Is Bleeding Normal During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy – nine months of preparing to fall in love with a new life. It is a long time to feel the essence of life breathing inside you. This epoch is one of a mother’s most beautiful and memorable moments.

This guide will explore the ins and outs and the solution to the problem.

There are cases when some mothers find vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy¹. Therefore, it is normal for mothers to ask themselves- Do we bleed during the pregnancy? Is bleeding normal during pregnancy? Can it be harmful to health? What are the symptoms? How can it be cured? Well, to answer all your questions, this article will cover every view on the subject.

So, let’s deep dive into it!

1. Learning about the Term – Pregnancy

A healthy schedule will lead to a healthy pregnancy.² A full-term pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. However, there can be many factors that may postpone or lead to premature pregnancy.

Knowingly, the pregnancy period is divided into three segments: the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.

Is bleeding normal during pregnancy? The first trimester consists of the first three months of pregnancy, wherein the mother’s body will inaugurate some dramatic interior changes in the body. Between all these changes in the first trimester, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is common.

Studies show that around 30 percent of women were observed with spotting and light bleeding in early pregnancy. After this, they continue to experience healthy pregnancies.³

You might find vaginal spotting or light bleeding in the first trimester for several reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes.

In this guide, we will be experiencing the body behavior of women in all three pregnancy periods. So, let’s get started!

1.1. First Trimester- The Beginning

As discussed, bleeding in early pregnancy is common, especially for a day or two.

Some common signs or symptoms in most women trigger bleeding in early pregnancy. Following are some of these.

1.1.1. Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg falsely fertilizes outside or away from the womb. Generally, several ectopic pregnancies ⁴are held in the fallopian tube other than the womb.

The fertilized egg implants may grow early in pregnant women. However, some symptoms, like

• Bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic cramping,

indicate the presence of ectopic pregnancy in mothers.

Talking about the occurrence, ectopic pregnancy can occur in 20 out of 100 pregnancies across the globe.

1.1.2. Cervical Polyp

Polyps are tiny finger-like structures that grow over the cervix. These are not common yet in approximately 2 to 5 percent of women.

Cervical polyps, when triggered, can cause bleeding.

1.1.3. Miscarriage

Miscarriage is an unfortunate situation that can be detected with heavy vaginal bleeding. It is not sudden but can start with mild bleeding or spotting and then become chronic.

Heavy bleeding in the first trimester can signify miscarriage or early pregnancy loss, as most miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 26% of pregnancies lead to miscarriage.

Check out the following symptoms by which you can identify a miscarriage:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Redish brown color bleeding during pregnancy
• Pain in the back and lower stomach
• Severe cramping
• Exerting blood clots, a few drops or tissues in the blood

If found with any of these symptoms, consult your doctor right away!

1.1.4. Implantation Bleeding

Bleeding or spotting occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall or fallopian tubes called implantation bleeding.⁵ This can begin before the pregnancy and is expected during the menstrual time.

Some of the symptoms are:

• Mild cramping
• Lower backache
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Tender breasts

Blood in the implantation bleeding is light pink or dull brown. Try not to worry, as it generally lasts for a few days.

1.1.5. Having Multiple Babies

Similar to implantation bleeding, this situation commonly occurs in the first trimester. The woman’s uterus, which finds it heavy to hold more than one baby, may fall into such a situation.

1.1.6. Molar Pregnancy

Otherwise known as “mole” or gestational trophoblastic disease. This situation happens mainly due to genetic faults during fertilization⁶. There are chances when the fetus does not grow completely.

Molar pregnancy is another cause of bleeding in the first semester. Although it is a rare ( 5 out of 100 pregnancies) situation, it can be a concerning situation when it happens.

Secretion of bright red to dark brown bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, and vomiting are common signs of molar pregnancy.

So, now that we have learned the causes of bleeding during pregnancy. It’s time to know the cause behind bleeding in the second and third trimesters.

1.2. Second & Third Trimester (Six Months)

As the first trimester is the beginning of the pregnancy session, bleeding can be expected to be normal during those times. However, if you are found with vaginal discharge in late pregnancy, it’s known to be abnormal bleeding for a pregnant woman.

Following are some of the causes of the bleeding:

1.2.1. Cervix Problems

Expanding the cervix or its growth can trigger bleeding from the vagina. However, it is not considered a serious problem but should be discussed with your doctor.

Placental Abruption

Recorded in only 1% of women (a rare condition) of the world, this is a situation of the detachment of the features from the walls of the womb. This happens during labor pain.

1.2.2. Placenta Previa

It is very low in the uterus. Therefore the woman does not feel any pain while bleeding.

1.2.3. Premature Labor

This is another reason for bleeding when you are in preterm labor pain later in pregnancy. Moreover, this can be life-threatening for pregnant women.

1.2.4. Missed Abortion

Earlier abortion or miscarriage can be a reason for bleeding in the second trimester.

2. Other Symptoms of Bleeding During Pregnancy Complications

Some medicines or eating habits may trigger blood flow during pregnancy. However, it’s not always. There are other signs of spotting early or causes of bleeding.

