If you have bleeding during pregnancy. The appearance of bloody discharge during pregnancy: what the body of the expectant mother signals. Blood discharge during pregnancy

Waiting for a baby is a responsible and exciting period. Unusual sensations often force a woman to worry about trifles. But among everything that is possible at this time, there is a circumstance that cannot be called nonsense. This is bleeding during early pregnancy. Every woman should know why it happens, what needs to be done and whether it is necessary to take care.

Read in this article

What is considered bleeding?

This is a discharge from the genitals, small, medium or large volume, in which blood is found. Its quantity is determined by their red, pink, brown colors. Tissue particles and clots may also be seen in the discharge.

All women should know whether bleeding can occur in the early stages of pregnancy, and what causes this phenomenon. This will give her a chance to remain calm and at the same time not to lose vigilance in case of possible discharge.

Since there is always biological fluid of varying consistency in the female genital tract, some people incorrectly assess the possible threat that lies behind the bleeding.

A small volume of discharge is not yet evidence that what is happening is natural. Blood can be retained inside the uterus or in the space between its wall and the placenta. Then at first very little comes out, but the woman will steadily lose strength. If you notice that there is bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy, you must immediately find out what is causing it.

Stitching pain on one side of the abdomen and brown discharge should alert you, as they occur with ectopic implantation of the egg. In this case, you need to be examined by a gynecologist.

Blood clot

The appearance of a blood clot at an early stage is dangerous. This could be an incipient miscarriage. Normally there should not be such discharge. Even if there is no pain or it is moderate, you should urgently consult a gynecologist.

Drop of blood during pregnancy

A drop of blood may indicate discharge from a polyp, cervical erosion, or due to the presence of fibroids in the uterine cavity. For the vast majority of women, they do not affect their general well-being in any way; there is no pain or cramps in the abdomen. This phenomenon is short-lived, and the volume does not exceed a small speck.

Heavy bleeding

Heavy bleeding in the early stages often occurs when a spontaneous miscarriage has already begun. It is accompanied by paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back. Blood loss is especially intense with a lack of progesterone. Additional symptoms include:

• dizziness,
• severe weakness
• headache,
• increasing nausea
• increase in body temperature.

During an abortion, regular cramping spasms occur in the abdomen, and bleeding constantly increases. The discharge may contain parts of the fertilized egg. Any suspicion of miscarriage requires calling an ambulance to be taken to a hospital.

Breakthrough bleeding

Due to incomplete hormonal changes in the body, breakthrough bleeding occurs in early pregnancy - discharge that coincides in time with menstruation. Their occurrence in the first months is considered harmless. For some women they even go 3-4 times. In this case, the volume of discharge should be much less than during normal menstruation, and there should be no pain or mild pain.

Bleeding during ectopic pregnancy

Causes of bleeding during pregnancy

In addition to diseases that cause bleeding during pregnancy, it is important to know other reasons:

• physical exercise;
• stressful conditions;
• multiple pregnancy;
• a lack of ;
• injuries, especially in the abdominal area;
• active sex;
• lifting weights;
• Rhesus conflict between mother and fetus;
• smoking;
• visit to the sauna, hot bath;
• the presence of a spiral at conception;
• carrying out diagnostic procedures with penetration into the uterine cavity;
• influence of unfavorable environmental or production factors.

Each of these factors can be decisive in the presence of any disease or hormonal disorder. It is also necessary to take into account the established fact that in the case of abnormal genetic material (risk of severe fetal development disorders), even a small exposure is often enough to trigger a spontaneous miscarriage. It occurs precisely at an early stage and even against the background of complete well-being.

Cervix bleeds during pregnancy

There are several types of diseases in which the cervix bleeds in a pregnant woman:

• erosion due to infection, injury, treatment with local drugs is the most common cause, it can be asymptomatic, and in the early stages it begins to bleed due to the abundant blood flow;
• cervical canal polyp - a growth of the mucous membrane of hormonal origin;
• papillomatosis – a viral infection with the formation of condylomas;
• adenomyosis - growth of the inner layer of the uterus within the cervix;
• fibroids are a rare localization (cervical) tumor of muscle and connective tissue.

To establish the source of bleeding and its cause, a gynecological examination and ultrasound are required. It is impossible to independently determine the pathology and its risk for pregnancy.

Bleeding in the early stages after IVF

In the early stages after IVF, bleeding is considered a threat of miscarriage. It can also occur in the absence of pregnancy, if the procedure was unsuccessful and menstruation began. The main risk factors for miscarriage in the first months:

• the immune system rejects the fetus;
• hormonal disorders;
• insufficient blood supply to the uterus, structural abnormalities;
• diseases of the cervix, tubes, ovaries;
• infections;
• long-term use of the spiral without changing;
• multiple pregnancy due to ovarian stimulation;
• excessive administration of hormones;
• injury to the genitals during egg collection;
• kidney disease, heart disease, ;
• external factors - monotonous diet, smoking, drinking alcohol, self-medication with medications, stress, overwork.

