Spotting during pregnancy
Is spotting normal during pregnancy?
Spotting during
pregnancy is a common problem faced by many pregnant women. While it's easy to
worry, don't panic. About 20% of women report spotting during the first 12
weeks of pregnancy. Bleeding that occurs early in pregnancy is usually lighter
than the menstrual period. In addition, the color often ranges from pink to red
and brown. Most women who experience spotting during pregnancy have a healthy
pregnancy and delivery.
Spotting during pregnancy versus bleeding
Vaginal bleeding
during pregnancy is any discharge of blood from the vagina. This can happen any
time from conception (when the egg is fertilized) until the end of the
pregnancy.
Light bleeding or
spotting during pregnancy is common, especially during the first trimester.
Mottling is when you periodically notice a few drops of blood on your
underwear, or if you wipe yourself with a tissue and see blood on paper. There
shouldn't be enough blood to fill panty liners.
Bleeding is an
increase in blood flow. In case of bleeding, you will need a pad or towel to
keep the blood from soaking into your clothing. If you are bleeding or bleeding,
it is best to contact your doctor and describe how you feel.
What causes spotting during pregnancy?
Implantation bleeding
is a common cause of spotting in early pregnancy. Implantation bleeding occurs
when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This may cause
several days of light bleeding or spotting. This blood spot occurs before a
woman even knows she is pregnant and is often mistaken for waiting for her
period. Bleeding that occurs after the day a woman is expecting her period is usually
too late to be considered implantation bleeding and is more likely to be
associated with early pregnancy in general.
Another common cause
of spotting is a cervical polyp (a harmless growth on the cervix), which is
more likely to bleed during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels. This can
happen due to an increase in the number of blood vessels in the tissues around
the cervix during pregnancy. Therefore, contact with this area (for example,
during intercourse or a pelvic exam) can cause bleeding.
Even in the absence
of a cervical polyp, some things can cause spotting for a few days:
- Sexual intercourse
- Gynecological exam, such as a vaginal ultrasound
- Heavy lifting/excessive exercise
When to worry about spotting during pregnancy?
Spotting or bleeding
during pregnancy is not expected and may be abnormal, but is not always a cause
for concern. However, it is important to contact your doctor to discuss the
symptoms you are experiencing. The good news is that 50% of women who bleed
during pregnancy had healthy pregnancies and had healthy babies.
Any spotting or
bleeding during the second or third trimester should be reported to your doctor
immediately. Spotting is slightly more common during the first trimester, but
should also be reported to your doctor or midwife.
Call your
obstetrician, especially if you notice heavy menstrual-like bleeding, to make
sure the bleeding is not the result of pregnancy complications such as an
ectopic pregnancy. Abnormal bleeding later in pregnancy can be more serious as
it could signal a complication in you or your baby. Call your doctor as soon as
possible if you experience bleeding during your second or third trimester. Your
doctor will likely check for cervical polyps and make sure the cervix is
closed.
To help manage
spotting during pregnancy and increase the chances of having a healthy
pregnancy, your doctor may recommend that you do the following:
- Bed rest or more sleep
- More time off your feet
- Stay well hydrated
- Limit your physical activity
- Raise your legs whenever possible
- Avoid lifting items over 45 kg
Remember, the good news is that most women who have spotting during pregnancy have a normal pregnancy. However, don't let this fact stop you from seeing a doctor. It is important to discuss spotting and bleeding with your doctor.