What is Bleeding During Pregnancy?

Bleeding from the vagina and spotting are symptoms that can occur during pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding can look just like a normal menstrual period with bright, fresh blood or large amounts of old blood. Spotting is a smaller amount of bleeding and may be mixed with other fluids and appear light and sporadic. It’s crucial that you know the difference between spotting and bleeding when you become pregnant. Vaginal bleeding and spotting during pregnancy can be a sign of a serious health condition and needs to be brought to the doctor’s attention immediately for diagnosis. Bleeding or spotting may increase the risks of miscarriage or premature birth. Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is far more common during the first trimester of pregnancy than many women believe. However, bleeding in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are of far greater concern. Some bleeding issues may be normal, but others, especially in the late second and third trimester could be a problem.

Bleeding during the first trimester is a fairly common occurrence. First trimester bleeding can be associated with sexual intercourse, infection of the urinary tract or pelvic cavity, or implantation. Bleeding after sexual intercourse during pregnancy is often associated with the tenderness of the cervix. After conception occurs, the cervix softens for the duration of the pregnancy. Sexual intercourse can cause mild damage to the cervix resulting in spotting or light bleeding. Implantation bleeding normally occurs within the first 5 to 9 days after the fertilized egg has implanted onto the walls of the uterus. While some women may only bleed or spot for a few hours, others may bleed or spot for a few days.

Is Spotting Early in Pregnancy a Problem

I have had some vaginal discharge and spotting for two weeks now, is that a problem? ... read more »

What Your Bruises During Pregnancy Might Mean

The occasional bruise is no reason to get worried, but if you’re getting black and blue after minor bangs and bumps it could mean that you have thrombocytopenia. ... read more »

What Is a Viable Pregnancy and a Nonviable Pregnancy?

The term "viability" may apply to the baby potentially surviving if born prematurely, and it also may mean that the fetus is still alive inside the uterus. ... read more »

Concerning Symptoms During Pregnancy You Should Not Ignore

Important issues during pregnancy not to ignore. ... read more »

Vaginal Bleeding and Spotting in Pregnancy Guide

Vaginal bleeding and spotting in pregnancy is a concern for many women and doctors. There are different work-ups and reasons for this bleeding depending on when it happens. ... read more »

Threatened Abortion And Bed Rest

A threatened abortion is diagnosed when there is vaginal bleeding prior to 20 weeks of the pregnancy. ... read more »

Exercise - When to Stop During Pregnancy

How do I know when to stop exercise during pregnancy? ... read more »

Early Bleeding and Miscarriage

How likely is a pregnancy loss when I have some spotting early in pregnancy? ... read more »

Can a Pap Smear Induce a Miscarriage or Spontaneous Abortion?

Can a Pap smear induce a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion? ... read more »

Can Sex and Exercise Harm My Baby?

Sex and exercise are safe during pregnancy. ... read more »

Is Spotting in Pregnancy Normal?

There is a significant difference between spotting (light dots of pink, red or brown blood) and bleeding in pregnancy (a steady flow of blood). Both are a cause for a call to your obstetrician. ... read more »

Vaginal Bleeding and Spotting

Vaginal bleeding will look just like a normal menstrual period with bright, fresh blood or large amounts of old blood. Spotting may be mixed with other fluids and appear light and sporadic. ... read more »

Miscarriage Diagnosis Criteria Ineffective

When a pregnant women experiences bleeding or pain early in the pregnancy, she may undergo an ultrasound to determine if a miscarriage has occurred. ... read more »

Primary Care Follow-Ups for Early Pregnancy Pain or Bleeding

Pain and bleeding in early pregnancy can cause mental stress, but are pregnant women receiving proper follow-up care after diagnostic intervention for these symptoms during pregnancy? ... read more »

Procedure to Reduce Postpartum Bleeding is a Step Closer to Reality

A procedure that promises to prevent the fatal loss of blood after childbirth (postpartum bleeding) in women residing in developing countries moves closer to becoming a reality. ... read more »

Missed Abortion: What You Need To Know

What is a missed abortion? Is it the same thing as a miscarriage? What is the treatment for a missed abortion? ... read more »

Early Pregnancy Bleeding

Why would I have spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy? ... read more »

Bleeding in Early Pregnancy - Threatened Abortion

Bleeding in early pregnancy, usually before 20 weeks of the pregnancy, is also called a "Threatened Abortion." ... read more »

Can You Get Your Period When You Are Pregnant?

You can't have a regular  menstrual period once you are pregnant, but up to 30% of pregnant women experience some vaginal bleeding, and most go on to have a normal pregnancy. That is not the same as a menstrual period. ... read more »

Risk of Miscarriage and Fetal Heart Rate

With vaginal bleeding, the risk of miscarriage is high before you see the fetal heartbeat and low without bleeding after you see the heartbeat. ... read more »

Amniocentesis: Signs of Problems

What are some of the signs? ... read more »

Post Coital Bleeding

There are several reasons for finding blood coming from the vagina after sex. Post coital bleeding can happen when you are pregnant and when you are not pregnant. If the bleeding is not severe it's usually not an emergency. ... read more »