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Heavy bleeding and pregnant. Navigating Pregnancy: Understanding and Addressing Bleeding Issues

What causes heavy bleeding during pregnancy? How do doctors diagnose and treat bleeding problems in early and late pregnancy? Discover the answers to these critical questions.

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Identifying Bleeding Issues in Early Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding is a common occurrence in early pregnancy, affecting nearly one in four pregnancies. While many of these cases result in a healthy baby, a significant portion, around one-third to one-half, may lead to a miscarriage. It is essential to understand the potential causes of bleeding in early pregnancy to ensure proper medical care.

Potential Causes of Early Pregnancy Bleeding

There are several possible reasons for bleeding in early pregnancy, including:

  • Miscarriage: The most common cause of bleeding in the first trimester, a miscarriage is the loss of the pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when the fetus begins to grow outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
  • Implantation bleeding: Light bleeding or spotting that occurs when the fetus implants (buries) itself into the lining of the uterus, often around the time of the first missed period.

Diagnosing Bleeding Issues in Early Pregnancy

When a pregnant woman experiences bleeding, her healthcare provider will typically perform a series of tests to determine the underlying cause:

  1. Vaginal examination: This allows the doctor to check the size of the uterus and the amount of bleeding.
  2. Blood tests: These tests can help determine the woman’s blood type and the levels of pregnancy hormones in her blood.
  3. Ultrasound scan: This imaging test uses sound waves to provide pictures of the pregnancy, which can help identify issues such as ectopic pregnancy or placenta previa.

Addressing Bleeding Issues in Late Pregnancy

Bleeding later in pregnancy is less common but can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as placenta previa or placental abruption. These conditions require prompt medical attention and may necessitate delivery of the baby before term.

Diagnosing Bleeding Issues in Late Pregnancy

When a pregnant woman experiences bleeding in the second half of her pregnancy, healthcare providers typically use a combination of the following tests to identify the underlying cause:

  • Medical history: The doctor will gather information about the woman’s pregnancy and any previous medical conditions.
  • Ultrasound scan: This imaging test can help diagnose placenta previa, where the placenta is partially or fully covering the cervix.
  • Gentle speculum examination: This examination can rule out bleeding from the cervix or vagina, but it should be avoided in cases of suspected placenta previa to prevent triggering heavier bleeding.
  • Digital vaginal examination: If placenta previa has been ruled out, a gentle digital examination may be used to identify placental abruption, where the placenta has partially or fully separated from the uterine wall.

Seeking Emergency Care for Bleeding During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Heavy bleeding: Soaking through two or more pads per hour or passing golf ball-sized clots
  • Severe abdominal or shoulder pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding in the second half of pregnancy

Prompt medical care is crucial in these situations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the unborn baby.

Conclusion

Bleeding during pregnancy can be a concerning and often frightening experience for expectant mothers. By understanding the potential causes, diagnostic procedures, and the need for immediate medical attention in certain situations, women can be better prepared to navigate these challenges and ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves and their babies.

Pregnancy – bleeding problems – Better Health Channel

Bleeding from the vagina in early pregnancy is very common. In fact, it is thought to happen in almost one in four pregnancies – many of which will result in a healthy baby. About a third to half of all women who have bleeding will go on to miscarry.

Bleeding later in your pregnancy is less common and can be a sign of a serious problem, such as placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) or placental abruption (separation of the placenta).

You should go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you are experiencing:

  • heavy bleeding, for instance soaking two pads per hour or passing golf ball sized clots
  • severe abdominal pain or shoulder pain
  • fever or chills
  • dizziness or fainting
  • unusual smelling vaginal discharge
  • bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy.

Causes of bleeding problems during pregnancy

It is not always possible to pinpoint why a woman is bleeding during pregnancy. Some of the many reasons may include:

  • Miscarriage
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Implantation bleeding
  • Placenta previa
  • Placental abruption.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus (unborn baby) can survive outside the uterus (womb).

Miscarriage usually occurs in the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy (the first trimester), and most miscarriages occur without a clear cause.

Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of miscarriage. Some women may experience period-like cramping pain in the lower pelvis. Others may experience no symptoms at all.

