What happens during the third trimester of pregnancy. How does the fetus develop in the final months. What bodily changes can pregnant women expect in the last trimester. When should you call your doctor during late pregnancy.

Understanding the Third Trimester: The Final Stage of Pregnancy

The third trimester marks the final phase of pregnancy, spanning from weeks 29 to 40, or months 7, 8, and 9. This crucial period is characterized by significant fetal growth and development, as well as numerous changes in the mother’s body. As expectant mothers enter this stage, they often experience a mix of excitement and challenges as they prepare for the arrival of their baby.

When does the third trimester begin?

The third trimester officially begins at week 29 of pregnancy. This milestone marks the start of the final stretch, with approximately 11-12 weeks remaining until the expected due date. During this time, both the mother and baby undergo substantial changes in preparation for childbirth.

Fetal Development: Remarkable Growth and Milestones

The third trimester is a period of rapid fetal development, with the baby reaching several important milestones. By the end of this stage, a full-term baby typically measures between 19 and 21 inches in length and weighs between 6 and 9 pounds.

Key developmental milestones in the third trimester

• The baby turns head-down in preparation for delivery
• Eyes open and develop the ability to see
• Hearing becomes more acute
• The baby can suck its thumb
• Crying and smiling reflexes develop
• Brain, lungs, and kidneys continue to mature
• Muscle tone increases
• Body fat percentage reaches about 16%

During this period, the baby’s skull bones remain soft to facilitate easier passage through the birth canal. Most babies have blue eyes at this stage, which may change color in the days or weeks following birth. The testes descend into the scrotum in male fetuses, and nails grow to the tips of fingers and toes.

What protective features develop in the third trimester?

Two notable protective features develop during the third trimester: the vernix caseosa and lanugo. The vernix caseosa is a waxy, protective coating that covers the baby’s skin. Lanugo, the soft body hair that covered the fetus earlier in pregnancy, begins to fall out and is almost completely gone by week 40.

Maternal Body Changes: Adapting to the Growing Baby

As the baby grows and develops, the mother’s body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the increasing size of the uterus and prepare for childbirth. These changes can bring about various discomforts and symptoms.

Common physical changes and discomforts in the third trimester

1. Abdominal achiness and discomfort
2. Backache and pelvic pain
3. Braxton-Hicks contractions
4. Breast enlargement and leaking colostrum
5. Increased clumsiness and balance issues
6. Changes in vaginal discharge
7. Difficulty sleeping and vivid dreams

Many women find it challenging to get comfortable, especially when trying to sleep at night. The growing uterus can make it difficult to take deep breaths and may cause aches and pains in the abdomen and back.

How can pregnant women alleviate back pain in the third trimester?

To ease back pain during the third trimester, try the following strategies:

• Practice good posture when sitting and standing
• Use chairs with good back support
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes with good arch support
• Apply a heating pad to sore areas (with doctor’s approval)
• Consider taking acetaminophen if approved by your healthcare provider

Recognizing and Responding to Red Flag Symptoms

While many changes and discomforts are normal during the third trimester, certain symptoms may indicate a need for immediate medical attention. It’s crucial for pregnant women to be aware of these red flags and know when to contact their healthcare provider.

When should you call your doctor during the third trimester?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Sudden rush of fluid (potential water breaking)
• Regular, intense contractions
• Severe abdominal pain
• Decreased fetal movement
• Severe headache or vision changes
• Sudden swelling in face, hands, or feet

These symptoms could indicate serious conditions such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or preterm labor, which require prompt medical evaluation and intervention.

Preparing for Labor: Signs and Symptoms

As the due date approaches, it’s important for expectant mothers to be familiar with the signs that labor may be starting. While every woman’s experience is unique, there are some common indicators to watch for.

What are the early signs of labor?