Watch this video about discharge after IVF in normal and pathological conditions:

Signs of bleeding during pregnancy

In addition to direct bleeding from the genital tract, signs of dangerous bleeding during pregnancy include:

• constant pain of a pulling or cramping nature;
• spread of pain to the sacrum, lower back, hips, anus;
• increase in general weakness;
• dizziness, darkening of the eyes;
• increased nausea with the urge to vomit;
• increased body temperature with hot flashes, chills;
• loss of consciousness or faintness.

Any of these signs requires immediate medical attention. Relatively harmless bleeding due to a polyp, fibroid, cervicitis or erosion usually occurs against the background of good health with minimal spotting or drip bleeding.

Serious threat to the fetus and woman

At the initial stage of pregnancy, anything can seriously harm her: stress for any reason, physical effort, taking medications. The fetus is still too weak, and the tissues protecting it have not yet fully formed. Therefore, blood during early pregnancy may have causes that threaten its existence and the life of the woman herself.

Danger of miscarriage and miscarriage

These are common causes of bloody discharge. In addition to them, the woman is plagued by periodic throbbing pains in the lower abdomen. It can all start with barely noticeable bleeding. If you neglect this symptom, it will develop to such a level that the embryo will slip out along with the biological fluid.

But this outcome is by no means predetermined. If the fetus survives, then at the onset of bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy, the chance of saving it is quite high. It is necessary, without waiting for the discharge to stop, to contact a specialist and demand help.

If the embryo immediately had serious defects or the process went too far, it is likely to be complete. Other culprits can be infections affecting the reproductive or urinary system, trauma, and inflammation. Heavy bleeding during early pregnancy, combined with pain, characterizes a complete miscarriage.

After a short time, the gripping sensations in the stomach freeze, as does the discharge. A specialist, examining the patient, will find that the uterine pharynx is closed and there is nothing in the cavity.

Blood clots during early pregnancy can be noticed even with little effort, for example, after visiting the toilet. It is likely that these are particles of fetal membranes or embryonic tissue.

A miscarriage can also be incomplete, when the pregnancy is lost irretrievably, but the flow of blood continues and the cervix remains open. There is still danger for the woman here if it is not done in time. Bleeding with clots in early pregnancy is a symptom of incomplete miscarriage. The discharge becomes a deep red color and is accompanied by unbearable cramping pain and a feverish state.

Watch this video about the signs of miscarriage in early pregnancy:

Ectopic pregnancy

An abnormal location of the ovum can also cause bleeding during early pregnancy. Normally, a week after fertilization, the place of the embryo is inside the uterus. But sometimes, for various reasons, the fetus lingers in the fallopian tube and penetrates the abdominal cavity or cervix. The first circumstance is observed more often. We are not talking about preserving the fetus; the main thing is the life and health of the woman.

At first, tubal pregnancy does not differ symptomatically from normal pregnancy. It is detected by a pharmacy test, causes changes in the mammary glands, and absence of menstruation.

But the fetus grows, and it becomes crowded in the fallopian tube. The organ stretches, causing pain in the area where the embryo is located. The accompanying bloody smear in the early stages of pregnancy, which intensifies over time, gives reason to suspect this particular diagnosis.

There are ways to remove the embryo from the fallopian tube while preserving the organ. If time is lost, it has to be removed, which reduces the chances of conception in the future. And when a woman endures pain for a long time without telling the doctor about it, the fallopian tube may rupture with heavy bleeding. This is already an imminent threat to life. In addition to strong bloody discharge, damage to the fallopian tube makes itself felt by pain in the abdomen, which can lead to loss of consciousness.

Frozen pregnancy

Light bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy may be a signal that the fetus is fading. For unknown reasons, it stops its development, which also manifests itself:

• Abdominal pain;
• Stopping enlargement and pain in the mammary glands;
• The disappearance of toxicosis and flatulence characteristic of pregnancy;
• Increased body temperature;
• A sharp decrease in basal temperature values. But the symptom can only be detected if it is measured regularly.

Sometimes the uterus tries to get rid of a frozen fetus. But in most cases, curettage is required. Delaying time means increasing the risk of sepsis.

Hydatidiform mole

The abnormal development of the tissues that make up the placenta is called hydatidiform mole. Its cause lies in mistakes made by nature during fertilization. A benign (trophoblastic) tumor forms in the uterus instead of the embryo, amniotic sac and placenta. It looks like many small cysts arranged in a cluster.

In addition to the abnormally enlarged size of the uterus characteristic of this disease, there is another sign - blood during early pregnancy. It can be released for a long time until the uterus is freed from the tumor. The color of the discharge is dark, the consistency is quite thick. Egg bubbles come out with the blood.

