Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: What Does It Mean?

What causes bleeding during early pregnancy?

About one in every four women will have vaginal bleeding during the first few months of pregnancy. Many things can cause it. Some of the most common causes are threatened abortion, ectopic (eck-TAH-pick) pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion.

A threatened abortion is when there is bleeding from the uterus but the pregnancy is still normal. Sometimes a blood clot forms in the uterus, increasing the risk of miscarriage. However, most women who have a threatened miscarriage will deliver a healthy baby.

An ectopic pregnancy is when the fetus grows outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. If this happens, the area where the pregnancy is can bleed heavily. This can put the mother’s life at risk.

A spontaneous abortion means there is a miscarriage. This happens when the pregnancy fails and there is no living tissue in the uterus. Sometimes the mother needs to take medicines or have a procedure done to remove tissue or to stop the bleeding.

Other causes of early pregnancy bleeding include infections, hemorrhoids (HEM-roids; swollen veins in your rectum or anus), cervical cancer, and rare pregnancy-related cancers.

What should I do if I am bleeding?

Call your doctor right away. If you have heavy bleeding or severe pain, you should go to the emergency room.

Your doctor can do different tests to see why you are bleeding. You may need a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or blood or urine tests. Sometimes an ultrasound is enough to make sure your pregnancy is healthy. However, if you are very early in your pregnancy, you may need more tests to help your doctor find the cause of the bleeding.

How is it treated?

The treatment depends on the cause of the bleeding. There is no way to stop a threatened miscarriage with medicines after the bleeding starts. If you have a miscarriage, your doctor will watch to see if the tissue passes on its own, or if you will need medicines or a procedure to help remove it. Tissue from an ectopic pregnancy needs to be removed with medicines or surgery. Some women with certain blood types may need a shot to help prevent problems in future pregnancies.

What can I do to prevent a miscarriage?

Keeping your body healthy is the best way to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. You should not smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take street drugs. Taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid before you get pregnant can lower the risk of brain and spinal cord problems in your baby. If you have medical problems like high blood pressure or diabetes, talk with your doctor about the care you will need during your pregnancy. It is best to talk about this before you get pregnant, if possible.

There is no way to prevent a miscarriage after bleeding has started. There is also no way of knowing exactly why a miscarriage happens. Usually it is not because the mother did anything wrong. Most women who have had a miscarriage can have healthy pregnancies in the future. If you have lost more than three pregnancies, talk to your doctor about other tests and treatments.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

American Academy of Family Physicians

National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus

• Web sites: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003264.htm

• or

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001488.htm

Blood Clotting & Pregnancy – Hematology.org

If you are pregnant, or you have just had a baby, you are at greater risk of developing a blood clot.

Blood clots in pregnant women tend to form in the deep veins of the legs or in the pelvic area. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening event that occurs when a DVT breaks off and travels to the blood vessels of the lungs.

DVT and PE, collectively known as venous thromboembolism, are highly preventable (see prevention tips below). The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a Call to Action on DVT and PE to raise public awareness of these blood conditions and increase research on the causes, prevention, and treatment.

Blood clots are also potentially dangerous to your baby. Blood clots can form inside the placenta, cutting off blood flow and harming your baby. 

Am I at Risk?

The risk of developing a blood clot during pregnancy is increased by the following:

• Previous blood clots
• A genetic predisposition to blood clots
• Obesity
• Prolonged immobility (e.g., bedrest, long distance travel)
• Multiple births
• Increased maternal age
• Other medical illness (e. g., cancer, infection)

How are Blood Clots in Pregnant Women Treated?

Typically, blood clots are treated with an anticoagulant, a medicine that prevents the blood from clotting. Certain anticoagulants are safe to use during pregnancy. 

Are Blood Clots Preventable?

There are a few things that you can do to prevent blood clots during pregnancy:

• Be aware of risk factors.
• Know your family history.
• Make sure your doctor knows about any history of blood clots or blood clotting disorders in your family.
• Remain active, with your doctor’s approval.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a blood clot. Visit your doctor immediately if you think you have one.

If you are pregnant and have concerns about blood clots, talk with your doctor about your risks and prevention. Depending on your condition, your OB-GYN may refer you to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in treating blood conditions.

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: A Patient’s Journey

Where Can I Find More Information?

