Bleeding During Pregnancy – What’s Normal And What’s Not

Bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common and isn’t always alarming. However, if you have bleeding from the vagina at any time in pregnancy, you should always consult the doctor immediately.

You might get to see mild bleeding during pregnancy, in the early weeks. This is called ‘spotting’. This happens when the foetus plants itself in the wall of your womb, when your period is due after conception. Here’s everything you need to know about bleeding during pregnancy.

What Does Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy Look Like?

Is bleeding common during pregnancy? Yes, in the early weeks.

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy in the early weeks can be light pink, red, or dark brown (rust-coloured) blood. You may notice it when you use the restroom or see a few drops of blood on your underwear.

It is actually spotting and will be lighter than your menstrual period and there won’t be enough blood to cover a panty liner.

How Much Bleeding During Pregnancy Is Normal?

Bleeding during early pregnancy (spotting) is normal. In most cases, it’s not a cause of concern. However, continued bleeding throughout the pregnancy can be alarming.

Plus, bleeding in the second half of pregnancy is often associated with more serious conditions, including a pregnancy loss or Miscarriage.

It is recommended to call your doctor immediately if you are bleeding heavily and experiencing abdominal cramps.

Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

According to medical reports, about 20% of women have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy during the first 12 weeks. Some of the reasons for bleeding during pregnancy are:

1. Implantation bleeding: When the fertilised egg embeds into the wall of the womb, it is known as implantation and happens usually when your period is due. Sometimes, implantation bleeding happens after eight weeks of pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding is more period-like bleeding during early pregnancy and usually lasts just for a day or two and is very light in colour.

2. Changes in the cervix: Pregnancy hormones can lead to some changes in the cervix and make it softer and prone to bleeding.

This can also be provoked by sexual intercourse or a pelvic examination.

3. Vaginal Infection: Any infection on the vagina (vaginitis) can result in mild bleeding which is also accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge.

Vaginitis is a swelling or infection of the vulva, and vagina that results in discharge along with itching and pain.

4. Miscarriage: When a pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, it is called a miscarriage or pregnancy loss.

Some of its symptoms include bleeding, back pain, stomach pain or cramping.

5. Ectopic pregnancy: When the fertilised egg implants itself outside the uterus, in the fallopian tube, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy.

Some of its symptoms are bleeding, stomach pain on one side, pain at the tip of the shoulder and discomfort while passing urine or stools. 

Heavy bleeding during early pregnancy can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. One out of sixty pregnancies is an ectopic pregnancy and in some cases, blood transfusion and emergency surgery are also required for this potentially life threatening situation.

As ectopic pregnancy is fatal for the foetus, doctors might also put an injection to stop bleeding during early pregnancy.

6. Molar pregnancy: In a molar pregnancy, the foetus does not form properly in the womb and doesn’t develop.

Some of its symptoms are bleeding, severe morning sickness and an unusually swollen tummy.

In such a condition, there is an abnormal tissue growth in the uterus which consumes the foetus. Molar pregnancies can be diagnosed by an ultrasound.

7. Threatened miscarriage: In a threatened miscarriage, an expecting mum bleeds and experiences mild cramping. The cervix stays closed and the foetus also continues to develop.

For some women, the bleeding stops after a few days and the pregnancy remains intact. While, for the rest, the bleeding continues, and they eventually have a miscarriage, i.e. spontaneous pregnancy loss.

8. Placenta Previa: Placenta previa is a condition where there is an unusual placement of the placenta in the mum’s womb. While it sounds grave, it need not be so if tackled smartly well in time.

The area wherever the placenta is attached usually stretches upwards from your cervix. A low lying placenta is the one where the placenta stays low in your womb, around or covering your cervix. This might block the baby’s way out.

In most cases, this can be diagnosed in your routine ultrasound scans and you’ll have an additional scan later during your pregnancy to ascertain if the placenta has moved up.

If the placenta is still low in your womb, you might bleed heavily during your pregnancy and even at the time of your delivery which can place you and your baby in danger.

9. Placental abruption: Placental abruption is a serious condition in which the placenta starts to come away from the womb wall itself and normally causes severe and unbearable stomach pain which lasts throughout.

It might occur even if there is no bleeding. It is advisable to consult a doctor immediately if you are bleeding in late pregnancy.

Finding Out The Cause of Bleeding

To find out the cause of bleeding, you might need to have a vaginal or pelvic examination, an ultrasound scan or blood tests to check your hormone levels. Your doctor might ask you about other symptoms, such as cramp, pain and dizziness.

If the symptoms are not severe and your baby is not due for a while, you will be monitored and kept in hospital for observation too.

You might have to stay overnight, or until your delivery, depending on the cause of the bleeding and how many weeks pregnant you are.

How to Stop Bleeding During Pregnancy?

Bleeding in the later part of pregnancy is often alarming. If you experience it, there is no way to stop it. Sadly, that’s the answer to the question – “How to stop bleeding during pregnancy”? You should rest and contact your doctor immediately.

It is advisable to not undertake heavy lifting or perform strenuous exercise, and abstain from sex, douching and using tampons or menstrual cups.

You might use a sanitary napkin to absorb the blood.

When to See Your Doctor

It is advisable to consult your doctor if you have:

• Heavy bleeding with pain or cramping
• Dizziness and bleeding
• Pain in your belly or pelvis
• Severe pain on one side of the abdomen along with rectal pressure

Conclusion

Bleeding during pregnancy can be scary. Consulting a doctor at the right time can rule out any complications. The doctor might ask you several questions to find the cause of your vaginal bleeding and understand your symptoms and proceed accordingly. He/ she might also prescribe a medicine to stop bleeding during pregnancy.

FAQs

What does miscarriage blood look like?

The colour of the miscarriage blood might look like coffee grounds, or somewhat black during a miscarriage.

Am I bleeding or just spotting?

Spotting usually happens in early pregnancy. It is lighter than the menstrual flow. Plus, the colour can range from pink to red.

Bleeding is usually full of blood stains and the flow can be heavy.

When will bleeding stop in pregnancy?

Bleeding during pregnancy that is not related to pregnancy loss or any other complications will usually stop in a day or two.