Early signs of labor may include:

• Lightening: The baby drops lower into the pelvis
• Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions
• Loss of the mucus plug
• Slight spotting or bloody show
• Rupture of membranes (water breaking)
• Regular, intensifying contractions

It’s important to note that while Braxton-Hicks contractions can feel similar to real labor, true labor contractions typically become more regular, intense, and closer together over time. If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing true labor, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Special Considerations for Multiple Pregnancies

Women carrying twins or multiples may face additional challenges and considerations during the third trimester. These pregnancies often require more frequent monitoring and may have a higher risk of complications.

How does the third trimester differ for women carrying twins?

For women pregnant with twins or multiples, the third trimester may involve:

• Earlier onset of third trimester symptoms
• More pronounced physical discomforts
• Increased risk of preterm labor
• More frequent prenatal appointments
• Potential need for bed rest or activity restrictions
• Earlier delivery (often between 36-38 weeks)

Women carrying multiples should work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor their health and the development of their babies throughout the third trimester.

Nutrition and Self-Care in the Third Trimester

Proper nutrition and self-care remain crucial during the third trimester. As the baby continues to grow rapidly, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can support both maternal and fetal well-being.

What are some essential nutrition tips for the third trimester?

To support your health and your baby’s development in the final months of pregnancy:

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins as recommended by your doctor
• Consume adequate protein, calcium, and iron-rich foods
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Eat small, frequent meals to manage heartburn and indigestion
• Incorporate healthy snacks to maintain energy levels
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized dairy, and high-mercury fish

Remember to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider about any specific dietary needs or restrictions.

How can pregnant women practice self-care in the third trimester?

Self-care is essential for managing the physical and emotional challenges of late pregnancy. Consider these strategies:

• Get plenty of rest and sleep when possible
• Engage in gentle exercise, such as prenatal yoga or walking
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Attend childbirth education classes to prepare for labor and delivery
• Connect with other expectant mothers for support and shared experiences
• Pamper yourself with prenatal massages or warm baths (with doctor’s approval)
• Communicate openly with your partner and loved ones about your needs and feelings

By prioritizing self-care and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can navigate the challenges of the third trimester more comfortably and confidently prepare for the arrival of your baby.

What to Expect, Fetal Development

Written by Stephanie Watson

In this Article

• What Is the Third Trimester?
• New Fetal Development
• Third Trimester Changes in Your Body
• Red Flag Symptoms
• Third Trimester Tips for Twins

The third trimester is the last phase of your pregnancy. It lasts from weeks 29 to 40, or months 7, 8, and 9. During this trimester, your baby grows, develops, and starts to change position to get ready for birth.

Now that you’ve reached the third trimester, you’re in the home stretch of your pregnancy. You’ve only got a few more weeks to go, but this part of your pregnancy can be the most challenging.

In the third trimester, your baby keeps growing. By the end, a full-term baby usually is between 19 and 21 inches long and between 6 and 9 pounds.

Your baby begins to turn itself head-down to get ready for delivery. At week 36, the baby’s head should begin to move into your pelvic area, also called lightening. It will stay in this down-facing position for the last 2 weeks of your pregnancy.

Your baby develops in other important ways in the third trimester. During this phase, it’s able to:

• Open its eyes and see
• Hear
• Suck on its thumb
• Cry
• Smile

Your baby’s brain continues to develop. Its lungs and kidneys mature. It gains muscle tone and about 16% body fat. The bones at the top of its skull are soft to ease delivery. Most babies have blue eyes at this stage, and they’ll stay that color until a few days or weeks after they’re born. It also has nails on its toes and reaching to the ends of its fingers. If it’s a boy, the testes have descended into the scrotum.

During the third trimester, the vernix caseosa, a protective coating, covers your fetus’ skin. Soft body hair called the lanugo falls out and is almost gone by the end of week 40.