Ectopic pregnancy

During the first trimester, vaginal bleeding can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fetus starts to grow outside of the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can include cramping, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. Pain might be caused by a ruptured fallopian tube. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate surgery.

Implantation bleeding

One cause for bleeding in early pregnancy is ‘implantation bleeding’. This usually occurs as light bleeding or ‘spotting’ and happens when the fetus implants (buries) itself into the lining of your womb (around the time that your first period after conception would have been due). This bleeding will often last a few days then stop.

Placenta previa

Placenta previa occurs where the placenta is (either wholly or in part) inserted into the lower part of the uterus and covering the cervix. One of the signs of placenta previa is bleeding after 28 weeks.

Diagnosis of placenta previa is by ultrasound. If you are diagnosed with placenta previa, your baby will usually be born by caesarean section.

Placental abruption

This is when part or all of the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the birth of your baby. The amount of bleeding varies, as does the impact on your baby. Treatment may involve monitoring you and your baby, bed rest, or, in more serious cases, the early birth of your baby.

Tests for bleeding problems during early pregnancy

It can take some time for your doctor to be sure of what the bleeding means. You may need a number of tests, which could include:

  • Vaginal examination – to check the size of your uterus and the amount of bleeding. This examination lasts a few minutes and may be a bit uncomfortable.
  • Blood tests – to check your blood type and, sometimes, the levels of pregnancy hormones in your blood.
  • Ultrasound scan – gel is rubbed on your abdomen. A hand-held scanner uses sound waves to provide pictures of the pregnancy. In very early pregnancy, more information is gained by placing a small, slender scanner in the vagina. You will need to have a full bladder before the scan. An ultrasound scan takes around 15 to 20 minutes. If an ultrasound is needed, it can be arranged through the emergency department of your nearest hospital or your local doctor.

Tests for bleeding problems during later pregnancy

Both placenta previa and placental abruption can cause heavy bleeding of bright red blood from the vagina.

A vaginal examination is often used to help diagnose placental abruption, but could trigger heavier bleeding in the case of placenta previa. Therefore, an ultrasound scan should always be taken first, and digital (finger) vaginal examinations should be strictly avoided in the case of placenta previa.

Tests used to diagnose placenta previa include:

  • medical history
  • ultrasound scan
  • feeling the mother’s belly to establish the baby’s position (the baby is sideways or presenting bottom-first in around one in three cases of placenta previa)
  • very gentle speculum vaginal examination (to make sure the bleeding is not coming from the cervix or vagina).

Having ruled out placenta previa using the tests above, a digital vaginal examination may be used to identify placental abruption.

Treatment of bleeding problems during early pregnancy

The bleeding may be light and stop in a day or two. Many people go on to have a healthy baby at full term after such a bleed.

However, sometimes the bleeding becomes heavy and a miscarriage is likely to happen. While you still need to see a doctor, in such circumstances there is no emergency care that will save your pregnancy.

Sometimes, during a miscarriage, some of the pregnancy tissue may remain inside the uterus. This can lead to very heavy bleeding if it is not treated. Your doctor will tell you if you need further treatment.

If you are Rhesus (Rh) negative (if you have a negative blood type), you may require an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin to prevent problems related to possible blood incompatibility in future pregnancies.

Bleeding during early pregnancy and taking care of yourself at home

You may feel a range of emotions over this time. Guilt is a normal feeling, but don’t blame yourself, as you have done nothing wrong. Your body will be going through changes in hormone levels and this can make you feel very emotional. It may help to talk to family or friends.

While there is no specific treatment to prevent a miscarriage, things you can do that may help include:

  • Getting plenty of rest.
  • Using pads rather than tampons while you are bleeding.
  • Avoiding sex while you are bleeding. Sex can resume once the bleeding has stopped.
  • Taking mild pain relief medication, such as paracetamol, if needed.
  • Reporting any changes in your condition to your doctor.

If you are finding your mood remains low for an extended period of time, you may be experiencing depression and require the assistance of a professional.

