Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: Should You Be Worried?

Vaginal bleeding when you’re expecting might sound scary but it’s actually extremely common especially during the first trimester. However, such incident should never be ignored. If you experienced vaginal bleeding, it’s important to check whether it’s actual bleeding or spotting.

If the discharge is pink or brown in color, similar to what you get at the end of your period, then it’s spotting. Spotting is just a sign of your body coping with so many changes during pregnancy. But just to be on the safe side, monitor your condition and discuss the incident with your physician.

If the discharge is bright red, it’s vaginal bleeding. If you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding early in your pregnancy, call your doctor immediately. It could be caused by serious complications. Vaginal bleeding may not necessarily mean you’re losing the baby. Save yourself from being worried sick and have it checked.

The amount of bleeding may also be used as an indication whether it’s spotting or vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding may soak a sanitary pad, spotting won’t.

Causes of Bleeding in Early Pregnancy

Embryo Implantation

If you’ve experienced vaginal bleeding very early in your pregnancy, it could be caused by the implantation of the embryo to your uterine wall. Virtually 30% of vaginal bleeding incidence is caused by embryo implantation. Bleeding due to embryo implantation typically happens before or during your period.

Cervix Irritation

Another common cause of vaginal bleeding in expecting women is an irritated cervix. During pregnancy, the cervix becomes engorged with blood vessels; it also becomes inflamed or irritated. If you’ve had a Pap smear exam or any internal exam during your pregnancy, it could cause the cervix to bleed from the lightest of bumps.

In some cases, the cervix may become infected. If you’re bleeding is caused by a tender cervix, it’s important to monitor its progression to prevent infection.

Subchorionic Bleeding

During pregnancy, blood fills within the folds of the chorion. This is the outer fetal membrane near the placenta. As blood accumulates, it can lead to vaginal bleeding. Subchorionic bleeding should not be a cause of alarm because it usually goes away on its own. Subchorionic bleeding also does not pose any risks when you’re expecting.

Vaginal Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: Should You Be Worried?

In most times, vaginal bleeding during the first trimester is just normal; it’s nothing but a benign sign. On the other hand, if you’ve experienced other symptoms on top of vaginal bleeding, then its best to have it checked. This includes abdominal pains, piercing cramps, and other complications together with vaginal bleeding. In such cases, consult with your specialist immediately.

In severe cases, vaginal bleeding may be caused by ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the fertilized egg was implanted outside the uterus. If you feel weak, nauseous, and you’re dizzy, experienced cramping in your lower abdomen followed by vaginal bleeding, you need immediate medical attention.

Other possible cause of vaginal bleeding early in pregnancy is molar pregnancy. Although rare, molar pregnancy occurs when the placenta itself becomes a mass of cysts with a malformed or nonexistent embryo. The symptoms of molar pregnancy are similar to ectopic pregnancy.