And although there is little discharge, if it is regular, the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia is inevitable. Often the process is complemented by vomiting. Failure to provide timely assistance provokes the spread of trophoblastic cells to other parts of the body.

Diseases of the genital area that cause bleeding

Pregnancy will not protect you from gynecological problems. On the contrary, many of them are getting worse at this time, and some are being discovered for the first time, because responsible mothers monitor their own well-being more jealously. And if you bleed during early pregnancy, it may be a sign of a gynecological disease.

Cervical erosion

Changes in the surface epithelium make the cervix a possible source of bloody discharge. The ulcers formed on the mucous membrane make the organ very sensitive upon contact.

But even without obvious reasons for this, simply by sitting with her legs tucked, a woman can sometimes detect blood in the early stages of pregnancy, and in subsequent ones too. It colors the discharge red, brown or pink. This poses no threat to either the mother or the developing fetus. Usually, deliverance is left for later, waiting for the end of the postpartum period.

So such discharge, which is not abundant and is not accompanied by pain, can come out more than once, especially after sex.

Polyp

A benign neoplasm can also make its existence known by secretions. In this case, blood during early pregnancy is released sparingly and painlessly. The choice of therapy remains at the discretion of the physician and depends on the surrounding circumstances.

But even when deciding to remove a large and bleeding polyp, there is no threat to the fetus or woman. Along with the manipulation, medications are prescribed to maintain her condition. But often gynecologists take a wait-and-see attitude towards polyps, and the neoplasm peels off on its own painlessly.

Varicose veins

Many are sure that only the extremities suffer from varicose veins, and then mainly when the owner is overweight. In reality, if a diagnosis exists, bleeding during pregnancy is also likely, including in the early stages. After all, the vagina is also riddled with veins, and the new position increases the load on their walls.

Often the disease also affects the labia area, causing the perineum to swell and ache. The secretory function of the vagina is disrupted, causing it to become tense and unpleasant. Minor discharge with bloody inclusions is detected after it, and for no noticeable reason. They do not pose a danger, but they complicate its course for the woman and increase discomfort.

Venereal infection

Sometimes discharge with blood impurities appears when chlamydia, trichomonas and other microorganisms that enter through the genitals are activated in the body. In addition to dangerous inclusions, which in this case increase the likelihood of miscarriage, they have and may be accompanied by:

• itching;
• temperature;
• loss of strength.

Bleeding not associated with pregnancy

Typical types of bleeding not related to pregnancy itself include intestinal (anal) bleeding from hemorrhoidal disease, nasal bleeding, and from the gums. They are caused by several groups of factors:

• hormonal changes that provoke relaxation and overstretching of the vascular walls;
• increased permeability, fragility of small capillaries;
• decreased blood clotting ability due to congenital or acquired deficiency of platelets and coagulation factors;
• lack of vitamins, especially ascorbic acid, K, rutin.

Any blood loss weakens a pregnant woman and leads to anemia. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease (hemorrhoids, hemorrhagic diathesis, thrombocytopenia, vitamin deficiency), as well as a diet rich in protein and iron. Recommended are nuts, fresh herbs, pomegranate juice, liver, buckwheat porridge, chicken and turkey.

Is bleeding always a threat?

Women in an “interesting position” are characterized by all sorts of fears, so they often exaggerate the severity of their own feelings. When wondering why there is bleeding in early pregnancy, many people forget that this can also be explained by natural reasons:

• Egg implantation. The embryo remains fixed inside the uterus throughout the entire gestation period. The process begins a week after fertilization, when the woman does not even know about the changes awaiting her. More often than not, this event is asymptomatic. But sometimes a drop of blood during early pregnancy and a slight aching pain can signal implantation;
• It's time for your period. With a slight hormonal imbalance, the body is able to remember them, and then the woman notices spotting with streaks of blood. There are few of them, there is no pain, sometimes there is a tightening in the lower abdomen. In principle, this is not dangerous if you can lie down quietly and take the medications prescribed by your doctor.
• But when a woman allows herself, does not reduce the load on the body, the ichor during pregnancy in the early stages can turn into strong discharge, which will end in termination.

How long does bleeding last during pregnancy?

Non-dangerous types of bleeding during pregnancy last no more than 1-2
days. These include:

• implantation
• breakthrough,
• superficial (from the cervix, vagina).

Their important difference is the absence of pain or minimal discomfort. At the same time, the woman’s well-being does not change. If there is a threat of miscarriage, the duration of the discharge will depend on the effectiveness of the treatment.

Is it always dangerous if a pregnant woman starts bleeding?

If bleeding begins in a pregnant woman for an unknown reason, then it is considered dangerous in relation to the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, in all cases you need to contact a gynecologist as early as possible. After examination and exclusion of the threat of miscarriage, treatment may not be required if the discharge is not related to pregnancy or represents breakthrough bleeding.