Where to get help

  • Your GP (doctor)
  • Obstetrician
  • Midwife
  • Sexual Health Victoria (SHV)External Link. To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
  • Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) Helpline Tel. 1300 726 306

Pregnancy – bleeding problems – Better Health Channel

Bleeding from the vagina in early pregnancy is very common. In fact, it is thought to happen in almost one in four pregnancies – many of which will result in a healthy baby. About a third to half of all women who have bleeding will go on to miscarry.

Bleeding later in your pregnancy is less common and can be a sign of a serious problem, such as placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) or placental abruption (separation of the placenta).

You should go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you are experiencing:

  • heavy bleeding, for instance soaking two pads per hour or passing golf ball sized clots
  • severe abdominal pain or shoulder pain
  • fever or chills
  • dizziness or fainting
  • unusual smelling vaginal discharge
  • bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy.

Causes of bleeding problems during pregnancy

It is not always possible to pinpoint why a woman is bleeding during pregnancy. Some of the many reasons may include:

  • Miscarriage
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Implantation bleeding
  • Placenta previa
  • Placental abruption.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus (unborn baby) can survive outside the uterus (womb).

Miscarriage usually occurs in the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy (the first trimester), and most miscarriages occur without a clear cause.

Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of miscarriage. Some women may experience period-like cramping pain in the lower pelvis. Others may experience no symptoms at all.

Ectopic pregnancy

During the first trimester, vaginal bleeding can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fetus starts to grow outside of the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can include cramping, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. Pain might be caused by a ruptured fallopian tube. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate surgery.

Implantation bleeding

One cause for bleeding in early pregnancy is ‘implantation bleeding’. This usually occurs as light bleeding or ‘spotting’ and happens when the fetus implants (buries) itself into the lining of your womb (around the time that your first period after conception would have been due). This bleeding will often last a few days then stop.

Placenta previa

Placenta previa occurs where the placenta is (either wholly or in part) inserted into the lower part of the uterus and covering the cervix. One of the signs of placenta previa is bleeding after 28 weeks.

Diagnosis of placenta previa is by ultrasound. If you are diagnosed with placenta previa, your baby will usually be born by caesarean section.

Placental abruption

This is when part or all of the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the birth of your baby. The amount of bleeding varies, as does the impact on your baby. Treatment may involve monitoring you and your baby, bed rest, or, in more serious cases, the early birth of your baby.

Tests for bleeding problems during early pregnancy

It can take some time for your doctor to be sure of what the bleeding means. You may need a number of tests, which could include:

  • Vaginal examination – to check the size of your uterus and the amount of bleeding. This examination lasts a few minutes and may be a bit uncomfortable.
  • Blood tests – to check your blood type and, sometimes, the levels of pregnancy hormones in your blood.
  • Ultrasound scan – gel is rubbed on your abdomen. A hand-held scanner uses sound waves to provide pictures of the pregnancy. In very early pregnancy, more information is gained by placing a small, slender scanner in the vagina. You will need to have a full bladder before the scan. An ultrasound scan takes around 15 to 20 minutes. If an ultrasound is needed, it can be arranged through the emergency department of your nearest hospital or your local doctor.

Tests for bleeding problems during later pregnancy

Both placenta previa and placental abruption can cause heavy bleeding of bright red blood from the vagina.

A vaginal examination is often used to help diagnose placental abruption, but could trigger heavier bleeding in the case of placenta previa. Therefore, an ultrasound scan should always be taken first, and digital (finger) vaginal examinations should be strictly avoided in the case of placenta previa.

Tests used to diagnose placenta previa include:

  • medical history
  • ultrasound scan
  • feeling the mother’s belly to establish the baby’s position (the baby is sideways or presenting bottom-first in around one in three cases of placenta previa)
  • very gentle speculum vaginal examination (to make sure the bleeding is not coming from the cervix or vagina).

Having ruled out placenta previa using the tests above, a digital vaginal examination may be used to identify placental abruption.

Treatment of bleeding problems during early pregnancy

The bleeding may be light and stop in a day or two. Many people go on to have a healthy baby at full term after such a bleed.