If you find that you are interested in learning more about blood diseases and disorders, here are a few other resources that may be of some help:

Results of Clinical Studies Published in 

Blood

Search Blood, the official journal of ASH, for the results of the latest blood research. While recent articles generally require a subscriber login, patients interested in viewing an access-controlled article in Blood may obtain a copy by e-mailing a request to the Blood Publishing Office.

Patient Groups

A list of Web links to patient groups and other organizations that provide information.

The question is asked by Anya, – a question-answer from the specialists of the clinic “Mother and Child”

10/23/2014

Hello! I have a second pregnancy (my son is 1 year 2 months), the term is 13-14 weeks. At the 11th week, heavy bleeding began (until that time nothing bothered me) and I was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of “beginning miscarriage.” Heavy bleeding lasted from 13.00 to 16.00, then it bled a little all the next day, and on the third day the discharge began to darken and disappeared. The next morning after admission, I had an ultrasound scan (06/04/05), which showed:
The uterus in anteflexio, with clear, even contours, rounded, enlarged due to pregnancy and according to its duration. Meometrium of normal structure and echogenicity, without nodules and retrochorial hematomas, in which one live embryo is visualized. The placenta is formed on the right side with the transition to the anterior wall of the uterus, up to 1.2 m thick. The amount of water is normal. The internal os of the uterus is completely closed.
The results of the analyzes: Cl. blood test: Er – 4, 15; Hb – 124; Ht – 35, 8; L-9, 4; P – 6; C – 73; L – 18; M-3; E-0; ESR – 22. General analysis of urine: Specified weight -1010, PH – Neutral; Protein, Glucose, erythrocytes – neg; L – 1-2-1; epithelium singly. Biochem. blood test: Common. Protein – 65.0; Urea – 3, 2; Creatinine – 76; Bilirubin – 12-0-12; Alat – 23; AsAt – 59; Glucose – 3, 4.
Gr. Blood A (II) Rh – factor positive. RW, HIV, HBs Ag – negative, DHA – 1.88.
Treatment was prescribed: No-shpa 2, 0-3 times / m, papaverine 2 times, utrozhestan 1 t – 2 times, Vite 1-3 times, dicynone 2, 0 – 2 times / m, valerian 1 – 3 times, dexamethasone ½ tab. H night, magneB6 2-3 times, Materna 1. a day.
While I was in the hospital, I bled a little bit a couple of times, and every day there were periodically pulling pains and tingling in the lower abdomen. She was discharged after 2 weeks, the medications were the same (except for decinone). The next day after discharge, dark brown discharge appeared again, on the same day I did a new ultrasound (06/20/05) results: Pregnancy 14 weeks, One live embryo is determined in the uterine cavity, the size of the fetus is proportional and corresponds to a period of 12 weeks. Rhythmic heartbeat 10 beats/min. Motor activity is determined by malformations not identified. Chorion along the anterior wall of the uterus On the degree of maturity. The thickness of the placenta is 16 mm. The tone of the myometrium is slightly increased along the anterior wall. The cervix is ​​not shortened. The cervical canal is closed.
I have a few questions: How might such a threat affect a child’s development? What additional tests should be taken to clarify the cause of the threat? How long to take the prescribed medication in this amount? Could the short period between pregnancies be the cause of the threat?
Thank you for your advice

Clinic “Mother and Child” Kuntsevo:

01/27/2021

The presence of short-term bleeding during pregnancy with normal blood tests and ultrasound data (adequate fetal development, absence of detachment of the placenta) does not have a negative effect on the fetus. In such cases, it is necessary to exclude inflammation of the vagina, a decidual polyp of the cervical canal, when spotting does not occur from the uterus, but is external in nature and is not associated with problems of the fetal egg. Nevertheless, in your case, it is better to follow a sparing regimen, take antispasmodics (no-shpu, magnesium B6, soothing herbs, continue taking utrogestan until 16 weeks of pregnancy, dexamethasone. With normal health and ultrasound data after 16 weeks, gradually cancel utrogestan, antispasmodics, magnesium B6).

Uterine bleeding – description, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

For any woman, sexual health is the key to good health and mood, as well as the ability to give birth to a healthy child. It is necessary to constantly monitor changes in the body.

