When a pregnant woman experiences vaginal bleeding, it can certainly dampen the joy and replace it with worry. However, not all bleeding is a signal of danger. In the early stages of pregnancy, bleeding refers to the appearance of small amounts of blood-colored secretions from the vagina within 12 weeks of pregnancy. The bleeding may be pink, red, or brown.
About half of women who experience early pregnancy bleeding will have a successful delivery, while about 30% will experience a natural miscarriage, and 10% will have an ectopic pregnancy or cervical lesions. If there is a threatened miscarriage, rest is essential.
Why Bleeding During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the baby grows from a small size to a larger size inside the mother’s womb, which is a long process. Before the placenta is fully formed, the embryo’s implantation is not as stable as one might think, so various factors can cause a miscarriage.
If bleeding occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, the first thing to consider is whether it is a threatened miscarriage. When a miscarriage occurs, the embryo and the uterine wall may separate to varying degrees. If the blood vessels at the separation site rupture, bleeding may occur.
Implantation bleeding
If a woman has just become pregnant, there may be slight vaginal bleeding during the 1-2 days when the fertilized egg implants on the uterine wall. However, it is difficult to determine whether this bleeding is caused by pregnancy.
Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
Slight bleeding or vaginal bleeding may be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or spasms.
Infection
A small amount of vaginal bleeding may also be due to vaginal infection or sexually transmitted diseases. Inflammatory tissues caused by infections in the vagina or cervix may cause slight bleeding after receiving a cervical smear test, vaginal examination, or sexual intercourse.
Placental problems or premature delivery
If a pregnant woman experiences vaginal bleeding or slight bleeding during the middle or late stages of pregnancy, it may be a sign of more severe conditions such as placenta previa, placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before the fetus is born), late miscarriage (between weeks 13 and 28 of pregnancy), or premature birth (between weeks 28 and 37 of pregnancy).
Normal signs of labor
If a pregnant woman experiences vaginal bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy, which is usually at 37 weeks, and the discharge is sticky with blood, it is usually a sign of the “bloody show” and should be reported to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Bleeding during pregnancy usually refers to vaginal bleeding that occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, which is not uncommon and many expectant mothers have experienced it. So let’s take a look at the symptoms of bleeding during pregnancy and how long the bleeding typically lasts.
Type of bleeding
Pay attention to the type of bleeding. If the blood is coffee-colored, expectant mothers don’t need to worry too much because coffee-colored blood indicates that internal bleeding has stopped and has oxidized into coffee color. Rest more and avoid exercise, and the bleeding should stop soon. However, if the blood is bright red, attention should be paid.
Pain
Expectant mothers who suspect early miscarriage may experience lower back pain, abdominal pain similar to menstrual cramps, and pain in the lower abdomen. Mothers with ectopic pregnancies may experience severe abdominal pain, pale complexion, rapid heartbeat, and internal bleeding.
How to Deal With Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women who notice blood coming out of their vagina during pregnancy are very worried about the health of their fetus, especially in the early stages. If not properly cared for, it is easy to have a miscarriage. However, bleeding during the middle and late stages of pregnancy cannot be ignored either. Let’s take a look at how to deal with bleeding during pregnancy together.
Bleeding in early pregnancy
Miscarriage
Pregnant women should immediately go to the hospital, continue to have ultrasound examinations based on their personal situation, and understand the development of the fetus.
If the bleeding is very heavy, it means that a miscarriage is unavoidable and a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure needs to be performed in a timely manner.
If the bleeding is less, it may be an impending miscarriage, and under the guidance of a doctor, adjustments and adequate rest can still result in a high chance of success in saving the pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy
If there is vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain during early pregnancy, pregnant women should go to the hospital immediately, especially those who have a history of ectopic pregnancy. Careful ultrasound examination during early pregnancy is necessary to determine whether the pregnancy is in the uterus or not.
Bleeding in mid-pregnancy
Cervical incompetence
Pregnant women should go to the hospital for examination. If cervical incompetence is diagnosed, cervical cerclage surgery is required. The procedure only takes 5-10 minutes and is generally best performed between weeks 14-20 of pregnancy, with good results.
Molar pregnancy
Treatment of a molar pregnancy primarily involves curettage of the uterus. However, be aware that a molar pregnancy may undergo malignant changes and evolve into choriocarcinoma. Pregnant women must adhere to regular observation and examination.
Bleeding in late pregnancy
Placenta previa
In the hospital, doctors generally use ultrasound examination to diagnose whether placenta previa has occurred. If the fetus has not yet developed maturity, doctors generally let pregnant mothers stay in the hospital for observation and, if necessary, receive blood transfusion treatment until the fetus has matured, and then a cesarean section can be performed to remove the fetus. However, if the pregnant mother has severe or persistent bleeding, the safety of the mother must be given priority.
