Bleeding During Pregnancy Could Be Cause for Concern

Bleeding during pregnancy is not always a precursor for potential problems with your health or that of your baby's. In fact, at least 30-40% of women experience some bleeding or spotting during their pregnancy and have no major problems and carry their babies to full term. However, it would be prudent for you to be able to identify the cause for your bleeding during pregnancy if and quickly as possible.

Non-Life Threatening Reasons for Bleeding

Bleeding early in the pregnancy is quite common and is usually not cause for concern, especially if it is not consistent. Up to several weeks after conception, you may experience bleeding during pregnancy as the fertilized egg tries to implant itself. The bleeding may only occur for a day or two or you may have light spotting for several days before it dissipates.

Because the cervix is quite sensitive, you may experience bleeding during pregnancy right after having sex with your partner. When this occurs, you should stop having sex and see a doctor to ensure there are no problems. Likely, you just might have to wait a few weeks before resuming your normal sexual routine.

A urinary tract infection or some other type of infection in the pelvic area may also cause bleeding during pregnancy. Because there are several non-life threatening reasons for bleeding that may require treatment, it is important that a doctor assess the situation.

Life Threatening Reasons for Bleeding

Miscarriage is one of the major reasons for bleeding during pregnancy but not all pregnancies will experience a full miscarriage where the baby is lost. In fact, almost half of all women who experience the bleeding and beginnings of miscarriage were able to stop the process in its tracks with proper medications and treatment at a hospital.

Ectopic pregnancies are another cause of bleeding and can also instigate cramps during pregnancy due to the fertilized egg trying to implant itself in the fallopian tubes rather than the uterus. Bleeding, sharp pains and severe cramping typically occur in this type of situation and if you have previously had a pelvic infection, you would be more susceptible.

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix and it is a condition that may not necessarily cause pain but does cause bleeding during pregnancy. This can be dangerous as it reduces the blood flow and oxygen carried to the baby. Placental abruption has similar risks to the baby and will also cause bleeding and sharp pains.

Of course, going into labor may cause bleeding during pregnancy and this will likely show up in the early stages of pre-term labor. Typically the bleeding will accompany contractions, stomach cramps, a feeling of pressure in the pelvic or stomach area, dull backache or even discharge of discolored mucus or blood from the vagina. To be on the safe side, always check out with a doctor the reasons for your bleeding during pregnancy.