• Abdominal achiness. As your baby grows, it takes up more room in your abdomen. This can cause you to have some aches and discomfort. You may find it hard to get comfortable when you’re in bed at night trying to go to sleep. You may even feel like it’s harder to take deep breaths.
• Backache. The extra weight you’ve gained puts added pressure on your back, making it feel achy and sore. You might also feel discomfort in your pelvis and hips as your ligaments loosen to prepare for labor. To ease the pressure on your back, try to practice good posture. Sit up straight and use a chair that provides good back support. At night, sleep on your side with a pillow tucked between your legs. Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes with good arch support. To ease back pain, use a heating pad. Ask your doctor whether it’s OK for you to take acetaminophen.
• Bleeding. Some light bleeding toward the end of your pregnancy might be a sign that labor is starting. But spotting may sometimes be a sign of a serious problem, including placenta previa (the placenta grows low and covers the cervix), placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall), or preterm labor. Call your doctor as soon as you notice any bleeding.
• Braxton-Hicks contractions. You might start to feel mild contractions, which are warm-ups to prepare your uterus for the real labor to come. Braxton-Hicks contractions often aren’t as intense as real labor contractions, but they may feel a lot like labor and can eventually progress to it. One main difference is that real contractions gradually get closer and closer together — and more intense. If you’re red in the face and out of breath after your contractions, or they’re coming regularly, call your doctor.
• Breast enlargement and leaking. By the end of your pregnancy, your breasts will have grown by as much as 2 pounds. Make sure you’re wearing a supportive bra so your back doesn’t suffer. Close to your due date, you may start to see a yellowish fluid leaking from your nipples. This substance, called colostrum, will nourish your baby in the first few days after birth.
• Vivid dreams. It’s common to have more vivid dreams or nightmares in your third trimester. This can disrupt your sleep. Your wild dreams are likely caused by changes in hormone levels from pregnancy.
• Clumsiness. You may feel clumsy or out of balance during the third trimester. You may drop things. Part of the reason is that you’ve gained weight in your belly area.  That makes it harder to balance your body.
• Discharge. You might see more vaginal discharge during the third trimester. If the flow is heavy enough to soak through your panty liners, call your doctor. Close to your delivery date, you might see a thick, clear, or slightly blood-tinged discharge. This is your mucus plug, and it’s a sign that your cervix has begun dilating in preparation for labor. If you experience a sudden rush of fluid, it may mean that your water has broken (although only about 8% of pregnant women have their water break before contractions begin). Call your doctor as soon as possible after your water breaks.
• Fatigue. You might have been feeling energetic in your second trimester, but are weary now. Carrying extra weight, waking up several times during the night to go to the bathroom, and dealing with the anxiety of preparing for a baby can all take a toll on your energy level. Eat healthy food and get regular exercise to give yourself a boost. When you feel tired, try to take a nap, or at least sit down and relax for a few minutes. You need to reserve all your strength now for when your baby arrives and you’re really not getting any sleep.
• Frequent urination. Now that your baby is bigger, its head may be pressing down on your bladder. That extra pressure means you’ll have to go to the bathroom more frequently — including several times each night. You might also find that you’re leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise. To relieve the pressure and prevent leakage, go to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge and urinate completely each time. Avoid drinking fluids right before bedtime to cut down on unwanted late-night bathroom visits. Wear a panty liner to absorb any leakage. Let your doctor know if you have any pain or burning with urination. These can be signs of a urinary tract infection.