Abruptio placentae
If the symptoms are relatively mild after a doctor’s diagnosis, conservative treatment methods are generally adopted, and pregnant women must rest in bed and be closely observed in the hospital. If the situation is urgent, efforts must be made to deliver the fetus. If the fetus survives but suffers from fetal distress, then a cesarean section is ideal.
Treatment of Other Causes of Vaginal Bleeding
Cervical erosion
If the degree of cervical erosion is not severe, it generally does not cause miscarriage or fetal deformities. If cervical erosion is caused by physiological factors, there is no need to worry about its impact on the fetus, and it will not cause miscarriage or fetal deformities. Therefore, no drug or physical treatment is required, and it can be treated after childbirth.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections can cause red urine, which is very similar to vaginal bleeding. Pregnant women should not be overly worried, but should distinguish between true hematuria and false hematuria, because some medications can also cause the appearance of red urine. To identify this situation, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination and early treatment.
Hemorrhoids
Attention should be paid to dietary adjustments, such as avoiding spicy foods like Sichuan pepper, ginger, onion, and garlic. In addition, fried foods should also be avoided, and less indigestible food should be eaten to avoid constipation. The best way is to increase the intake of vegetables and fruits that are rich in dietary fiber to help bowel movements and alleviate the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Excessive fatigue
Needless to say, being pregnant means not being alone anymore, but two or even more people. Therefore, pregnant women must ensure adequate sleep and maintain a regular daily routine, ensuring 8-9 hours of sleep time. However, they should not oversleep and should engage in moderate physical activities such as doing housework or light exercise.
Who Is More Likely to Have Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Before getting pregnant, you may have heard that some moms experience bleeding during pregnancy, but you may not have paid much attention to it. However, when you become pregnant and experience bleeding, you may wonder whether it’s a common occurrence or just a few isolated cases.
So, who is more likely to have bleeding during pregnancy? Factors that may increase the risk of bleeding include abnormal fetal chromosomes, hormonal imbalances in the mother, abnormalities or defects in the uterus, immune system issues, viral infections, chronic maternal illnesses (such as heart, kidney, or blood diseases), overexertion, excessive stress, vigorous sexual activity, external impacts, environmental pollution, improper use of medication, smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive caffeine intake, or other foods that can promote uterine contractions.
What Preventive Measures Should Be Taken for Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Adequate intake of vitamin K.
If a pregnant woman lacks vitamin K, she is more likely to experience bleeding during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of miscarriage. Even if the baby survives, low levels of clotting enzymes in the body can cause bleeding, delay intellectual development or cause congenital blindness, or even stillbirth. Therefore, pregnant women should eat more vitamin K-rich foods during pregnancy, such as spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, and fish.
Reasonable dietary structure and attention to diet regulation.
Nutrition is essential during pregnancy, so pregnant women should eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Besides taking supplements, they should also eat more grains such as black rice and red beans, as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins and protein. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, eat fruit every day, avoid drinking alcohol and coffee as much as possible, and eat less or avoid foods high in cholesterol and saturated fatty acids.
Conclusion
Bleeding during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors such as hormonal imbalances, infections, or complications with the pregnancy itself. It’s important for pregnant women to seek medical attention right away if they experience any bleeding, as it can be a sign of a serious problem. Preventative measures can include a healthy and balanced diet, proper rest and exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and taking prenatal vitamins. To reduce the risk of bleeding during pregnancy, it’s essential for expectant mothers to receive regular prenatal care and follow their doctor’s recommendations closely.
FAQs
How Much Bleeding Is Normal in Early Pregnancy?
However, bleeding is common during the first three months (12 weeks) of pregnancy and may or may not be a sign of a problem. It can range from slight brown spotting, to bright red bleeding, may last from a day to weeks and may be accompanied by mild cramping or low backache.
What Are the 2 Main Reasons for Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Implantation bleeding — in very early pregnancy (4 to 5 weeks gestation) some women may experience bleeding when the pregnancy implants itself in the lining of the uterus (womb).
Miscarriage — bleeding may be the first sign of a miscarriage.
When Should I Be Worried About Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Contact your health care provider the same day if you have light vaginal bleeding that goes away within a few hours. Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than a few hours or is accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills or contractions.
What Kind of Bleeding Is Ok in Early Pregnancy?
Implantation bleeding
Spotting or light bleeding can be normal in early pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. However, heavy bleeding or bleeding accompanied by cramping or severe abdominal pain may indicate a miscarriage or other complications and requires prompt medical attention.
Is Bleeding at 7 Weeks Pregnant Normal?
Bleeding during pregnancy is not considered normal, but it can occur for various reasons, some of which may not be serious. If you experience bleeding at 7 weeks pregnant, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate next steps. In some cases, it may be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, so it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
*Tips: The medical information mentioned in this article is for reading reference only. If you experience any discomfort, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately.
References
https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/bleeding-during-pregnancy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/bleeding-during-pregnancy/basics/definition/sym-20050636
