Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy

Many women mistakenly claim that they still have a regular menstrual period while they are pregnant. According to the American Pregnancy Association, this isn't possible because a menstrual period is actually the shedding of the lining of the uterus. While you are pregnant, this is impossible, as it will cause you to miscarry. It is possible that there is no valid reason for the bleeding. However, there are some known reasons why you may experience vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy.

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding occurs 6 to 12 days following conception. This bleeding is usually very light and happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Some women mistake this type of bleeding for a light period.

Infection

It is possible for vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy to be the result of an infection. Urinary tract infections and pelvic infections may cause bleeding. In some cases, this bleeding is only present after urination.

Miscarriage

If the bleeding is heavy or if it is accompanied by cramping or contraction-like pain, there is a chance that you could be miscarrying. Some women who experience a miscarriage report passage of tissue. If you start bleeding heavily or have abdominal pain, a trip to the emergency room is warranted.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg is fertilized and attaches outside of the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes. Vaginal bleeding that is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and low hCG levels may signal an ectopic pregnancy. This is a life threatening condition for the mother and should be treated as an emergency.

Cervical Irritation

After intercourse, some women may notice a small amount of vaginal bleeding. During pregnancy, the cervix becomes enlarged and the blood vessels are located very close to the surface of the cervix. Having intercourse, especially vigorous intercourse can cause some of the blood vessels in the cervix to rupture. While this isn't a life threatening condition and usually causes no pregnancy complications, a call to your obstetrician is warranted.

The same is true of the cervix after a manual vaginal exam. During your pregnancy, your health care provider will check to see if your cervix is still closed, especially if you have reported any contractions. You may experience light bleeding or spotting following these exams.

Placental Problems

During the second trimester of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may signal problems with the placenta. Placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall, is sometimes diagnosed after vaginal bleeding complaints. The same is true of placenta previa, or a low lying placenta.

Impending Labor

For women who are nearing the end of the pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can signal the beginning of labor. A phone call to your doctor or a trip to the labor and delivery floor of your hospital or birth center can help to determine if this is the cause for your vaginal bleeding.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/bleedingduringpreg.html