• Heartburn and constipation. They’re caused by extra production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes certain muscles — including the muscles in your esophagus that normally keep food and acids down in your stomach, and the ones that move digested food through your intestines. To relieve heartburn, try eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day and avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods (like citrus fruits). For constipation, increase your fiber intake and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. If heartburn or constipation is really bothering you, talk to your doctor about what medications may be safe for you to take for symptom relief.
• Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins — swollen veins that form around the anus. These veins enlarge during pregnancy because extra blood is flowing through them and the weight of pregnancy increases the amount of pressure to the area. To relieve the itch and discomfort, try sitting in a warm tub or sitz bath. Ask your doctor whether you can also try an over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointment or stool softener.
• Sciatica. Nerve pain that shoots from your lower back to your buttocks and down your leg is more likely in the third trimester. Sciatica may be caused by hormone changes during pregnancy, or because your baby’s growing body presses against the sciatic nerve. Sciatica pain may come and go or be constant. Yoga, massage, or physical therapy are ways to relieve the pain, but it usually goes away after your baby is born.
• Shortness of breath. As your uterus expands, it rises up until it sits just under your rib cage, leaving less room for your lungs to expand. That added pressure on your lungs can make it more difficult to breathe. Exercising can help with shortness of breath. You can also try propping up your head and shoulders with pillows while you sleep.
• Spider and varicose veins. Your circulation has increased to send extra blood to your growing baby. That excess blood flow can cause tiny red veins, known as spider veins, to appear on your skin. Spider veins may get worse in your third trimester, but they should fade once your baby is born. Pressure on your legs from your growing baby may also cause some surface veins in your legs to become swollen and blue or purple. These are called varicose veins. They should improve within a few months after you deliver. Although there’s no way to avoid varicose veins, you can prevent them from getting worse by:
  • Getting up and moving throughout the day
  • Wearing support hose
  • Propping up your legs whenever you have to sit for long periods.
• Stretch marks. You may develop stretch marks on your breasts, butt, tummy, or thighs. Stretch marks are a type of scar that happens when your skin stretches during pregnancy. Not everyone gets them. If you do, they may be red, purple, pink, or brown in color.
• Swelling. Your rings might be feeling tighter these days, and you may also notice that your ankles and face are looking bloated. Mild swelling is the result of excess fluid retention (edema). To reduce swelling, put your feet up on a stool or box whenever you sit for any length of time, and elevate your feet while you sleep. If you have sudden onset of swelling, seek medical attention immediately as it may be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication.
• Weight gain. Aim for a weight gain of 1/2 pound to 1 pound a week during your third trimester. By the end of your pregnancy, you should have put on a total of about 25 to 35 pounds (your doctor may have recommended that you gain more or less weight if you started out your pregnancy underweight or overweight). The extra pounds you’ve put on are made up of the baby’s weight, plus the placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood and fluid volume, and added breast tissue. If your baby seems to be too small or too big based on the size of your belly, your doctor will do an ultrasound to check the baby’s growth.

