Bleeding During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Many women will experience spotting at some point during pregnancy. In "Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy and Miscarriage: Is it Always a Sign?," you will learn that spotting can indicate more than just miscarriage. What does spotting during the third trimester of pregnant mean? Here are some of the potential causes of vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy.

Preterm Labor

There is a possibility that spotting during pregnancy may be a sign of preterm labor. Other signs of preterm labor include contractions, leaking vaginal discharge, pelvic pressure, lower back pain, menstrual-like cramps, and abdominal cramps which may be accompanied by diarrhea, according to the March of Dimes.

Preparing for Labor

Many women will experience a bloody vaginal discharge about one to two weeks before they give birth. This is absolutely normal. Your body is simply preparing to give birth. If bleeding is light and near your due date, there's generally no reason to worry.

Placental Problems

Vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy could indicate either placenta abrevia or placental abruption. During placenta previa, the placenta attaches too low to the uterus and can block the birth canal, according to the March of Dimes. Heavy vaginal bleeding is the only symptom.

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall prior to birth, according to the March of Dimes. This problem usually occurs during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy and causes heavy vaginal bleeding, as well as belly pain.

Cervical Problems

Cervical problems can cause vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy. A cervical infection, cancerous growths, and inflammation can all cause spotting at any time during pregnancy. If you have experienced any of these problems in the past or have been recently diagnosed with HPV, it could indicate that this is why you are bleeding while pregnant.

Could it Be Miscarriage?

It is important to keep in mind that vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy cannot be caused by a miscarriage. Miscarriage usually occurs before the twelfth week of pregnancy, though there is a chance that it may occur up until the second trimester (week 20). If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy, you do not need to worry about miscarriage.

If you experience vaginal spotting during pregnancy, it is ideal to visit your doctor. If the vaginal bleeding is heavy, seek emergency medical attention. While there is a chance that it may be perfectly normal and nothing to worry about, spotting during late pregnancy could also be indicative of a serious pregnancy complication or preterm labor.

Source:

March of Dimes, "Bleeding and Spotting from the Vagina During Pregnancy."