In violation of the integrity of the vessels of the uterus, bleeding occurs. Uterine bleeding is characterized by more abundant and prolonged discharge, compared with the menstrual cycle. It can develop at any age and requires immediate treatment to a gynecologist.

Basic information

Uterine bleeding can be a symptom of gynecological or oncological diseases, as well as complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Regardless of age, girls can have this problem. Even newborn girls can experience spotting from the genitals.

A regular menstrual cycle averaging 5 days a month is normal. Allocations at the initial stage are insignificant, towards the middle there is an increase, and then a gradual decline. If a woman is absolutely healthy, then no pain during menstruation is observed.

All other manifestations and changes are due to a deviation or congenital pathology of the uterus, as well as gynecological diseases or hormonal failure. If dizziness and weakness are observed during painful menstruation, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Serious pathological abnormalities are early menstruation in girls under the age of 11 years, as well as the appearance of bleeding in women after menopause (over 55 years), requiring observation by a gynecologist. During pregnancy, menstruation stops.

Bloody discharge may appear in the intermenstrual period. This may be due to hormonal imbalance during the period of ovulation (duration 1-2 days). Colds or inflammation in the body can cause bleeding.

The main symptom of uterine bleeding is profuse discharge of blood from the vagina. There is a sharp increase in blood loss, the cycle lasts more than a week, the interval changes. Blood discharge is observed after sexual intercourse, as well as after menopause.

Causes and types of bleeding

The main cause of uterine bleeding is ovarian dysfunction. The pathology is based on a violation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, leading to anovulation during the menstrual cycle. The absence of ovulation and the corpus luteum phase provoke menstrual disorders associated with insufficient levels of progesterone and excess estrogen.

Prolonged and heavy bleeding can lead to the development of diseases of the uterus and adnexal system.

Many factors can cause bleeding:

• oncological diseases;
• heavy physical labor and stress;
• hormonal disorders;
• injuries received during gynecological procedures;
• anemia;
• tumors of the ovaries or uterus;
• sexual assault;
• abortions.

In case of any uterine bleeding, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor to determine the cause and reduce the risk of complications in the future. Lack of medical attention as soon as possible can aggravate the situation, as the bleeding will become more severe. A woman can simply die from blood loss.

During pregnancy

Uterine bleeding may occur during pregnancy. This may indicate the onset of a miscarriage, an ectopic or missed pregnancy, or premature birth. These causes are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, weakness, bloody discharge with clots.

Bleeding can be caused by:

• uterine scar;
• pathology of the development of the fetal egg;
• placental abruption;
• injuries of the birth canal;
• uterine fibroids;
• uterine rupture;
• Delayed release of placenta after childbirth.

Uterine bleeding is dangerous for pregnant women, as it can harm not only the child, but also the mother. In this situation, you must immediately call an ambulance.

During menopause

During menopause, women often experience bleeding, which is characterized by profuseness, intensity, and painful sensation. There are many reasons for bleeding. Some are not dangerous, while others may indicate serious illness.

Main causes of uterine bleeding in menopause:

• hormonal disorders;
• cancer of the uterus and ovaries;
• taking hormonal medications;
• inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
• tumors of the genital organs.

Dangerous symptoms of bleeding are high fever, dizziness, pale skin, cold sweat, prolonged discharge, pain in the lower abdomen. To avoid deterioration of health, it is urgent to visit a gynecologist.

In case of hormonal failure

In case of hormonal imbalance in women, there is a risk of uterine bleeding. With functional disorders of the brain, the level and production of the hormone is not controlled. Pathology of the pituitary gland is an example of such a disease.

Chronic fatigue and weakness, exhaustion of the body against the background of constant malnutrition can lead to such a problem. These violations can occur in the girl’s body during the first menstruation, as well as after abortion, during childbearing and after childbirth. Prolonged bleeding can occur after medical abortion, taking hormonal drugs.

In case of any bleeding, you should contact a specialist who will help you find out the cause of the occurrence and choose the right treatment.

After caesarean section

The main cause of bleeding is hemostasis, which requires medical intervention (the walls of the uterus are being cleansed). As a result of surgery, a scar is formed on the uterus, preventing its contraction. The healing process takes a long time and can cause bleeding. At the first sign of appearance, you should immediately contact a gynecologist.