Any of these symptoms could be a sign that something is wrong with your pregnancy. Don’t wait for your regular prenatal visit to talk about it. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramps
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Bleeding
• Severe dizziness
• Pain or burning during urination
• Rapid weight gain (more than 6.5 pounds per month) or too little weight gain

Expecting twins? You might want to add these things to your third trimester to-do list:

• Go stroller shopping. Side-by-side or tandem? Take a few double strollers for a test drive to see which type feels best to you. Look for one that’s easy to open and maneuver.
• Get breastfeeding tips.Breastfeeding two babies is more of a challenge than one, but you can definitely do it. Ask your doctor ahead of time for tips.
• Check your iron. Ask your doctor if you need to take iron supplements. As a mom-to-be of twins, you’re four times more likely to have iron-deficiency anemia.
• Know the signs of preeclampsia. Carrying twins doubles your risk of this serious condition. Tell your doctor right away if you have a headache, trouble seeing, or sudden weight gain.
• Find a support group. Start looking for groups of moms of multiples in your area. You may appreciate exchanging tips and getting support from other moms in the same boat.
• Create a schedule. Read up on how to get your twins on the same sleeping and eating schedule. Learning some tips now may save your sanity when you have two newborns.

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Bleeding, Discharge and Spotting in Pregnancy

Pregnancy discharge

Although your pregnancy is filled with many wonderful moments, you’ll soon realise it’s a bit of an emotional and physical rollercoaster! It’s a beautiful experience, but occasionally the baby growing inside your belly can create a few very common and perfectly normal side effects. One of those side effects is pregnancy discharge. In fact, one of the earliest signs of being pregnant is an increase in vaginal discharge, and this will continue throughout your pregnancy. You are likely to have more vaginal discharge when you are pregnant, but don’t worry, this is your body’s way of preventing infections from travelling to your baby.

Spotting or bleeding in pregnancy

Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy can be very worrying and cause considerable stress for mums-to-be, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your pregnancy is at risk. Light bleeding, or spotting, is very common, especially during the early stages of your pregnancy. Usually, pregnancy spotting is no cause for alarm, but if you are experiencing any bleeding when you’re pregnant, you should give your doctor a call. They won’t mind hearing from you!

What is pregnancy spotting?

Spotting is light bleeding from the vagina, similar to – but lighter than – a period. In all women, pregnant or otherwise, healthy discharge from the vagina is usually thin, clear or milky white, and shouldn’t smell unpleasant.

Whilst it’s not exactly normal, light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy (particularly during the first three months) is fairly common. Usually it turns out to be caused by something minor, or is ‘just one of those things’. Some mums do experience light spotting throughout their pregnancy and their baby is fine. It’s really important you monitor any pregnancy discharge, and keep your GP updated if you notice any bleeding during your pregnancy. If your discharge changes from a white or clear colour, causes any symptoms (like itching or burning) or has an unpleasant smell, get in touch with your GP.  

Other causes of bleeding in pregnancy

Other common causes of blood loss in early pregnancy are:

Implantation bleeding – this is a small amount of spotting or bleeding, like a short, light period, that occurs very early in your pregnancy – about 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. It happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of your uterus. Some women do not realise they are pregnant, because this spotting is easily confused with a light period. Usually the bleeding in early pregnancy is very light and will last from a few hours to a few days.

Cervical changes – when you’re pregnant, there’s an increase in the blood supply and blood flow to your cervix. Your body is adapting to having a baby growing inside your tummy. This means you may experience light spotting after contact with the area, such as after sex or a pelvic examination.

Cervical infections – some cervical infections may also cause spotting in early pregnancy.

Miscarriage – bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of miscarriage. Miscarriage most occur often during the first 12 weeks. Although it’s perfectly natural to be alarmed and particularly nervous when you notice spotting during early pregnancy, remember that bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a miscarriage.

Get it checked out

It’s really important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any bleeding or spotting during your pregnancy. They are there to help you, so never be afraid to give them a quick ring. You may be referred for an early scan to try to identify the cause of the bleeding, but in many cases the cause of early spotting is never found and the pregnancy results in the birth of a healthy baby.

Increased discharge during pregnancy

If you’ve noticed extra discharge during your pregnancy, please don’t worry – it’s completely normal and lots of expectant mums-to-be experience the same thing. This discharge is often thin, white and non-irritating. You may notice it gets heavier towards your due date, which is a good sign that your little one is on the way. If you are at all unsure or if you think your waters have broken, it’s important that you contact your maternity unit.

Sometimes discharge can be a sign of an infection or thrush, especially if there’s an itching or burning sensation, too. If that’s the cause, the discharge will tend to be thick whitish possibly itchy. The first thing to do is call your doctor, who will be able to check and help you treat it.

Coping with a heavier discharge

Discharge during pregnancy is more often an annoyance rather than anything serious. If you are experiencing it more than normal, here are a few helpful tips to help you cope with heavier pregnancy discharge:

• If you feel it’s heavy or it makes your underwear uncomfortable, use sanitary pads to absorb it (you should not use tampons).

• Wash regularly with warm water but avoid perfumed soaps, which can aggravate any infection. Remember, your body is currently changing to accommodate the baby that is growing inside your tummy. It’s important to keep clean of course, but much of the natural bacteria forming inside you and your vagina is good bacteria. They are designed to protect your little one and help them grow, so be attentive but not aggressive when cleaning.  

