Bleeding during pregnancy can be frightening for many expectant mothers. However, especially early in pregnancy, light bleeding is often no cause for concern. Nevertheless, take the bleeding seriously and get it checked out.
Here you’ll find more information as well as a list of specialists in bleeding during pregnancy.
Bleeding during pregnancy refers to vaginal blood loss. It is often harmless, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. It is frequently what is known as spotting, which is much lighter than menstrual bleeding.
It may be accompanied by mild to severe pain or be completely painless. The blood appears reddish to brownish in color.
Especially in early pregnancy, light bleeding may indicate that the fertilized egg is implanting in the uterine lining. Implantation bleeding lasts about one to two days; the blood is usually bright red and may, in rare cases, be accompanied by mild, pulling pain.
In addition to vaginal bleeding, the following symptoms may occur:
Depending on how far along the pregnancy is and what the underlying cause is,
.
Bleeding during pregnancy usually has harmless causes, but should still be investigated @ bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
If the bleeding is not due to implantation of the fertilized egg, other causes may be possible.
Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy can also be a sign of a progesterone deficiency. Progesterone replacement therapy is then necessary.
Even if the egg has been successfully fertilized, a miscarriage may occur: In this case, the fertilized egg was unable to implant in the uterine lining, and a normal menstrual period begins.
The expulsion of the embryo during the first trimester is referred to as an early miscarriage and is accompanied by bleeding.
An ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the fertilized egg in the fallopian tube or at another (undesirable) site in the abdomen.
In addition to spotting, it is characterized by severe lower abdominal pain and can be life-threatening.
The tissue is very well supplied with blood during pregnancy. As a result, even minor injuries can lead to bleeding more quickly, such as after
This bleeding is referred to as contact bleeding.
In its early stages, cervical cancer may present with light contact bleeding or spotting. If a tumor is detected during pregnancy, treatment can be tailored to this situation.
The remainder of the pregnancy is carefully monitored by the relevant specialists.
If the placenta is located in front of the cervix, sudden, painless bleeding often occurs later in pregnancy. This is referred to as placenta previa or an anterior placenta.
Heavy bleeding from the placenta can pose a risk to both the mother and the baby. For example, premature birth—that is, delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy—is possible.
In most cases, the unborn child is delivered by cesarean section starting at the end of the 36th week of pregnancy. This allows medical professionals to prevent severe bleeding and a possible fetal death during childbirth.
A uterine rupture occurs when the wall of the uterus tears. The massive blood loss, accompanied by signs of shock, poses a life-threatening risk to both the mother and her unborn child!
Uterine rupture is also accompanied by severe pain and contractions, which suddenly stop after the rupture occurs. Uterine rupture requires an emergency cesarean section.
Dark red bleeding associated with placental abruption is a pregnancy complication. It can vary in severity and may be painful. However, placental abruption does not always necessarily involve vaginal bleeding. The uterus remains persistently hardened during this condition.
For the unborn child, placental abruption means an acute lack of oxygen. An emergency cesarean section is then required.
Spotting accompanied by the passage of the mucus plug often indicates that labor is approaching. If this occurs before the 35th week of pregnancy, there is a risk of preterm birth.
Bleeding during the last trimester of pregnancy may indicate a preterm birth. It is often accompanied by labor-like pains in the lower abdomen and the rupture of the amniotic sac.
If there are signs of preterm labor, you should go to a hospital or perinatal center as soon as possible. This is especially important if the estimated due date is still some time away.
Especially during pregnancy, the rule is: Better to see a doctor once too often than once too little! Be sure to discuss any bleeding with your gynecologist. If you experience severe pain, go to the hospital or call an ambulance.
Even if the cause is usually harmless, you should still get examined. Once a definitive diagnosis has been made, your gynecologist or an obstetrician can explain how you should proceed for the remainder of your pregnancy.
After discussing the pregnant woman’s symptoms and medical history, a physical and ultrasound examination is performed. A vaginal examination must not be performed only if placenta previa is suspected.
A blood test can also provide insight into the cause of the bleeding. If an ectopic or abdominal pregnancy is suspected, a blood sample is taken from the patient and the hCG level is checked. An ectopic pregnancy can be assumed if
Depending on the diagnosis, there are different treatment methods for bleeding during pregnancy.
If the cause is harmless, such as implantation bleeding or contact bleeding, rest and abstaining from sexual intercourse and exercise are sufficient.
If there is a risk of premature birth or miscarriage,
may help.
In the event of premature placental abruption or uterine rupture, a cesarean section must be performed to save the lives of the mother and child.
An ectopic or abdominal pregnancy must generally be terminated or removed surgically.
The prognosis depends on the individual case due to the wide range of possible causes.
Take any bleeding seriously and get examined—even though truly serious causes are very rare. Depending on the cause of the bleeding, the pregnancy can continue calmly and normally with the appropriate measures.
In cases involving the causes described above, which pose a higher risk to both mother and child, the pregnant woman is usually provided with immediate medical care. A cesarean section may be performed promptly.