However, sometimes the bleeding becomes heavy and a miscarriage is likely to happen. While you still need to see a doctor, in such circumstances there is no emergency care that will save your pregnancy.

Sometimes, during a miscarriage, some of the pregnancy tissue may remain inside the uterus. This can lead to very heavy bleeding if it is not treated. Your doctor will tell you if you need further treatment.

If you are Rhesus (Rh) negative (if you have a negative blood type), you may require an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin to prevent problems related to possible blood incompatibility in future pregnancies.

Bleeding during early pregnancy and taking care of yourself at home

You may feel a range of emotions over this time. Guilt is a normal feeling, but don’t blame yourself, as you have done nothing wrong. Your body will be going through changes in hormone levels and this can make you feel very emotional. It may help to talk to family or friends.

While there is no specific treatment to prevent a miscarriage, things you can do that may help include:

  • Getting plenty of rest.
  • Using pads rather than tampons while you are bleeding.
  • Avoiding sex while you are bleeding. Sex can resume once the bleeding has stopped.
  • Taking mild pain relief medication, such as paracetamol, if needed.
  • Reporting any changes in your condition to your doctor.

If you are finding your mood remains low for an extended period of time, you may be experiencing depression and require the assistance of a professional.

Where to get help

  • Your GP (doctor)
  • Obstetrician
  • Midwife
  • Sexual Health Victoria (SHV)External Link. To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
  • Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) Helpline Tel. 1300 726 306

Bleeding during early pregnancy: causes, symptoms and treatment

This disease is treated by Gynecologist

Bleeding during pregnancy is always an alarm. It does not matter how long it occurred and how intensely. In no case should this phenomenon be left unattended. Even women who already have experience of pregnancy will not be able to determine the cause of the bleeding themselves.

Moreover: its intensity does not always indicate how serious the situation is: intense bleeding may not be dangerous, and poor discharge may be the result of an extremely difficult situation. A woman who is faced with such a problem should immediately contact a doctor and follow all his appointments, and if necessary, go to the hospital.

Symptoms depending on time and type

The appearance of bleeding in early pregnancy can be due to various reasons: from spontaneous abortion to tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. Depending on what caused it, the discharge is strong, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, but it can also be low-intensity, smearing.

In the later stages, the appearance of blood should always be alarming, since the situation poses a threat to both the expectant mother and the baby. The external picture and causes may be the same as in the first trimester, but doctors will have a different goal and treatment tactics. If, with bleeding during the development of pregnancy in the early stages, the task is to preserve it, then closer to childbirth, doctors decide on urgent delivery.

Causes of bleeding during early pregnancy

The most common causes of bleeding in relatively early pregnancy include the following.

Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). In general, about 80% of all miscarriages occur at the beginning, in the first weeks after conception. Bleeding in this case is intense, accompanied by pain. If fragments of the fetal egg remain in the uterine cavity, this can lead to inflammation. Therefore, after a miscarriage, a woman must undergo an examination. In addition, the doctor will give recommendations, say whether it is possible to avoid termination of pregnancy in the future and whether it is necessary to pause before the next attempt.

Ectopic pregnancy – attachment of the embryo outside the uterine cavity, for example, in the fallopian tube. As the embryo grows, its walls stretch, and this is why the tube eventually bursts. This is accompanied by bleeding, which is usually mild and painful.

Vesical skid is a pathology in which the chorionic villi (fetal part of the placenta) degenerate into fluid-containing vesicles. In this case, the discharge usually becomes dark in color, pathology leads to the death of the fetus.

Implantation , that is, the introduction of the embryo into the mucous membrane. The process may be accompanied by a small amount of blood, the woman marks her traces on the linen.

Pathologies of the cervix .

If we single out the most common cause of bleeding during early pregnancy, then this will be chorion detachment. It is caused by endocrine, immunological, genetic disorders, infections, etc.

Bleeding in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters

Most of the bleeding in late pregnancy is associated with placental abruption and its supply.

Placental abruption is a serious condition when, at more than 20 weeks’ gestation, the placenta moves away from the uterine wall. It can be caused by trauma, chronic infections, circulatory disorders, endocrine diseases (such as diabetes), uterine tumors, and other causes. Blood discharge may be bright scarlet or dark, but is painless.