• Wear light, cotton underwear.

Have a question about spotting, bleeding and discharge during pregnancy?

If you’d like to know more about spotting, bleeding and discharge during pregnancy, why not give one of our friendly experts a call on 0800 977 8880. Or, ask us a question online, instantly, using Live Chat Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm.

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More from pregnancy

Premature placental abruption: what a future mother needs to know and how not to miss its signs | Blog

First, let’s talk about what is the placenta?

The placenta is the embryonic organ that connects the body of mother and child. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only “disposable” organ. The placenta begins to develop from the 2nd week of pregnancy, forms up to 15-16 weeks and reaches full functional maturity by 36 weeks. And after the birth of the fetus (in the third stage of childbirth), it separates and leaves the mother’s body, starting the process of lactation at the endocrinological level.

The placenta performs important functions such as gas exchange, nutrient exchange between the mother and the child, provides immunological protection and works as an endocrine gland, producing hormones necessary for the development of the fetus and the normal course of pregnancy. Every minute, about 500 ml of blood enters the placenta, but at the same time it is a kind of barrier that does not allow the blood of the mother and child to mix, and also prevents many toxic substances from entering the bloodstream of the baby.

In this article we will talk about placental abruption.

This condition is quite rare (up to 1. 5% of all pregnancies), but causes such threatening complications as massive bleeding and hemorrhagic shock, fetal distress, which in some cases can cause fetal death. Normally, the detachment of the placenta from the inner wall of the uterus occurs only after the birth of the fetus. If this happens before the onset of labor, as well as in the first or second stage of labor, this is the premature detachment of a normally located placenta. This condition is a very dangerous pathology that requires immediate diagnosis and decision of further medical tactics in the near future.

Causes of premature placental abruption

The only cause of premature placental abruption, unfortunately, has not been established to date. There are many theories, but in general, the occurrence of this condition is associated with many provoking factors.

Major risk factors include:

• arterial hypertension,
• diabetes mellitus
• pregnant age over 40
• multiple pregnancy
• polyhydramnios
• postterm pregnancy and large fetus
• past uterine surgery
• blood clotting disorder,
• autoimmune diseases
• kidney disease
• bad habits such as smoking and drug use
• inflammatory diseases of the uterus and placenta, abnormal development of the uterus.

Causes that can provoke placental abruption: physical trauma of a pregnant woman (accident, fall, blow to the stomach), disruption of the contractile activity of the uterus, stress, gross obstetric manipulations.

Types of placental abruption

There are the following types of placental abruption: partial and complete.

Partial detachment, in turn, can be central and marginal.

Why is this classification so important? And because both the clinical picture and medical tactics depend on the place and volume of the detachment. Partial detachment can be progressive or non-progressive.

Non-progressive detachment has a significantly better prognosis for a pregnant woman, because in this case, conservative treatment is possible with preservation of pregnancy.

Symptoms of placental abruption:

Here is a triad of main symptoms that may be a sign of placental abruption:

1. abdominal pain, feeling of increased uterine tone;
2. bleeding from the genital tract;
3. violation of the fetal heartbeat, indicating fetal distress.

Also, a woman can feel the baby’s reaction to a decrease in the amount of oxygen supplied to him due to placental abruption – he begins to move more actively, reacting to hypoxia.

These symptoms do not always appear at the same time! For example, with marginal abruption of the placenta, blood flows into the vagina, which means that the woman sees signs of bleeding. With central detachment, a retroplacental hematoma is formed. Bleeding is internal, which means that a pregnant woman may not notice its signs. The appearance of an accelerated heartbeat in a woman, a decrease in blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, and severe weakness may indicate internal bleeding.

However, with central placental abruption, blood accumulates in front of the placenta and begins to “press” on nearby tissues. As a result, a pronounced pain syndrome occurs.

It must be emphasized that if at least one of the symptoms appears, it is necessary to immediately inform the doctor about this! This condition can be very dangerous for you and your baby, so it is important to diagnose it in a timely manner.

