Month 2: A spot of worry

Noticing spotting during pregnancy can set off alarm bells. Bleeding during pregnancy can be cause for concern, but it can also be nothing to worry about.

Bleeding during early pregnancy is fairly common, with about one in four women experiencing symptoms during their first trimester. If your pregnancy is still in the early phase, and you have noticed some vaginal bleeding, you may be confused and think you have started your period. This blood is not your period but is in fact due to other causes. During pregnancy, your body is focused on nurturing your baby, so your brain sends signals to your uterus not to menstruate. You might notice light bleeding about 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. This is called implantation bleeding, and is caused by the egg implanting itself in your uterus. As the egg finds a home for itself in your uterus, it may disrupt the lining just a little bit, causing light bleeding. This bleeding should only last a couple of days and be fairly light. Implantation bleeding is nothing to worry about, but if it gets heavy at any time, or continues longer than a couple of days, see your doctor. During early pregnancy, your cervix changes in order to accommodate your new baby. Your body will provide increased blood flow to your cervix, causing the cervical tissue to be highly sensitive, and sometimes this can result in light bleeding. If your cervix is slightly inflamed, bleeding or spotting could occur during intercourse or a pelvic exam. Again, this is common and does not necessarily mean that your baby is in danger. If your bleeding is abnormally heavy or lingers for more than a few days, your doctor will want to determine the cause.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

You might notice light bleeding about 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. This is called implantation bleeding, and is caused by the egg implanting itself in your uterus.

Bleeding in the first trimester can sometimes be a signal that there is a problem with your baby.

The peak time for miscarriages is between six and 10 weeks of pregnancy. Between 15 and 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. The most common causes of miscarriage are medical problems, infections, uterine abnormalities, extreme emotional stress, some drugs and Rhesus incompatibility. The bleeding will be heavy and bright red and accompanied by abdominal cramps and backache. It can be confirmed on a scan. Bleeding or spotting could be symptoms of a miscarriage, especially if they are associated with cramping, fever or chills. If you think you are having a miscarriage, or are unsure why you are bleeding, contact your doctor or midwife.

Sometimes bleeding during early pregnancy can signal a more serious problem with your baby.

Ectopic pregnancies occur in one out of every 60 pregnancies and can be lifethreatening to you and Baby. Serious internal bleeding can occur with ectopic pregnancies, so if you are experiencing heavy bleeding, or bleeding with pain, go to the hospital. ●