Hypotonic bleeding is difficult to control because it occurs with uterine contractions and hypotonic shock can occur. If it is not possible to stop the bleeding, then doctors can go to extreme measures and remove the uterus to save the patient.

In oncological processes

One of the symptoms of uterine cancer is also bleeding. Together with him, the woman has frequent pain and purulent discharge. Particular attention should be paid to such a combination of symptoms if the woman has already passed the border of reproductive age.

Uterine cancer is a dangerous disease with a rapid rate of development. According to statistics, about 60 thousand patients with this diagnosis are noted every year. The biggest problem with this disease is the difficulty of identifying it in the early stages, since often the symptoms are similar to many other gynecological diseases. The later a woman starts treatment, the worse the prognosis becomes.

Classification of uterine bleeding according to signs

Gynecologists classify uterine bleeding according to several signs:

1. Hypotonic. With hypotension, the fetal egg lingers in the myometrium of the uterus. After childbirth, contractions of the muscle tissue of the uterus occur spontaneously, and in their absence, a critical condition occurs. It is urgent to stop the bleeding, and it is imperative to replenish the volume of circulating blood. Blood pressure and pulse are monitored. After childbirth, the placenta is removed. To do this, use: massage (if necessary), apply ice or a swab dipped in ether. If hypotension continues, then atony therapy is performed. Treatment is aimed at restoring the motor function of the uterus.
2. Atonic. These bleedings appear in the absence of uterine contractions. The gynecological name is Kuveler’s uterus. Zero uterine tone is not able to stop bleeding with drug therapy. This bleeding is very dangerous, because in a short period of time a woman loses over 1.2 liters of blood. In this situation, electrical stimulation is performed to restore contractile function. If there is a threat to life, then doctors decide on a hysterectomy.
3. Juvenile. characteristic of puberty. Therapy is carried out only in a hospital. The main reason is ovarian dysfunction. In addition, psychological trauma, excessive physical activity, colds, and various infections can provoke bleeding. In severe cases, anemia may develop. If bleeding occurs, then you must immediately take a horizontal position, apply ice to the lower abdomen, and take hemostatic drugs.
4. Dysfunctional. Violations of the hormonal regulation of ovarian function lead to the appearance of bleeding. Irregular menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding after a missed period are characteristic of this type.
5. Anovulatory. These bleedings are shown at pubertal or preclimacteric age. The reason is single-phase cycles that occur when the pituitary gland is disturbed and the quantitative decrease in follicle-stimulating or luteinizing hormone and with hormonal imbalance. This type of bleeding can provoke the development of malignant tumors.
6. Profuse. Bleeding occurs against the background of stress, physical exertion, after abortion, endocrine disorders, taking hormonal drugs. Bleeding proceeds without pain, the amount of blood loss is variable.

Clots in uterine bleeding

Blood clots are sometimes observed during menstruation. Usually they appear due to an anomaly that has developed in the uterus during the uterine development of the fetus. The blood filling the uterus is excreted in clots. Such menstruation is very painful, especially with hormonal failure. They may also be acquired. Among the main factors of occurrence are lifestyle, profession and addiction to bad habits.

To exclude the appearance of clots due to the hormonal background, it is necessary to conduct tests. There may be endometriosis, if this diagnosis is confirmed, urgent treatment is required.

Stop bleeding

Treatment is carried out in a hospital. For a woman who has not given birth and does not have tumors, therapy includes a course of hormonal drugs. Treatment involves taking medications at a high dosage, which is gradually reduced. To stop bleeding, Vikasol, Ascorutin and other drugs are used.

For girls who are in the process of development, a course of vitamins and restorative drugs is prescribed. In addition, a course of herbal medicine and hormonal preparations can be prescribed, the action of which is aimed at stabilizing the menstrual cycle.

Women past reproductive age undergo surgery for endometriosis and fibroids. The presence of oncological problems and pathologies of the uterus and ovaries requires the removal of the appendages and uterus.

First aid for uterine bleeding

After calling the ambulance, first aid must be given to the woman before the doctors arrive.

The algorithm is as follows:

1. Put the woman in bed, while the legs should be higher than the head. This will help reduce the rate of bleeding and prevent her from passing out.
2. Use ice. You need to apply cold to the stomach with 5-minute breaks.