Diagnosis of placental abruption

Diagnosis of placental abruption is based not only on clinical symptoms and gynecological examination. Ultrasound diagnostics is the main method that allows you to accurately assess the location and area of ​​​​the exfoliated area of ​​the placenta and see the presence or absence of a hematoma. Also, ultrasound can distinguish premature detachment from placenta previa (its abnormal location, in which it overlaps the internal pharynx of the cervix). This condition can have similar symptoms, as it is often accompanied by bleeding. The condition of the fetus and the degree of its hypoxia will be determined using cardiotocography, and dopplerography, in turn, evaluates violations of the uteroplacental circulation. Based on these examination results, the obstetrician-gynecologist, and more often a council of doctors, decides on the type of further medical tactics.

Treatment of placental abruption

Treatment of placental abruption always requires hospitalization of the pregnant woman in the maternity hospital for constant monitoring of her condition. In cases of non-progressive mild placental abruption with a stable state of the mother and fetus, conservative tactics with drug therapy and preservation of pregnancy are possible. Progressive detachment, as well as severe detachment, certainly requires an emergency caesarean section.

In case of complete detachment of the placenta, with the rapid progression of this condition, massive bleeding occurs, which threatens the life of both the pregnant woman and the child. In such a situation, surgeons always prioritize the life of a woman and do everything necessary to save her. Some cases may, unfortunately, require even such radical surgical tactics as removal of the uterus. However, at the current level of development of medicine, more and more technologies are emerging that, with timely assistance, can save not only the life of the mother and child, but also the reproductive functions of a woman. In particular, our obstetrician-gynecologists and anesthesiologists use up-to-date international medical protocols to ensure the safest possible delivery. Appropriate algorithms have also been developed for surgical interventions with a high risk of bleeding. Thanks to the latest technologies in vascular surgery with X-ray and ultrasound control, massive bleeding can be quickly and safely stopped. That is why we make sure that our maternity hospital always has the necessary amount of blood products and all the necessary modern equipment that may be needed in critical situations.

Quite often, expectant mothers ask about the prevention of such complications as placental abruption.

We advise you to adhere to the following recommendations:

• avoid stressful situations, excessive physical activity, factors that can lead to physical injury,
• do not smoke or use drugs
• control your blood pressure during pregnancy.

And of course, our patients who have certain chronic diseases require special attention. They need to undergo all the necessary examinations in a timely manner and adhere to the prescribed treatment and recommendations.

If you still have questions about this topic, please contact our specialists! Take care of yourself and be attentive to your well-being!

I wish your pregnancy to be a source of only positive emotions!

Blood during sex during pregnancy

Contents

• What discharge during pregnancy is considered normal
• Causes of bleeding after sex during pregnancy
• How to tell spotting from bleeding
• When bleeding is normal
• Early
• Late term
• When to seek specialist advice
• When it is forbidden to have sex during pregnancy

Pregnancy is often not accompanied by prohibitions on sexual activity. But this quivering period is always accompanied by anxiety over every little thing, especially when this little thing is bleeding after sex. Let’s figure out what is considered bleeding, what kind of discharge is within the normal range and when you need to urgently see a doctor.

What discharge during pregnancy is considered normal

Discharge exists to protect the fetus from various types of infections. So their presence is not just a norm, but a mandatory protective mechanism. But, since the discharges are different, it is necessary to determine the norm.

So, the following are considered normal:

1. Clear and white discharge with no obvious odor.
2. Yellow sticky discharge. They appear due to an increase in progesterone.
3. Discharge with traces of blood. It is important to understand that spotting and blood during sex during pregnancy are not at all the same thing.

If you notice abnormal discharge or bleeding after sex during pregnancy, you should contact your gynecologist. At the same time, there is no need to panic. Remember, childbearing is a very individual process.