Placental abruption is dangerous for the baby, as its nutrition and oxygen supply are disrupted.

Placenta previa is an organ arrangement in which the placenta is attached to the lower segment of the uterus. As the uterus grows, the placenta quite often “pulls up”, move up. But it can remain in the lower segment and close the internal os of the uterus. In this case, the woman bleeds, the discharge has a bright scarlet color and can proceed without pain.

Disease diagnosis

Obstetrician-gynecologists who see pregnant women at the GMS Clinic use two main diagnostic methods: chair examination and ultrasound.

During a gynecological examination, the doctor assesses the condition of the cervix (if a miscarriage occurs, it opens), as well as the tone of the uterus. Ultrasound makes it possible to assess the state of the muscular layer of the uterus – the myometrium, to see the embryo, to determine what exactly caused the bleeding, and in the later stages – to observe the position of the placenta.

The advantage of observation at the GMS Clinic is that all obstetrician-gynecologists are proficient in ultrasound diagnostics and, if necessary, can do it during an appointment. A woman does not need to make an additional appointment and wait for an appointment, the doctor will do the examination in the same office. If necessary, the patient can just as quickly pass all tests, blood tests and others, and get the results.

Also, the benefits of monitoring pregnancy in GMS Clinic are:

  • availability of a prenatal diagnostic room, where on the day of the examination you can get the results of expert ultrasound and biochemical genetic screening;
  • the presence of its own laboratory, thanks to which a woman can do all the necessary tests in one clinic;
  • the ability to constantly receive advice and assistance: if necessary, the expectant mother can go to a day or round-the-clock hospital, her doctor is in touch with her during the day, and at night you can contact the specialist on duty;
  • observation in a single highly professional women’s center, where a woman can apply at the stage of pregnancy planning or simply undergo regular examinations.

Thanks to such an integrated approach, the expectant mother can be sure that doctors will not miss any nuances of pregnancy and provide the necessary consultations at any time.

Treatment

If the diagnosis showed that the pregnancy was not interrupted, then the doctor’s first recommendation is bed rest. At GMS Clinic, a woman who comes in with bleeding and other problems at an early stage is offered hospitalization in her own hospital. This is the preferred option for patients who have small children at home. If the home environment allows for peace, then hospitalization is not necessary.

Medical treatment is carried out in two directions:

  • antispasmodic therapy – doctors prescribe drugs that relieve tension in the uterus;
  • preparations of progesterone, which is called the “essential hormone of pregnancy.” It is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and also the placenta. It reduces muscle tone, and its deficiency is one of the causes of bleeding and miscarriage.

The remaining possible treatment options are selected by the GMS Clinic doctor when it is determined what led to the bleeding. If it is an infection, diseases of the blood coagulation system and other pathologies, then the treatment is aimed at eliminating them.

What to do if you bleed during pregnancy

Women who observe pregnancy should consult a doctor at the first alarming symptoms of bleeding. Even if your doctor is not receiving an appointment at this moment, the clinic always has gynecologists on duty who will provide the necessary assistance around the clock. Our clinic employs leading specialists in miscarriage who diagnose and prescribe treatment even in the most difficult cases. If hospitalization is needed, then GMS Clinic has a day and night hospital, where the woman will be under constant control.

Cost of admission

Designation Price
Initial gynecological appointment 8 062 ₽
First trimester ultrasound 8 874 ₽
Room (children/adults) for 1 hour 3 450 ₽

Prices for the most requested services are indicated. You can be served under a VHI policy, pay separately for each visit, conclude an agreement for an annual medical program or make a deposit and receive services at a discount. On weekends and holidays, the clinic reserves the right to charge an additional fee according to the current price list. Services are provided on the basis of a concluded agreement.*

MasterCard, VISA, Maestro, MIR plastic cards are accepted for payment.

