Bleeding in the First Half of Pregnancy

Bleeding in the First Half of Pregnancy:

Bleeding in pregnancy can be extremely alarming upon first finding out that we are expecting. Here are some possible reasons for spotting during early pregnancy.

• Implantation Bleeding. A normal symptom of early pregnancy. Occurs 5-12 days after conception. Implantation is experienced differently for each woman.

• Infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract.

• Bleeding after Intercourse. The cervix is very sensitive. Normal intercourse does not cause a miscarriage. Be sure you know what can contribute to miscarriage ahead of time. Discontinue intercourse until you consult your physician if you experience any amount of vaginal bleeding after intercourse to prevent further irritation.

Bleeding in the Second Half of Pregnancy:
Any bleeding in pregnancy can be scary. In the second half of pregnancy, minor bleeding can be caused by an inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix. Bleeding in the late part may also pose a threat to the health of the fetus or the mother. Be sure to be in touch with your physician if you experience any bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. All bleeding in pregnancy should be reported to your doctor.

Placental or Placenta Abruption:
When the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor, placental abruption occurs. This happens to 1% of pregnant woman and usually occurs during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy.

What are the signs of Placental Abruption?
- Bleeding
- Pain in stomach

Who is at risk for Placental Abruption?
- Women over the age of 35
- Women who have already had children
- Women who have had an abruption in the past
- Women who have sickle cell anemia
- Women who have high blood pressure
- Women who have had trauma or injuries to their stomach area
- Woman who use drugs/cocaine

Placenta Previa:
When the placenta lies low in the uterus, placenta previa is occuring. This is a serious condition that requires immediate care. Positioning of the placenta will often partially or completely cover the cervix. Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 200 pregnancies. There usually is no pain associated with placenta previa.

Who is at risk for Placenta Previa?
- Women who have already had children
- Women who have had a previous cesarean birth
- Women who have had previous surgery on uterus
- Women who are pregnant with multiples

Preterm Labor:
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy can be a sign of labor. A few weeks before labor starts, the mucus plug may dislodge and pass. This is usually made up of mucus and blood. When this happens, this can mean that preterm labor may begin in the very near future. Preterm labor occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy.

What are the signs of Preterm Labor?
- Vaginal discharge. This can be watery, mucus, or bloody.
- Lower abdominal/ pelvic pressure
- Low, dull backache
- Cramping in stomach either with or without diarrhea
- Consistent Uterine tightening or contractions