Causes of bleeding after sex during pregnancy

Blood during sex during pregnancy can be due to various reasons.

Among the most common causes:

1. After early sex, a fertilized egg attaches, which can cause implantation bleeding during sex during pregnancy. This is a normal condition due to natural processes in the body.
2. Discharge after sex may appear as a result of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. The secretion of mucus increases, and sex acts as an additional stimulation.
3. Discharge after sex is due to the rush of blood to the uterus during intercourse. Because of this, you can notice bloody impurities in normal discharge.

There are more serious causes of blood during sex during pregnancy that require the attention of a doctor:

1. Infectious diseases. Thrush, vaginosis, chlamydia, etc. All this can cause bleeding after sex during pregnancy. If they appear not only after sex, but are constantly present, it is worth being examined.
2. Miscarriage. If blood has gone in large volumes – a good reason to go to the hospital immediately. Sometimes minutes can save a child and a mother.
3. Wounds of the vagina. Sloppy sex, sports, mechanical injuries can cause cracks and wounds in the vagina.
4. Ectopic pregnancy. This threat is possible only in the early stages. After the first ultrasound, the doctor 100% determines the location of the egg.
5. Placental abruption is another dangerous reason for bleeding.

There can be dozens of reasons. It is important to control your well-being and determine the approximate amount of discharge. As a rule, spotting does not require intervention.

How to tell spotting from bleeding

Before you panic and call 911, let’s try to identify what exactly you’re going through.

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1. Blood secretions — a small portion of smearing substance. It can be of a different color from a barely noticeable pink to the color of gore.
2. If there is bleeding and the bleeding has an active red color, a more fluid texture. The amount of blood during bleeding is much greater.

Bleeding requires immediate treatment to the clinic, discharge, in turn, can be considered the norm, and you only need to inform the gynecologist at the next examination.

When spotting is the norm

It is impossible to say that blood during sex during pregnancy is normal, and you are not 100% safe. Any discharge with blood impurities is a reason to contact a gynecologist and undergo a consultation, examination, and tests.

In the early stages

The first weeks of pregnancy is truly the only period when spotting (not bleeding!) can be considered normal. During this period, the embryo is attached, which causes the color of the discharge. Also in the first half of the term, the body can react this way to hormonal changes.

In the later stages

If after sex a little blood appears in the later stages, this is a signal to visit a doctor. This can be both mechanical damage to the uterus, placental discharge, spontaneous abortion, and discharge of the mucous plug, which is a sign of impending childbirth. In any case, you should contact your gynecologist and explain the situation.

When to seek specialist advice

Consultation with a doctor is a mandatory procedure when blood appears during sex during late pregnancy, has a characteristic odor, is produced in large quantities, and is accompanied by pain.

Examination by a specialist will help to identify the cause of the discharge, and eliminate it in a timely manner. Do not postpone a visit to the doctor if you have any suspicions about the normal course of pregnancy.

When not to have sex during pregnancy

Sex is an important part of family life. With the normal course of bearing a baby, sex is not only not contraindicated, but even recommended by doctors. Of course, it is worth limiting activity during intercourse, as well as choosing the optimal postures. However, there are cases when sex during pregnancy is contraindicated:

1. Lack of attraction. Due to the restructuring of the hormonal background, a woman may lose attraction for a while. This is normal, and you should not force yourself to make love.
2. If you have multiple pregnancies, you should refrain from intimacy after the 20th week.
3. Placenta low or insufficiency.
4. If a woman suffers from recurrent miscarriages.
5. Leaking amniotic fluid.
6. During sex, a woman feels uncomfortable or even hurts.
7. Blood came out during sex during pregnancy.
8. Significant bleeding during sex during pregnancy.
9. Increased uterine tone.

Enjoy life during this quivering period, do not deprive yourself of pleasure, but do not forget to take care of yourself and your baby. If you bleed after sex during pregnancy, see your doctor and make sure you and your baby are safe.