Bleeding during pregnancy

Any sort of bleeding during pregnancy can be very risky. What do you do in case of bleeding and what causes it? Find out more in the article.

 

There are many causes of bleeding during pregnancy and any sort of bleeding requires medical assistance. (jlp)

Bleeding and pregnancy stages

 

Bleeding during any stage of pregnancy can be very risky and requires immediate medical assistance. Vaginal bleeding refers to any sort of bleeding from the vagina, that is, the area between the womb and the external genitals. It usually refers to bleeding in the lower abdomen, but doesn’t include menstruation. If bleeding occurs in the first trimester, it varies from fake stains to heavy bleeding with cloths. Vaginal bleeding is a common problem causing complications in 20 to 30 per cent of pregnancies. If bleeding occurs in the second trimester, it should be taken very seriously because it indicates an abnormality. The level of risk is in direct proportion to the stage of your pregnancy in case of bleeding. Vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is therefore a sign of extreme risk. At that time too, bleeding can vary from minor stains to heavy bleeding. In the USA, bleeding is the most common cause of death in pregnant women (4 per cent).

 

Bleeding can vary from fake stains to heavy bleeding including pain and cramps. (jlp)

Causes of bleeding in the first trimester

 

There are various causes of bleeding in the first trimester. In 50 per cent of cases, women have an abortion (miscarriage) or an ectopic pregnancy. In some cases, bleeding is caused by the position in which the embryo is attached to the vaginal wall, meaning that a woman only has a few drops of blood in the time of her first period after sexual intercourse. Many women think the bleeding is in fact their period and often don’t realise they’re pregnant. Bleeding and cramps can also occur because of an infection, dehydration or the use of certain drugs. In that case, the result of pregnancy may be uncertain because of a miscarriage. In addition to these causes, the cause of bleeding is a miscarriage itself. This occurs if bleeding and cramps ease and the womb is empty according to your feelings as well as an ultrasound scan. The most common cause of bleeding in the first trimester is pregnancy loss. Another cause of bleeding is an incomplete miscarriage where a gynaecological examination shows that the cervix is found to be open, while bleeding still lasts and tissue is excreted. Sometimes bleeding also causes an abnormal development of the foetus in the womb or the death of the baby growing inside the womb. Bleeding is also caused by an ectopic pregnancy, that is, a pregnancy where fertilised egg is implanted outside the womb, most often in the fallopian tube. As a rule, such bleeding occurs in the first trimester and is caused by the growth of the foetus, which results in a rupture of the tube. The bleeding that occurs after sex during pregnancy can be as normal as bleeding because of an injury to the vaginal wall.

 

Sometimes a woman notices a few drops of blood in the time when she should have her first period after sexual intercourse, so a lot of women are unaware of their pregnancy in the first trimester. (jlp)

Causes of bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy

 

In the late stages of pregnancy, bleeding can be caused by placenta previa, meaning that the placenta is attached less than 3.2 inches (8 cm) from the cervix, or it even covers it. When the cervix narrows and expands in preparation for labour, the blood vessels of the placenta are stretched and ruptured, which causes bleeding. Placenta previa is commonly caused by multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) or the caesarean section performed in the previous pregnancy. Sometimes bleeding is also caused by the separation of the placenta and the vaginal wall, which is often triggered by smoking. An extremely dangerous cause of bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy is a rupture of the womb. Less common causes of bleeding are injuries to the cervix or vagina, including polyps, cancer and dilated veins.

 

Bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy is extremely dangerous. (jlp)

Seeking medical assistance

 

Any sort of bleeding during pregnancy is a sign of an abnormal state. Therefore, it’s necessary and recommended that you consult your doctor. In the consultation, you have to provide the doctor detailed information on the amount of blood loss and your general wellbeing. Urgent medical assistance is necessary in the event that you bleed and have cramps, if bleeding last for a long time, if you faint or have fever, if you bleed and feel a severe pain in the lower abdomen, and if you had a miscarriage or abortion in the past. Treatment depends on your diagnosis. If bleeding occurs in the early stages of your pregnancy, you need plenty of rest without unnecessary movement. It’s recommended that you don’t have sex, insert tampons into your vagina or wash it. You have to drink a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration and monitor the quantity of the sanitary towels you use.

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