Actions, medications and hemostatic drugs during early pregnancy

Whatever causes bleeding during early pregnancy, treatment is necessary in many cases. Trying to determine the cause yourself, waiting or using home-grown remedies means wasting time and risking the future baby and yourself. Women who turn to a gynecologist in a timely manner, despite the serious threat of miscarriage, in 80% of cases carry the fetus normally and give birth to healthy babies.

To maintain pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage, the following medications are prescribed:

• Papaverine (suppositories) or in tablet form. Reduce tension in the walls of the uterus, neutralizing pain and eliminating the possibility of expulsion from the fetal cavity;
• Duphaston or Utrozhestan. Hormonal agents bring progesterone levels to normal. Lack of the substance often causes bleeding. If there is a more serious threat of interruption, injections of the hormone in its pure form are prescribed;
• Motherwort, Valerian. The drugs reduce anxiety, thereby helping to relax, including the smooth muscles of the uterus.

But the main thing in providing assistance is hemostatic drugs during early pregnancy:

Therapy is often supplemented with the intake of vitamins C and E, folic acid, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of dangerous discharge. You cannot use hemostatic drugs on your own. All of them have side effects, so dosage and regular monitoring of blood viscosity are very important. The latter is especially important if problems with clotting were noted before pregnancy.

Watch this video about the mechanism of action and use of Dicinone:

What to do if a pregnant woman bleeds

If a pregnant woman starts bleeding, you need to call an ambulance and lie down. Walking or driving your own transport to the hospital is not permitted. Staying calm during a threatened miscarriage is the basis for maintaining pregnancy. Self-administration of pills is usually not only ineffective, but also often dangerous.

If, after an examination, the doctor insists on inpatient treatment, then in no case should this recommendation be ignored. At home, it is much more difficult to fulfill all the appointments, protect yourself from stress and control the progress of pregnancy. If you consult a doctor early, most pregnancies are saved.

How to stop bleeding during pregnancy

Stopping bleeding during pregnancy is possible only if you follow the doctor’s recommendations; he examines the size of the uterus, its tone, ultrasound, prescribes blood tests, selects hemostatic drugs (Vikasol, Etamzilat) and medications to eliminate the root cause.

If by all indicators the fetus is viable, then medications and complete rest are recommended. This is most often sufficient in the absence of serious illnesses of the mother and child. At home, treatment results are worse, so most often it is necessary to maintain the pregnancy in a hospital under the constant supervision of a gynecologist.

Preservation of early pregnancy during bleeding

To maintain pregnancy in the early stages when bleeding occurs, the following medications are prescribed:

If the pregnancy cannot be saved

When bleeding that appears during early pregnancy is caused by a tubal location, surgery cannot be avoided. The task here is to save the woman and preserve the organ. If the fetus is still small, it is removed, leaving the fallopian tube functioning. If there is no chance to save her organ, the organ is removed to avoid rupture and more intense bleeding, which could lead to the patient’s death.

With a complete hydatidiform mole and a frozen pregnancy, there is no question of saving the fetus. It is necessary to free the uterus from its contents, which is done using curettage or vacuum cleaning.

If it is noticed that there is bleeding during early pregnancy, the woman should complain to the gynecologist and not resist when he suggests hospitalization. The initial period is one of the most difficult for the embryo, but at the same time there is a greater chance of preserving the child and maximizing the avoidance of adverse consequences for the mother’s health.

When using any medications, you should consult a specialist doctor. There are contraindications.

Monitoring the pattern and duration of spotting in early pregnancy is very important. Although such secretion is considered normal in the first weeks of gestation, it can also be a signal of various diseases and problems with the fetus.

It should be noted that bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy occurs in 75% of cases and most often indicates natural processes in a woman’s body that occur after conception. But situations are also possible, the outcome of which will largely depend on a timely visit to the doctor. Therefore, you need to find out which discharge in the first weeks of pregnancy is considered normal, and which indicates problems.

Main causes of bleeding

Therefore, in the third week and earlier, such secretion without additional symptoms is considered normal. But still, bloody streaks in leucorrhoea should not be ignored in case of any suspicion.

After visiting a gynecologist

There are quite popular questions on the Internet regarding:

Anna, 30 years old: “I wasn’t bothered by spotting during my 6-week pregnancy, but after yesterday’s examination by the gynecologist I noticed a couple of red drops on the pad. What to do? Is this a miscarriage?

Bleeding during the 6th week of pregnancy can sometimes occur as a result of micro injuries. Naturally, in such a case, women begin to worry, since it is too late for implantation bleeding. During pregnancy at 6 weeks, spotting may appear due to damage to blood vessels and capillaries by a vaginal sensor or speculum. They will not be systematic, so they will immediately disappear almost on the same day. If you observe such secretions for more than a couple of hours or their intensity increases, then the phenomenon is most likely not related to a doctor’s examination. In this case, you should immediately seek medical help.

