Bleeding during pregnancy can be frightening. With all the changes your body is going through, it can be hard to tell if what you’re going through is normal or if something is terribly wrong.
If you’re experiencing bleeding during your pregnancy, take a deep breath! You’ll be glad to know that it’s very common. In fact, up to 25% of women will have some bleeding or spotting during their pregnancy. But, what causes it? How is it diagnosed and treated? Keep reading to learn more!
The Cleveland Clinic states that it’s normal to experience bleeding at some point in your pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Regardless, it’s important to let your doctor know if you’re experiencing bleeding, so they can monitor your symptoms and step in quickly to help if your symptoms worsen.
Your doctor may ask if you’re spotting or bleeding. Spotting, also known as light bleeding, looks like a few drops of blood in your underwear. If you put on a pad or panty liner, the blood won’t soak it. Spotting usually isn’t a serious concern, but you may want to contact your doctor so they can address any potential issues before they snowball.
Bleeding, on the other hand, is more than a few drops of blood. It becomes a problem if the flow is so heavy that a pad is needed to keep the blood from ruining your underwear. Contact your doctor immediately so they can provide the treatment you need.
There are a number of reasons someone could be bleeding during pregnancy. While not every reason is a cause for alarm, it’s important to keep track of your symptoms and communicate regularly with your doctor.
Bleeding during the first trimester is very common. Possible causes include:
Bleeding during the later trimesters usually points to something more serious. Contact your doctor immediately, as you may need emergency treatment.
Bleeding during pregnancy isn’t always caused by a medical condition. Some other possible causes include:
All of the causes listed in this article are commonly associated with bleeding during pregnancy. Meet with your healthcare provider to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Usually, an ultrasound is used to determine the cause of the bleeding. Your doctor may also order tests such as a urine test, blood test, or an MRI. Once the problem has been diagnosed, they may recommend:
You don’t have to face an unintended pregnancy alone! Our compassionate client advocates are here to provide you with the support you need to make an informed decision! Give us a call at (917) 540-0176, text us at (646) 734-8185, or schedule your free ultrasound today!
Bleeding and spotting during pregnancy. March of Dimes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/it-starts-with-mom/bleeding-and-spotting-during-pregnancy.aspx
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy: Causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22044-bleeding-during-pregnancy
Al Chami, A., & Saridogan, E. (2017, February). Endometrial polyps and subfertility. Journal of obstetrics and gynecology of India. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5306103/
Subchorionic hematoma: Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23511-subchorionic-hematoma
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 20). Bleeding during pregnancy causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/bleeding-during-pregnancy/basics/causes/sym-20050636