Doctors

  • Morozova Anna Vladislavovna

    Medical Director of GMS IVF. Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Leites Tatyana Ivanovna

    Head of the Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leading Specialist

  • Lvova Alesya Gennadievna

    Head of Department, Leading Reproductologist, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Ultrasound Doctor

  • Koltunova Alevtina Aleksandrovna

    Head of operative gynecology at GMS Hospital. Obstetrician-gynecologist, oncogynecologist, leading specialist, ultrasound doctor

  • Shamugiya Nato Livterovna

    Leading reproductive specialist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound specialist

  • Alimkhadzhieva Milana Abdullaevna

    Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Barteneva (Samsonova) Oksana Vladimirovna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-surgeon

  • Bendusov Ivan Alekseevich

    Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Volkova Maria Viktorovna

    Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Glukhov Alexey Sergeevich

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Golubeva Olga Nikolaevna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, physiotherapist

  • Deilidko Ella Nikolaevna

    Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Zhordanidze Diana Omarovna

    Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Kazaryan Serine Mishikovna

    Leading specialist. Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Kikina Yulia Alekseevna

    Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Klimenko Maria Petrovna

    Reproductologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Korennaya Vera Vyacheslavovna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-surgeon, ultrasound doctor

  • Kuchukova Madina Yusupovna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, endoscopic surgeon, sonographer

  • Ledentsova Natalya Leonidovna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Lyubimkina Elena Viktorovna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of integrative medicine

  • Minka Ekaterina Evgenievna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Samsonova Irina Alekseevna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist

  • Silenko Svetlana Georgievna

    Deputy Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

  • Sosnova Elena Alekseevna

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist

  • Aleksandra G. Shushkova

    Obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductologist, ultrasound specialist

Implantation bleeding or periods | Plan B Clinic

How can you tell if what you see in your underwear or on toilet paper is an early sign of pregnancy or period? Let’s take a look at the differences.

Implantation bleeding: Light (so light you might not even notice it)

  • Light pink to pink (although this need not be a specific color)
  • It does not contain blood clots
  • Shorter than menses (1-2 days)
  • Stop on their own
  • May be accompanied by mild convulsions

Menstrual bleeding: Moderate or heavy bleeding

  • Bright to dark red (color depends on how long the blood has been in the uterus and vagina)
  • May contain clots
  • Need to use a pad, cup or other menstrual product
  • More severe convulsions that begin a few days before the onset of bleeding and disappear after 2-3 days.

Each person’s period can look different, so keep in mind what “normal” means to you when you think about whether you might be having implantation bleeding.

What else can cause bleeding during pregnancy?

It’s perfectly normal to worry if you bleed during pregnancy, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. According to data, 15-25 pregnant women experience bleeding during the first trimester.

“Depending on when bleeding occurs, this may mean careful monitoring with blood tests every 48 hours and ultrasounds,” says Dr. However, “in the vast majority of cases, bleeding, unless it is a miscarriage or ectopic, often remains unexplained, and the pregnant woman eventually delivers safely.”

Let’s look at some of the causes of bleeding in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy:

  • Discharge after penetrative sex during pregnancy can happen. During pregnancy, blood vessels develop in the cervix, so it is very sensitive.
  • Subchorionic hematoma or hemorrhage is a common cause of bleeding in early pregnancy. It occurs when bleeding occurs under one of the membranes that surround the embryo inside the uterus. In most cases, this condition goes away on its own, but monitoring is important for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Ectopic pregnancy is a rare (2 out of every 100 pregnancies) but urgent condition requiring medical attention. It occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy cannot be carried to term and can cause internal bleeding (which can be life-threatening) if left untreated. Vaginal bleeding is one of the signs of an ectopic pregnancy; other signs of convulsions, dizziness, weakness, pain in the lower back, abdomen and pelvis.
  • Chemical pregnancy, or very early pregnancy loss, often occurs before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Chemical pregnancy accounts for 8%-33% of all pregnancies and 18%-22% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies. Bleeding and cramps can be signs of early pregnancy loss.

If you are in early pregnancy, the clinic recommends that you contact your doctor within 24 hours if you have vaginal bleeding that lasts more than a day, and see your doctor immediately if you have moderate or heavy bleeding, if you have tissue from the vagina, or if you have cramps, fever, chills, or abdominal pain along with any amount of vaginal bleeding.