After sexual intercourse

Bloody discharge in the early stages of pregnancy after sex is not considered a pathology, but in this case it is better to refuse sexual intercourse and consult a doctor, because you need to accurately determine the cause of its appearance, and whether there is a threat to the fetus. But in most cases, such secretion is a consequence of careless intercourse, so it makes sense to reconsider the positions and adhere to a calmer rhythm. You will find a complete answer to the question: “What do they mean?” in one of our articles.

"The Vanishing Twin"

Doctors have found that almost every eighth person had a twin in the womb, whose development stopped at a certain point. Note that this process is very typical for artificial insemination. Here's what women write on forums about this:

Zinaida, 36 years old: “I went through the IVF procedure because I had already lost faith in becoming a mother. Everything was fine, but soon there was spotting at 12 weeks of pregnancy. I went for an ultrasound and found that one of the twins was fading. I hope that everything will be fine with the second child, and the appearance of such secretion will not harm the pregnancy.”

• cramping pain occurs in the lower abdomen;
• convulsions may occur.

Only a doctor can confirm or refute this condition using an ultrasound. As for the time of secretion, spotting at the 10th week of pregnancy, but not earlier, may indicate a “vanishing twin.”

This phenomenon most often passes without consequences for the health of the woman and the unborn child.

Possible pathologies with early bleeding

Unfortunately, spotting at the beginning of pregnancy can be dangerous not only for the fetus, but also for the mother. That is why doctors advise if you have any doubts or ailments, go to the hospital. The first trimester of pregnancy allows, in most cases, to correct the situation, but only with timely diagnosis.

Lack of progesterone

In some patients, doctors note a lack of progesterone, which casts doubt on the normal carrying of the fetus to term.

Victoria, 22 years old: “I’m 5 weeks pregnant, the spotting has started to smear. I went to the hospital, where the doctor prescribed Duphaston. After taking the drug, everything stopped, but it’s still scary.”

Valentina, 31 years old: “At 7 weeks of pregnancy, spotting started. Will I be able to save the child with just progesterone injections?

Bloody discharge at 5-12 weeks may well be caused by a lack of progesterone, but you cannot take the drugs without permission, because the wrong dose may be useless or even worsen the situation.

If the discharge at the 5th week of pregnancy begins to bother you, and there are traces of blood on your daily, then you should immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe drugs such as Duphaston, Utrozhestan, and also select their optimal dosage. Additional treatment may be prescribed. In this case, it is better not to self-medicate, but if you do not pay attention to this problem, the situation may end in spontaneous abortion. Before using the listed drugs, find out which ones may be in the article at the link.

Placental abruption

Larisa, 35 years old: “8 weeks of pregnancy and spotting appeared unexpectedly, and it is more scarlet. I did an ultrasound at the hospital. The diagnosis is minor placental abruption. My stomach used to hurt, but now it has stopped. Of the drugs, only papaverine was injected. I’m worried and don’t know what will happen next.”

Bloody discharge at 8 weeks of pregnancy, especially if it has a scarlet tint, may indicate placental abruption.

This negative process is caused by stress, injury, allergies, high blood pressure, and bad habits.

As for the intensity of secretion, everything will depend on the area and location of the detachment.

It is worth noting that the 7th week of pregnancy is an early period at which timely medical assistance can correct the situation and save the child.

Various injuries

Olga, 26 years old: “I was 7 weeks pregnant and I fell. I didn’t go to the hospital because there was no pain or bleeding. How stupid I was, because then I had to remain in custody for almost the entire period.”

This situation can arise at any stage of pregnancy, because during pregnancy a minor bruise or blow can cause damage to blood vessels. In this case, it would not hurt to consult a doctor who will examine the fetus and give recommendations.

Placenta previa

Svetlana, 34 years old: “I’m only in my ninth week, but the gynecologist diagnosed me with placenta previa. Has the placenta already formed by this time?”

Many women think that placenta previa can only occur later in pregnancy. In fact, spotting at the 9th week of pregnancy, and at any stage, can be caused by placenta previa. The main difference is systematic bleeding, which at first may be painless. In the first trimester, bleeding is mild, but it is at this time that action must be taken to eliminate the threat to the life of both mother and child.

Spontaneous abortion

Rejection of the embryo can be caused by stress, infections, injuries, etc. Spontaneous abortion can also occur if the body considers the embryo incompetent, especially in the presence of genetic abnormalities.

Blood may appear in small quantities without additional sensations, and sometimes severe bleeding may occur. If you consult a doctor at the first spotting, the likelihood of saving the fetus is very high. At the late stage of this process, practically nothing can be done.

Chorionic detachment

It is from the chorion that the placenta is formed during the second trimester. The chorion provides a connection between the mother and her child, so its detachment threatens the fetus. This process may be accompanied by a small amount of brown secretion.

