8 Common Reasons You May Bleed During Pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy is a common symptom which often triggers a panic attack as it is usually perceived as a sign of a miscarriage. However, there are several other causes, all of which you should immediately report to your doctor for prompt advice or remedies. Find 8 common ones below.

1. Breakthrough bleeding

Between 4 – 12 weeks of pregnancy, some women get ‘breakthrough bleeding’ when their usual monthly period is due. This is often accompanied by symptoms experienced during regular periods including mood changes, cramps, bloating and backaches.

Some women may however experience ‘breakthrough bleeding’ throughout their pregnancy. With proper medical care, this does not result in complications.

2. Cervical changes

Cervical changes, particularly after sex, can also cause bleeding during pregnancy.  A lot of pregnant women experience bleeding after sex as a result of increased blood supply and softening of the cervix. It is usually no cause for alarm but should still be discussed with your doctor.

3. Placental abruption

This is a condition whereby the placenta starts to separate itself from the wall of the uterus. It usually causes symptoms including stomach pain and may cause bleeding along the line. Depending on how severe bleeding is, bed rest, an induction or c-section may be advised.

4. A Low-lying placenta

This condition called placenta praevia, whereby the placenta is attached in the lower part of the womb, near the cervix or covering the cervix, also causes bleeding during pregnancy. It usually occurs in the later stages of pregnancy and bleeding may be very heavy, putting you and baby at risk.

The condition requires emergency treatment, and in severe cases, an induction or c-section may suffice.

5. Ectopic pregnancy

This occurs when fertilised egg implants itself outside the uterus. In most cases, it does in one of the fallopian tubes. It can be fatal and requires emergency treatment.

6. Uterine fibroids

These may also cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy, depending on their location. It is usually thought that pregnancy hormones cause them to shrink but that is not always the case – fibroids may shrink or grow during pregnancy. It’s better to have them removed before conceiving as they can cause other complications including an ectopic pregnancy, heavy bleeding and miscarriage.

7. Vasa praevia

This is a condition whereby baby’s blood vessels run through the membranes covering the cervix. In normal cases, these vessels are protected within the umbilical cord and placenta. However, when a pregnant woman’s waters break, they may tear and trigger vaginal bleeding. This may make baby lose a life-threatening amount of blood.

This condition, though rare and very difficult to diagnose, may be spotted before birth via an ultrasound scan.

8. A ‘show’

This is a sign the cervix is getting ready for labour to start and occurs when the plug of mucus that has been in the cervix during pregnancy separates from its usual position. Typically, this usually happens during labour or few days before contractions start.

A vaginal infection may also be responsible for bleeding.

If you experience bleeding at any stage during pregnancy, try to remain calm and see your doctor immediately.  It may be something that can be easily resolved after all, and apprehension may make your bleeding worse.

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