What Causes Spotting During Pregnancy?
Spotting and bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy are common. It is reported that around 50% of the pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding and panic. Do you think this is a miscarriage symptom? Or is there any possibility of having periods during pregnancy? Well, before you get startled, know that vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy is not something that should worry you. It is, in fact, a good sign to show that you are a pregnant.
The bleeding may range from light bleeding or spotting to massive bleeding. Light spotting during pregnancy is not a matter of concern; however, heavy bleeding can be an indication of a serious disorder. It is important to know the possible causes and undergo a check up to eradicate any complications.
Light spotting in early pregnancy is usually not a serious condition. It can happen at the same time your menstrual period would have been due and lasts for one to two days. The other causes of bleeding in early pregnancy can be any of the following:
Implantation Bleeding
In the early pregnancy phase, about 20 to 30% women may experience spotting because of implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. It will occur around the time of your expected menstrual period. It can be confusing if you mistake it for a normal period before you realize you are a pregnant. This is normal during pregnancy and should not be a cause of worry.
Sex
During pregnancy, the flow of blood to the cervical region increases. Therefore, it is quite normal to observe light spotting after intercourse. Also, the region will be tender and any kind of minor stress can cause spotting. Sometimes, benign growths will occur on the cervix, known to be cervical polyps, which can also cause spotting after having intercourse.
Infections
Conditions that are unrelated to pregnancy can also cause spotting. Vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection or sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis can cause inflammation or irritation of the cervix. The inflammation can lead to spotting on being ruptured by sex or other stress.
Subchorionic Hemorrhage
Chorion is the fetal membrane that encloses the placenta. The subchorionic hemorrhage is a condition wherein bleeding happens within the folds of the chorion and the placenta. It usually stops by itself and does not lead to problems during pregnancy. Still, a prompt diagnosis and required treatment are suggestible.
Nearing Labor
As your body prepares for labor, you will pass your mucus plug, a state where your cervix begins to dilate. It will be soaked in blood, that is also called ‘bloody show’. Passing your mucus plug will not be a concern if you are already into 37 weeks of pregnancy. But, if there is heavy bleeding, be sure to consult a gynecologist.
Last Words
Any kind of bleeding during pregnancy, no matter when you experience, you need to call your healthcare provider immediately, only to confirm nothing is wrong. You should be prepared to give out the answers in detail about the amount, color and period of bleeding to help your health care provider determine the cause.
If you had a miscarriage due to any of the above reasons, it does not mean that you are infertile. And know that you are not alone who suffer such a tragedy. Most women experience the miscarriage at least once during their reproductive lifetime. Miscarriages can cause an emotional vacuum, but that is not the end of the world. You can become pregnant even after a miscarriage. A counseling session with the obstetrician or gynecologist is the best way to deal with pregnancy. All you need is a positive mindset and courage!
Most of the time, a little spotting doesn’t pose any health risk to you and your little one, though, bleeding can sometimes specify a difficulty with your pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you need to be conscious about your bleeding. If you experience any irregular bleeding or period during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately.
Hope through this post we cleared your doubts regarding vaginal spotting and bleeding during pregnancy. Take care of yourself!