"Bubble Drift"

A very rare pathology, which is accompanied by the proliferation of placental tissue. A woman may not feel anything until the fetus stops developing.
Soon there is a copious secretion of red color. In this case, it is impossible to save the fruit. It is believed that this deviation is genetic in nature. As a rule, it appears from the 11th week of pregnancy.

Cervical erosion and polyps

Increased blood flow to the uterus can cause vascular damage. As a result, minor bleeding occurs, which can appear for no reason or after sex. If this process quickly and spontaneously stops, then it may be erosion of the cervix, which worsens precisely during gestation.

Read everything about this pathology and about it by following the link.

Another cause may be polyps of the cervical canal and decidual polyps. These growths most often disappear on their own, but if removal is prescribed, the doctor also prescribes concomitant treatment.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, it will not hurt to familiarize yourself with all the causes of red secretion. It is very difficult for a woman to associate discharge during early pregnancy with a certain disorder, therefore, while remaining calm, it is necessary to go to the hospital at the first discomfort. Remember that self-medication is dangerous to your health.

Bleeding is any discharge from the genital tract of any intensity. They can be very slight (spotting), medium or strong. The color of the discharge may be bright red, pink, brown or almost black. In addition to blood, clots and pieces of tissue may be released.

The severity of the condition does not always correspond to the severity of the bleeding. Sometimes it can happen that blood is retained inside the uterus or between its wall and the placenta, and very little discharge comes out. With large blood loss, symptoms such as severe weakness, dizziness, and nausea appear.

Possible causes of bleeding are very diverse and depend on the stage of pregnancy. In the first trimester (1-3 months) they are completely different than in the later stages.

Since any bleeding during pregnancy can become dangerous, if you experience any bloody vaginal discharge, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Bleeding in early pregnancy

This is any spotting in the first three months of pregnancy. Their strength can vary - from smearing to heavy, with blood clots. A fairly common problem in early pregnancy, occurring in 20–30% of cases.

Possible reasons:

• Implantation bleeding is a small release of droplets of blood at the time of implantation (attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall). An absolutely normal phenomenon, but it is often confused with menstruation, since it occurs approximately at the time when they should have arrived. This often leads to confusion and incorrect timing of pregnancy.
• The threat of miscarriage (miscarriage) is the most common cause of bleeding in the first trimester, accounting for up to 50% of all bleeding in the early stages. It manifests itself as bleeding from the vagina or cramping pain in the abdomen. The embryo still remains in the uterus, which can be determined by testing, but the outcome of the pregnancy is questionable. The threat of miscarriage can be the result of infection (most often genitourinary infections), the use of certain medications, dehydration, physical trauma, as well as a consequence of abnormalities in the development of the embryo.
• Complete - if a miscarriage has already occurred, then the abdominal pain gradually subsides, the discharge stops, the cervix is ​​closed, and its cavity looks empty on ultrasound. The reasons for this are the same as the threat of miscarriage. In case of complete spontaneous miscarriage, there is usually no need for uterine curettage.
• Incomplete miscarriage (abortion in progress) - continued discharge of blood, clots and pieces of tissue from the genital tract. In this case, during the examination, the doctor can determine that the cervix is ​​still open, while with a complete miscarriage it closes. There is no longer any chance of preserving the pregnancy after an abortion, because... the embryo has already died. It is often necessary to curettage the uterus to avoid infection or severe bleeding.
• - may not give any symptoms, but more often there is scanty bleeding, abdominal pain, reduction and softening of the breasts. The causes of frozen pregnancy are most often due to genetic abnormalities of the embryo. An ultrasound and blood test will help confirm the diagnosis. Management tactics can be different: wait for spontaneous miscarriage or perform curettage.
• Hydatidiform mole is an abnormal development of pregnancy when unformed tissue grows instead of an embryo; it can also manifest itself as bleeding in the first trimester. The reasons for this deviation are not fully understood. In most cases, hydatidiform mole is not dangerous for the mother. Sometimes its cells can penetrate the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, but even in this case the disease is highly treatable.

Bleeding in late pregnancy

In late pregnancy, bleeding is always a sign of some kind of problem, and after 28 weeks we are talking about an emergency.

The causes of bleeding in the second and third trimesters are different than in the early stages. Most often this is a problem with the placenta. The main ones:

• Placenta previa is the incorrect location of the placenta in the uterus close to the entrance to it (uterine os). As a result of prenatal changes in the muscular layer of the uterus, the thin wall of the lower part cannot hold the placenta, and small tears occur. In 70% of cases this manifests itself as painless bleeding, in 20% it is accompanied by cramping pain in the abdomen. In 10% of cases there are no manifestations, and blood accumulates between the placenta and the wall of the uterus.
• Placental abruption - in this rare complication (probability 1:200), the normal placenta suddenly begins to separate from the walls of the uterus before or at the very beginning of labor. The reasons are unknown, but may accompany severe gestosis and preeclampsia. The most common manifestation is dark vaginal discharge with blood clots, abdominal pain, and increased uterine tone. Fortunately, complete abruption is rare and usually affects only a small part of the placenta. The condition of the fetus may be different; it must be constantly monitored so that, if necessary, it can be carried out on time.
• Bleeding from fetal vessels. Occurs in 1:1000–1:5000 cases. May be caused by a tear in the umbilical cord or vessels in the membranes of the fetus. The baby's heartbeat first increases, and then its frequency drops as blood is lost. The decision on how to proceed with pregnancy and childbirth is made by the doctor, depending on the situation.

