If you're five weeks pregnant and bleeding bright red, you may be feeling worried since bleeding in pregnancy can indicate a miscarriage. But, there is more than one possible reason for bleeding during early pregnancy. For instance, it's common for a small percentage of pregnant people to have spotting after intercourse, and others may experience bleeding for reasons that have nothing to do with pregnancy, such as infections or tears to the vaginal wall. Show
Though often worrying, bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy is actually quite common, especially during early pregnancy. The good news: Spotting or light bleeding in early pregnancy that's not heavy like your menstrual period, occurs for nearly one-third of all parents-to-be and often poses no threat to the pregnant person or baby. "The vast majority of spotting is harmless," says Alyssa Stephenson-Famy, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at the University of Washington, Seattle. But since bleeding, no matter how scant, can be indicative of a variety of complications, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and placenta previa, it shouldn't be ignored. Plus, it can be pretty unnerving to experience, so you should know you can always reach out to your doctor or midwife when you are having any symptoms you're unsure about it. Learn about the various reasons you may experience bleeding while pregnant, when to know whether you should call your doctor, and tips for effectively communicating your symptoms to your health care provider. Pregnancy Bleeding Before 20 WeeksDoctors estimate that 25% to 40% of pregnant people will experience some kind of vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy, and more often than not, the pregnancy will progress totally normally, Dr. Stephenson-Famy says. There are a number of possible benign causes of spotting or bleeding in the first half of pregnancy, including:
Sometimes bleeding during the first half of your pregnancy can be a sign of a more serious condition, however, such as:
Pregnancy Bleeding After 20 weeksAlthough the risk of pregnancy loss (known as stillbirth after the first 20 weeks) diminishes greatly after the first trimester, and many of the early complications are no longer a factor (such as ectopic and molar pregnancies), bleeding during the second half of pregnancy should be taken seriously, especially if it's ongoing, Dr. Stephenson-Famy says. Causes for vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy include:
When Is Bleeding During Pregnancy Serious?Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy isn't uncommon and doesn't always mean something is wrong. When determining the seriousness of the bleeding you're experiencing, it's important to pay attention to the qualities of the bleeding and other symptoms that accompany it, such as:
When to Call Your Doctor About Bleeding During PregnancyThe answer to this is: always. If you're experiencing any bleeding during pregnancy (and especially if you have other symptoms, such as a fever, cramps, or pain), call your doctor or midwife right away to be safe, as any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be a symptom of a larger problem. Even if there is nothing to worry about, consulting your health provider can still give you reassurance and prepare you for the next steps. When you do call your doctor, be prepared to answer detailed questions about the amount of blood you've lost, its color and consistency, and a description of how you're feeling overall, advises Laura Riley, M.D., author of Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Your doctor will decide whether there's a cause for concern. What to Expect After You Call Your DoctorAfter you call your doctor or midwife about bleeding during pregnancy, a few different things might happen. They may want to simply monitor the situation or they may want you to come in to the office or go to the hospital for further evaluation. You may need an exam or an ultrasound to see what's going on with the fetus Dr. Riley says you should insist on being seen if you have any vaginal bleeding that makes you feel faint or soaks through a sanitary pad. You should also be seen if the bleeding is persistent or accompanied by pain or a fever. The next steps will be dedicated to figuring out the cause of the bleeding and treating it, if necessary. For example, if the bleeding is from an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat it. If the bleeding is due to placenta previa—a condition in which the placenta covers the bottom of the uterus—then your doctor may put you on modified bed rest. They will probably avoid conducting an internal vaginal exam, and will probably recommend that you have a C-section when your baby is ready to be born. A scheduled C-section is usually done at 38 or 39 weeks, but pregnant people with placenta previa often bleed in the third trimester. If this is the case, the C-section may be done earlier. If you're having bleeding as a sign of preterm labor, your doctor will take steps to prevent it, possibly recommending bed rest or medication. If the bleeding is due to an active or otherwise imminent miscarriage, on the other hand, your doctor may be able to offer you support and some options for what comes next, but there is no treatment for stopping a miscarriage. How much spotting is normal during pregnancy?Light bleeding, or spotting, during pregnancy is common, especially during the first trimester. It is considered spotting when you notice a few drops of blood occasionally in your underwear, or if you wipe yourself with tissue and see a little blood on the paper. There should not be enough blood to fill a panty liner.
When should spotting be a concern in pregnancy?2nd trimester
Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than a few hours or is accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills or contractions.
What does light pregnancy spotting look like?Spotting is when you see a light or trace amount of pink, red, or dark brown (rust-colored) blood. You may notice spotting when you use the restroom or see a few drops of blood on your underwear. It will be lighter than your menstrual period, and there won't be enough blood to cover a panty liner.
Can light spotting lead to miscarriage?Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of miscarriage. This varies from light spotting or brown discharge, to a heavy bleed that may be heavier than a normal period. Light bleeding before 12 weeks (during your first trimester) of pregnancy can be quite common and is not always a sign of miscarriage.
Is light spotting normal in early pregnancy?Early in pregnancy (sometimes before you know you're pregnant), you may have some spotting when your period is due. This common occurrence is called implantation bleeding. “It happens between 6 and 12 days after conception as the fertilized egg implants into your uterus,” Dr. Heber says.
How long does light spotting last in early pregnancy?Implantation bleeding may occur in early pregnancy. It's generally light and lasts just a few days. It usually occurs 10-14 days after conception, or around the time of your missed period.
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