You must consult your doctor, whether a mild or serious situation. Your doctor must be aware of your every health change during the menstrual period.

Besides, there are some other symptoms of bleeding below.

2.1. Sexual Intercourse

Light bleeding after sex can be experienced by some women.

2.2. Pelvic Examination or Ultrasound Exam

Harsh rays from the ultrasound can severely harm your baby, which may trigger bleeding. Women go through vaginal and abdominal ultrasounds for their babies. This, unfortunately, results in bleeding in some women because of the rays. Therefore, it is always advised for pregnant to avoid ultrasounds.

2.3. Infection

Some diseases or infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the carriers of bleeding during pregnancy.

2.4. Child Impositioning

The wrong positioning of the baby may lead to a stretch of blood vessels and cause bleeding early. The mother goes through severe pain, which might result in the woman’s abdomen severe bleeding.

Now, finally;

3. Is Bleeding Normal during Pregnancy?

Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy (the first trimester) is usually normal and not a sign of a serious issue. However, it is better to update your health provider about the situation to avoid any unwanted happening. Bleeding in the second and third semesters is serious. Therefore it is better to consult a doctor rather than try hacks at home.

If you are still confused, try the below tips to control bleeding during the first trimester at home.

3.1. How Can We Treat Bleeding at Home?

Besides taking medicines, and proper tests, it is necessary for the mother to nurture themselves at home also.

Following are some of the effortless ways and treatments by which you can control bleeding at home:

• Relaxing
• Avoid heavy work.
• Avoid standing for a long time.
• Bedrest.
• Stay cool, stay hydrated
• Use pads instead of cups.
• Avoid using tampons before going to the emergency room
• Avoiding sex.
• Consume mild pain relief with less dose, only if consulted.
• Avoid travel.
• Most of all, hospitalized if the situation goes out of control

3.2. What Are the Best Foods to Eat during Pregnancy?

Here are some suggestions to eat during pregnancy:

• Dairy products like milk, natural butter, ghee, cottage cheese, cheese, and yogurt are some healthy milk eateries to start your day.
• Otherwise, you can have lentils, peas, green veggies, beans, soybeans, and chickpeas to enhance folate levels in the body.
• Brocolli, green veggies like spinach are also a good source of fiber and several vitamins that boost your baby’s health.
• Eggs, on the other hand, are also a compulsory supplement for pregnancy as they contain choline which helps in the baby’s brain development.

3.3. Is Consulting a Doctor Good?

If you notice bleeding or anything, it is important to call your doctor to avoid mis-happenings. Therefore, never neglect any small change in your body. Let your doctor know so they can provide appropriate medications and care.

Some blood tests can be taken to examine if there are any genetic abnormalities or bleeding during pregnancy.

Is bleeding normal during pregnancy? Yes. But if you have any of these signs in your pregnancy, call your health advisor now:

• Heavy bleeding
• Secretion of abnormal tissue and blood clots
• Pain in the waist and lower body.
• Cramping
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Chills and fever

4. In the End

“Caring is the key to the healthy life of your baby.” Therefore, never neglect any interior or external happenings of your body.

Share it with your health consultant to get the best advice for your baby. In this guide, we read about- Is bleeding normal during pregnancy, along with the signs and treatments to cure it. Bleeding in some situations does not affect anything, and it leads to a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is a roller coaster of specific hormonal changes, which leads to many unnatural changes in your body. Therefore, never panic. You have to be patient to hold the situation confidentially with your doctor.

Having someone to talk to about what you’re going through is bliss. Therefore, share your experiences with your friends, family, and doctor. And get ready to welcome the new love of your life!

5. Frequently Asked Questions

5.1. Is it OK if I bleed while pregnant?

5.2. Until when it is normal to bleed in pregnancy?

5.3. When is it not normal to bleed during early pregnancy?

If a pregnant woman is facing heavy bleeding, bleeding with cramps and dizziness. It is not normal, so immediately seek help from the doctor.

1. Harville, E. W., et al. “Vaginal bleeding in very early pregnancy.” Human Reproduction 18.9 (2003): 1944-1947. ↩︎
2. Tsui, Amy O., et al. “Healthy pregnancy and childbearing.” Reproductive health in developing countries: Expanding dimensions, building solutions. National Academies Press (US), 1997. ↩︎
3. Coxon, Kirstie, et al. “What influences birth place preferences, choices and decision-making amongst healthy women with straightforward pregnancies in the UK? A qualitative evidence synthesis using a ‘best fit’framework approach.” BMC pregnancy and childbirth 17.1 (2017): 1-15. ↩︎
4. Murray, Heather, et al. “Diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy.” Cmaj 173.8 (2005): 905-912. ↩︎
5. Norwitz, Errol R. “Defective implantation and placentation: laying the blueprint for pregnancy complications.” Reproductive biomedicine online 13.4 (2006): 591-599. ↩︎
6. Duranthon, Veronique, Andrew J. Watson, and Patrick Lonergan. “Preimplantation embryo programming: transcription, epigenetics, and culture environment.” Reproduction (Cambridge, England) 135.2 (2008): 141. ↩︎

Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology