Pregnancy Bleeding

Although pregnancy bleeding is common, you must not totally ignore it because it could lead towards more dangerous conditions. It is therefore important to inform yourself on what types of bleeding are considered normal for any pregnant women, and which ones should raise alarm and concern.

Cause of Pregnancy Bleeding

There are several different factors that could lead to vaginal bleeding while pregnant. However, up to 20 to 30% of all cases of bleeding affect the condition of your pregnancy. In fact, 50% of these cases lead to miscarriage. Hence, it must not be ignored. The best way to deal with pregnancy bleeding is to find out what caused it.

If you experience bleeding during the early stages of your pregnancy, you need to consult with your health care provider for better assessment as it could be any of the following:

• Implantation bleeding - This is associated with the normal implantation of the embryo, hence you might notice slight spotting. This is quite minimal though and appears at about the same time as your period would have. For those unaware yet that they are pregnant, they might confuse it with an early period.
• Threatened miscarriage - In this case, the fetus remains inside of your uterus. However, it places tremendous risk on the state of your pregnancy. This can be due to several factors such as UTI, dehydration, adverse effects on certain medications, physical trauma, and many more. However, it cannot be caused by certain activities such as engaging in sex, heavy lifting, or emotional stress.
• Incomplete miscarriage - If you undergo a pelvic exam and it shows your cervix remaining open while also passing blood, tissue, or clots, which indicates an incomplete miscarriage.
• Ectopic pregnancy - This is the most dangerous form of bleeding any pregnant woman could suffer during the first trimester. This happens when the fertilized egg implants itself outside of your uterus or in the fallopian tube. It can develop in much worse cases, and the amount of bleeding can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of Pregnancy Bleeding

Since all information regarding the quality and amount of bleeding experienced while pregnant contribute to the overall assessment of your condition, you need to keep track of every details. This will help your health care provider examine the extend of your pregnancy bleeding. Here are a few symptoms associated with pregnancy bleeding:

• feeling of thirst
• dizziness and fainting
• increased feeling of fatigue

Any of these symptoms could indicate blood loss, especially when you notice your pulse rate increase as soon as you stand up from lying or sitting down.

Seeking Medical Help

Because there is a risk of any of these cases of pregnancy bleeding developing into life-threatening condition, you need to seek medical care whenever any of the following develop:

• When suffering from excessive bleeding, cramps, and contractions;
• If vaginal bleeding goes on for more than 24 hours;
• When you pass out;
• If you develop a fever while also bleeding;
• If you suffer from excessive pain that is not normal for your period, especially in the pelvis, back, and abdomen.

Regardless of the symptoms, it is best to see a doctor as soon as you experience any irregularities in your body. This will help avoid further complications to your health and the baby's.

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Understanding Pregnancy Bleeding Recommended Resources:

NCBI Pub Med

BJGP - The British Journal of General Practice