6 Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

It can be frightening when you start bleeding during pregnancy. The good thing is that doesn’t always mean you are experiencing a miscarriage. Bleeding during pregnancy is actually considered normal during the first trimester. It can come in the form of spotting, streaking, or period-like blood loss. That being said, all incidents of blood loss during pregnancy, at any trimester should be reported to the doctor immediately. However, find below 5 causes of bleeding during pregnancy:

• Implantation Bleeding

This naturally occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. It is possible to bleed 10 or 14 days after. Some women mistakenly think they have simply had a light period and don’t realize they are pregnant.

• Breakthrough Bleeding

During pregnancy, hormones prevent your period from occurring. Sometimes, if the hormone levels are not balanced enough to stop your period, the result is breakthrough bleeding. Some women experience breakthrough bleeding throughout the pregnancy, and under the close watch of their doctors, still have healthy babies.

• Bleeding After Sex 

This is as a result of the increased blood supply to, and softening of the cervix. This is completely harmless, and does not affect your baby at all. It is however, still recommended that you report it or call your doctor immediately.

• Ectopic Pregnancy 

This is the type of pregnancy where the embryo does not attach itself to the uterus but to the fallopian tube. It is dangerous to the mother because as the embryo keeps growing chances increase that the tubes might burst, leading to blood flow. An ectopic pregnancy can rupture and might have to be removed, along with the pregnancy, but it does not mean you will have trouble conceiving in future, provided your other ovary and fallopian tube are healthy.

• Bleeding From The Placenta

Painless vaginal bleeding can be caused by an abnormally placed placenta, this is called Placenta praevia. In this case, the placenta implants itself very low down on the uterine wall, and occasionally right over the cervix.  It will inevitably result in bleeding at some point in your pregnancy  usually after the 20 weeks. Pregnancy in this case can be carried to full term, on strict conditions such as bed rest, an induced C-section and frequent ultra sounds.

• Infection

An infection of the cervix or vagina caused by an STD. In severe cases, result in bleeding. It should be treated as soon as possible and drugs should be used strictly as prescribed. You can pass diseases like gonorrhea and herpes on to your baby during delivery, so please, we stress again, always report immediately to your doctor.