Bleeding in pregnancy
It’s common to have some degree of bleeding, particularly in early pregnancy. In late pregnancy it can signal complications.
Early bleeding (before 12 weeks)
Spotting is fairly common in early pregnancy. It doesn’t always mean a miscarriage but if it’s accompanied by lower abdominal pain, much like period pain, and backache, it should be checked by your OB-GYN or nurse- midwife to rule out anything more serious, such as an ectopic pregnancy.
It’s common to have some spotting in the first four to eight weeks at around the time your period would have been due; many women also experience bleeding when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Spotting may also be related to infections or sex, as your cervix is softer and more prone to irritation during pregnancy. See spotting and bleeding in early pregnancy for more information.
If you experience bleeding you’ll likely have an ultrasound, an internal examination or a blood test to measure levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). For most women there’s no obvious cause for the bleeding and no treatment is necessary. The pregnancy usually carries on as normal.??
Bleeding in late pregnancy
Later bleeding is much less common but can indicate more serious problems, such as:
Placenta previa Also referred to as a low-lying placenta, this is where the placenta develops close to or covering your cervix, which is your baby’s route out of your uterus during his birth. Many women have placenta previa in early pregnancy but as their uterus expands the placenta naturally moves further up, away from the cervix.
Around one woman in three still has a low-lying placenta in the third trimester and it can cause painless bleeding. If this happens you’ll be told to rest and given steroids to help your baby’s lungs mature in case he needs to be delivered early. If the bleeding continues, your baby will likely be delivered immediately by cesarean.
Placental abruption In placental abruption, the placenta separates from the uterus, resulting in severe bleeding, abdominal pain and contractions. You’ll feel faint due to blood loss. In a partial separation you may be admitted to hospital for bed rest and close monitoring, and possibly blood transfusions. In a complete abruption, your baby will need to be delivered straightaway.
You’re more at risk of this condition if you smoke, have pre-eclampsia, are carrying more than one baby, have had it in a previous pregnancy or have uterine abnormalities.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 10/06/2008
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