Bleeding During Pregnancy

During the first trimester of a pregnancy it is not uncommon for a woman to experience bleeding.

Unexplained bleeding should never be overlooked or taken for granted, but it is not necessarily a cause for alarm either. During the early stage of pregnancy, there are several explanations for this occurrence. Of course, the appearance of blood could be a sign of a serious problem so a doctor should be consulted immediately. Even if there is nothing wrong, an examination can help to alleviate an expectant mother’s fears and help her to relax. The importance of a calm mother should not be underestimated when talking about the health of the baby.

The possible causes of bleeding during the first 12 weeks vary greatly in seriousness and levels of danger to the mother and child.

Some women who may actually think they are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant are sometimes misled in the first few days after conception by what is known as implantation bleeding. This happens as the fertilized egg implants into the uterus lining. This can be misinterpreted as a light period. Normally it lasts no more than a few days and may end as soon as a couple hours.

Changes in the cervix can be another non-serious cause of loss of blood. When a woman is carrying a baby, the blood flowing to the cervix increases and certain activities, such as sex or a Pap test, can result in bleeding. An infection in the cervix can also cause a bleed.

As stated, some cases of blood lose are a matter for concern. In the worst case, this situation can indicate that a miscarriage has occurred. Other symptoms that signal a miscarriage are severe cramps in the lower abdomen and tissue passing through the vagina.

Approximately two in 10 women experience bleeding during pregnancy in the first 12 weeks