnancy is relatively standard. About 20 to 30 percent of pregnant women experience some bleeding during their first trimester.

What Causes Vaginal Bleeding in Early Pregnancy?

In most cases, light spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy is caused by the embryo's implantation into the uterus lining. This is also called implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter in color than your regular menstrual period and doesn't last as long. It typically occurs 10 to 14 days after conception and may last for one to two days.

Is Heavy Bleeding During Pregnancy Normal?

Heavy vaginal bleeding means soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours or passing clots more significant than a quarter. Heavy vaginal bleeding during pregnancy isn't normal and should be reported to your doctor right away. If you have any concerns about vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy, call your doctor right away. They can determine whether you need to be seen urgently or not.


What Causes Heavy Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy?

There are many possible causes of heavy vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, including:

Ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. An ectopic pregnancy can rupture (break open) the fallopian tube and cause heavy vaginal bleeding and other symptoms like abdominal pain and shoulder pain.

Miscarriage: This is when the pregnancy ends on its own before 20 weeks gestation. It usually occurs within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy but can happen up to 20 weeks gestation. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Still, it may be as high as 50 percent when counting all pregnancies, including those that occur before a woman knows she's pregnant (early losses occur before a missed period). A Miscarriage may cause heavy vaginal bleeding and other symptoms like abdominal pain and cramping.

Placental abruption: This is when the placenta starts to separate from the uterine wall before delivery, and it can cause heavy vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and back pain. Placental abruption occurs in about 1 out of 150 pregnancies, and it's more common in smokers and women who have had a previous placental abruption.

Conclusion

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be expected, but heavy bleeding can signify a severe problem like ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or placental abruption. If you're experiencing any type or degree of vaginal bleeding, call your doctor right away so they can help determine what's causing it and if treatment is necessary.
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