Causes of bleeding not related to pregnancy

In addition to these reasons, the appearance of bloody discharge can be caused by reasons not directly related to pregnancy:

• Injuries to the genital tract, such as fissures after intercourse;
• Bleeding from vaginal varicose veins;
• Diseases of the cervix and vagina: erosions, polyps, fissures, etc.;
• Genital tract infections – most often genital infections, as well as fungal infections;
• Hereditary diseases, such as hemophilia, are very rare, occurring in one case in 10,000. They usually manifest themselves long before pregnancy and the expectant mother already knows about them.

Prevention of bleeding

Unfortunately, in the first trimester, the developing embryo is affected by many negative factors, each of which can cause developmental disorders. In addition, we must not forget that very often miscarriages occur due to genetic abnormalities in the fetus, and this in no way depends on you.

If you do all of the above, and also maintain close contact with your doctor, you will do everything that depends on you for your baby, and you will definitely be fine.

Bloody vaginal discharge during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, always worries women very much. And this, in general, is correct. Bleeding in such a situation can be a symptom of quite serious diseases and pathologies. However, is bleeding in early pregnancy always dangerous?

Of course not. Bloody discharge can be caused by a number of reasons, some of which are not dangerous at all. Below we detail all the reasons that can cause bleeding during pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding is considered by some experts to be one of the first signs of pregnancy. In any case, before implantation occurs, there cannot be any other signs, since the fertilized egg has not previously been in contact with the mother’s body and is, as it were, suspended in the uterus.

During implantation, the fertilized egg, which penetrates the uterine mucosa, can damage a small blood vessel, resulting in minor bleeding in the first month of pregnancy.

Usually implantation occurs around the 25-28th day of the cycle, that is, approximately when the next period should begin. It is with menstrual bleeding that implantation bleeding is most often confused, because a woman usually simply has no idea about pregnancy during this period.

However, the nature of the discharge during this period differs significantly from menstruation. The discharge is much less abundant and usually lasts 1-2 days. There is no increase in bleeding, as during menstruation.

Breakthrough bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding is bleeding that occurs as a result of a hormonal breakthrough in the menstrual cycle. Due to a sharp change in hormonal levels at the beginning of pregnancy, coupled with minor hormonal disturbances, in some cases bleeding occurs, coinciding with menstruation, but much less heavy than menstrual bleeding.

Such bleeding can be repeated not only in the first month, but also several more times. Because of this, some women do not even realize they are pregnant until 3-4 months. Actually, this explains why you can’t rely only on late periods when diagnosing pregnancy; you always need to pay attention to several signs.

Breakthrough bleeding is also not particularly dangerous and is not a symptom of the disease.

Infections and erosion as causes of bleeding in the early stages

Infectious and inflammatory processes in the cervix and cervical canal can also cause bleeding in early pregnancy. In this case, spotting will appear after any traumatic actions: sex, examination by a gynecologist, physical activity, and so on.

This group of causes of bleeding during pregnancy includes, for example, cervical erosion. This phrase hides damage to the mucous membrane of the cervix, which can be either congenital or acquired as a result of various diseases and injuries.

In most cases, the disease is asymptomatic and does not cause any inconvenience to the patient. However, in some cases, bleeding and pain occur.

Erosion does not in any way affect pregnancy, fetal development or the birth process. Therefore, some doctors argue that there is no need to treat it during pregnancy. Other experts insist that it is still worth treating erosion. Of course, the woman herself will still decide. Study the information, weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision: whether to treat erosion immediately or wait until after pregnancy.

With an infection there is no choice. If bleeding is caused by an infectious disease, it must be treated. Moreover, as quickly as possible. Almost all infections have a negative impact on fetal development. In the worst cases, changes can render the fetus nonviable and cause miscarriage.

It is usually recommended to treat infections before the start of pregnancy, but this is not always done. And no one is safe from infection after conception.

Risk of miscarriage

The most serious and unpleasant cause of bleeding, and at the same time, unfortunately, far from the rarest, is. Behind this phrase lies a whole galaxy of reasons and diagnoses, some of which leave expectant parents at least a ghostly hope of maintaining the pregnancy, some of which are a death sentence.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, it depends on which side you look at: most early miscarriages occur in the first 4 weeks, when the woman simply does not know about her pregnancy. On the one hand, in this case, hope for maintaining the pregnancy drops, and on the other, the woman has not yet gotten used to, and has not even begun to get used to, the idea that she will become a mother.

