Bleeding In First Trimester

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Around 30% women suffer bleeding during pregnancy. It may be in the form of spotting, streaking or period-like blood loss. Around half of these women will have a healthy baby and other half will have to face the toughest prgnancy problem, miscarriage.

The most likely time bleeding can occur is in the first trimester. Some experts claim that any passage of blood from the vagina of a pregnant women before 24 weeks is termed as threathened miscarraisge or threatened abortion. However this may not be the only reason behind it. Read to know the different causes of vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Common causes

• Implantation of placenta in the uterus- many women after the first 10-14 days of fertilization experience spotting or bleeding. It happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This kind of bleeding is lighter and spottier in colour than a normal menstrual period. It doesn't last for long and should not be mistaken as a menstrual cycle.


• Cervical changes- this is also a normal kind of bleeding. During pregnancy there is an increase in the blood supply and blood flow to the cervix, therefore many may go through light spotting after a sexual intercourse or any contact to this area. Some cervical infections also may cause bleeding in early pregnancy.


• Miscarriage - if the bleeding occurs during the first trimester then it may be the sign of miscarriage. However half of the woman who bleed during this period do not undergo any complications


• Ectopic or Tubal pregnancy- occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus (mostly in the fallopian tube). Women with such a pregnancy will experience severe pain in the abdomen or feel faint and nauseous. However, an embryo implanted outside the uterus can't develop into a normal baby. It can cause serious internal bleeding. In this case fallopian tube may need to be removed along with the pregnancy but this does not mean that the mother will have trouble conceiving in future provided other ovary and fallopian tube are healthy.


• Molar pregnancy - Bleeding is the most common symptom of molar pregnancy. However this is an uncommon cause of bleeding in the first trimmester In this condition an abnormal mass forms inside the uterus after fertilization instead of a baby. One in thousand pregnaccies undergo this problem in U.S.

Treatment

Treatment for spotting or vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy depends on the causes. Usually slight bleeding will stop on its own but don't risk the life of mother and fetus so rush to hospital as soon as possible. Women with rhesus negative blood groups like O- or A- should see the doctor within 72 hours. Go for all physical exams, lab tests and ultrasound to access the status of the pregnancy and explain the type of bleeding in detail to the doctor. Do not use tampons while bleeding during anytime of pregnancy.