It’s an added bonus that, during pregnancy, you won’t deal with a regular menstrual cycle. It can be a refreshing break from your regular patterns, at a time when you have plenty of other things to fill your days.
Though you may not deal with your period for nine months, you could still experience occasional light vaginal bleeding, typically called spotting. Light bleeding during pregnancy is common, particularly in the first trimester. Up to 30% of soon-to-be moms have some light bleeding within the first 12 weeks.
While any vaginal bleeding might bring concern, it’s not always a sign that something’s wrong. At North Atlanta OB/GYN, we’ve got you covered. We’ve prepared today’s blog to help you determine when bleeding during pregnancy is out of the ordinary.
Light bleeding, or spotting, is different from moderate or heavy vaginal bleeding. Many women experience spotting when they aren’t pregnant, so it’s part of their normal routine. If it’s a new experience for you, it’s helpful to know the difference between spotting and heavier flows.
Spotting usually appears as a few small spots of blood, from light pink to dark brown in color. Spotting is light enough and brief enough that you’d use a panty liner or nothing at all.
Moderate-to-heavy bleeding causes a more intense flow that’s similar to the peak amounts during your period. It’s the kind of bleeding for which you’d use a tampon or pad.
During pregnancy, it’s helpful to wear a pad so you can keep track of any bleeding that you might experience.
Light bleeding within two weeks of conception is normal. It might be before you know you’re pregnant. It’s due to the fertilized egg implanting itself into the uterine lining, called implantation bleeding.
Hormone changes due to pregnancy cause the formation of new blood vessels and increased blood flow to your uterus, cervix, and vagina. Any of these can lead to harmless spotting or light bleeding under certain circumstances like sexual intercourse, intense exercise, or a pelvic exam.
If you experience heavier bleeding in the first trimester that indicates a potential problem, these are the most common causes:
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants itself outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Bleeding can occur without other symptoms, but it’s often accompanied by abdominal, pelvic, or shoulder pain. Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. Contact us as soon as possible if you experience bleeding or pain in the first trimester.
First trimester bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping could be the first sign of a miscarriage. About 10% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. About half of the women who experience heavy first-trimester bleeding will miscarry.
While it’s possible to experience harmless spotting during your second and third trimesters, late-pregnancy bleeding of any kind is cause for concern that requires immediate obstetric observation.
Heavy bleeding may indicate a serious complication, such as:
The placenta is the vascular tissue that nourishes and maintains your baby before birth. When the placenta detaches from the uterus, placental abruption can cause heavy bleeding accompanied by cramping or back pain. Placenta previa happens when the placenta partly or totally covers your cervix, typically causing painless bleeding.
Spotting or bleeding that occurs before you reach your 37th week of pregnancy can be a sign of premature labor. Other signs include contractions, changes to vaginal discharge, increased pelvic pressure, abdominal cramping, or lower back pain.
Contact North Atlanta OB/GYN by phone or through our online booking link at the first sign of spotting or other vaginal bleeding. Be on the safe side when it comes to any bleeding during pregnancy.
