I’m pregnant, why am I bleeding?

First trimester

Symptoms: An early pregnancy test is positive, and you’ve had some light bleeding which is painless.

It could be: In the first trimester the commonest cause is miscarriage – one in three first pregnancies miscarry. But it could also simply be implantation bleeding

10-14 days after conception, when the fertilised egg is burrowing into the lining of the womb.

Stop it: Contact your doctor, or your midwife if you already have one, asap for assessment. If it’s a miscarriage, it’s essential to check that it’s “complete”.

Second trimester

Symptoms: Your pregnancy is going well but you’ve noticed some spots of bright red blood, and you may have lower abdominal pain.

It could be: Again, it

may be the beginning of a miscarriage, but it could also be placental abruption – when the placenta starts to peel away from the wall of the womb.

Stop it: Phone your doctor and/or midwife. Go immediately to the maternity unit looking after your antenatal care for assessment.

Third trimester

Symptoms: In the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy you notice some light bleeding, possibly accompanied with colicky pain like menstrual cramps.

It could be:

Incompetent cervix – premature opening of the cervix which can lead to pre-term birth. In the ninth month, light bleeding near the end of pregnancy can be a sign that labour is starting and is known as “the show”.

Stop it: Consult with your midwife for advice. An incompetent cervix will need to be monitored, possibly as an in-patient.