The chances of fetal survival are minimal even if the cause of the miscarriage is genetic abnormalities. In such a situation, the mother’s body rejects the nonviable fetus. Often, miscarriage begins after the death of the fetus.

The cause of the threat of miscarriage can be various chronic and infectious diseases of the mother, abnormalities in the structure of the uterus, hormonal imbalances, Rh conflict, and so on. The risk of experiencing a miscarriage increases with age, as well as with multiple pregnancies. Women who smoke, drink and use drugs are also at risk.

What to do if there is bleeding?

As you can see, bleeding does not always indicate some serious threats and diseases. However, this does not mean that when spotting appears, you can relax and not worry.

You should consult a doctor in any case. It is unlikely that a woman will be able to diagnose herself without making a mistake. Is it worth risking your child, and your health, and sometimes your life?

If it turns out that there is a threat of miscarriage, then how quickly the woman gets to the doctor will determine whether she will be able to maintain the pregnancy. In addition, if bleeding is not stopped in time, not only the embryo, but also the pregnant woman can suffer.

If bleeding occurs, it is necessary call an ambulance and lie down. Peace is the most important recommendation, which should not be violated under any circumstances.

It is generally accepted that during pregnancy a woman not only does not have menstruation, but also cannot have any bleeding at all. And any of them are a sign of serious danger and, most likely, miscarriage. In fact, the situation is not entirely the same, and not always, if bleeding occurs during pregnancy, this means a threat of termination.

It is necessary to know such information, first of all, in order not to succumb to panic and act clearly and quickly. If a woman panics, cries, or becomes hysterical, this can provoke increased uterine tone. Therefore, let's agree - if bleeding occurs, you will be attentive to your condition and sensations, save the pad to show it to the doctor, and be sure to make an emergency visit to the gynecologist. But in some cases it is really necessary to go to the hospital immediately.

If you bleed during early pregnancy

We remember that the first trimester is quite dangerous and, indeed, blood during pregnancy at this stage can be a sign of an incipient miscarriage. But there are other, relatively harmless reasons for the appearance of unexpected discharge.

For example, they can occur as a result of mechanical damage to the uterine pharynx - this happens during sexual intercourse or as a result of physical training. The uterine pharynx is actively supplied with blood at this time, so vascular damage may occur. The bleeding is painless, mild and goes away after a few hours. It's absolutely safe.

If blood flows during pregnancy at the same time when you previously had menstruation, this is also a completely physiological phenomenon. Moreover, it occurs more often than women think. The discharge during such “menstruation” is not strong, spotting, and lasts for several days.

A woman may bleed during pregnancy even if she lacks progesterone. In this case, the doctor will prescribe treatment based on the test results - the pregnant woman will need to take special medications, an analogue of progesterone, in the form of tablets, suppositories or injections.

Let us repeat once again: in all of the above situations, the bleeding will be insignificant - rather spotting, and practically painless. If you notice the following symptoms, call an ambulance immediately:

• Bleeding or discharge is profuse, the blood is bright;
• You experience severe pain - cramping or piercing;
• Your blood pressure dropped and your heart began to palpitate;
• Weakness, perspiration, tinnitus, and spots before the eyes appeared.

Such symptoms can accompany not only spontaneous abortion, but also ectopic - tubal pregnancy. You will need emergency surgery.

Be sure to tell your loved ones (husband, mother, sister) that you started bleeding during pregnancy: if you suddenly become ill or lose consciousness, your relatives will be able to explain to the doctors what exactly happened. Until the ambulance arrives, you need to take a horizontal position and not move.

If you bleed during pregnancy in the second or third trimester

Mid-pregnancy is usually the safest time for mother and fetus. Here, the cause of bleeding is mainly injury - for example, if a woman hits her stomach or falls.

But if during pregnancy bleeding occurs after the 28th week, this signals a certain threat to the development and sometimes the life of the fetus: placental previa or placental abruption. Abnormal position of the placenta is determined by ultrasound, and training contractions or increased physical activity can cause ruptures of blood vessels. In this case, the woman will be placed on preservation to reduce the tone of the uterus and try to restore the functioning of the placenta.

The same situation can arise with partial placental abruption. The woman must be under the supervision of doctors around the clock, and if the situation cannot be stabilized, doctors will perform an emergency caesarean section.

Thus, blood during pregnancy can either indicate the presence of a serious situation or be a symptom of some natural physiological phenomena. To avoid causing bleeding on your own, monitor your exercise levels, do not engage in intense physical training, and of course, do not lift heavy objects. If the doctor insists on sexual rest, try to comply with this condition as well.