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Bleeding during pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy is more common than we first suspect. As many as one in three women will have some sort of bleeding during their first trimester of pregnancy. This can range from a few brown spots to bright red blood loss and for some, passing large clots.
Bleeding can occur at any stage of pregnancy, though it is most common in the first trimester. It is important for women to remember that it is not necessarily a sign of problems. However, bleeding in the second and third trimesters can indicate a pregnancy complication. Any bleeding, at any stage still needs to be investigated.
There are a number of reasons why vaginal bleeding during pregnancy occurs.
Bleeding during the first trimester
Bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage. Around 1 in 5 pregnancies results in miscarriage before the 12th week of gestation. Although the statistics are high, for the individual couple who have experienced a pregnancy loss, the effects can be significant. Not all bleeding is a sign of inevitable miscarriage though. Around half the women who experience bleeding do not miscarry. Sometimes within the first 6-12 days of pregnancy there is what is known as an implantation bleed. This occurs when the thick, bloody lining of the uterus is disturbed by the embryo nestling its way into the uterus. An implantation bleed generally only lasts for a day or two before it settles down.
Signs of miscarriage
- Vaginal bleeding. This often starts off with spotting but can increase to large amounts, with or without clots.
- Uterine cramping, which is similar to period pain.
- Feeling a sense that something is not right; worry and anxiety over the pregnancy.
- A loss of pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and breast tenderness.
In cases of threatened miscarriage and bleeding, sometimes women progress to the stage where miscarriage becomes inevitable. This means that nothing can be done to retain the pregnancy or support it continuing. It can be safely assumed that the majority of miscarriages occur result major problems with the development of the embryo. Miscarriage is often seen as nature’s way of ensuring that more healthy embryos survive and are able to progress into the later stages of development.
By definition, a threatened miscarriage is when the embryo is still inside the uterus. A complete miscarriage is when the uterus is empty and the embryo has been passed. Many times, it is necessary for women to have a D & C – a dilatation and curettage of their uterus – to clear out the products of conception. Retaining these in the uterus can lead to infection and ongoing bleeding.
What is important to remember if you are bleeding during pregnancy
- Wear a pad or a panty liner so you can monitor your blood loss.
- Keep a tally of how many pads you are using and how often you need to change them.
- Don’t use tampons and avoid having sexual intercourse when you are bleeding.
- Seek advice from your health care professional.
- Don’t assume you are going to lose the baby. Many women bleed during pregnancy and progress to having a healthy baby on or around their due date.
Ectopic pregnancy
Occurs when the embryo implants outside of the uterus. The fallopian tube is a common site and because the tubes are not designed to expand like the uterus is, the tube can rupture as the embryo grows. An ectopic pregnancy occurs once in about every sixty pregnancies. It is more common in women who have had surgery to their fallopian tubes, had an ectopic pregnancy previously, or have a history of pelvic infections.
Molar pregnancy
Although this is a rare condition, it can still occur and is another reason for bleeding during pregnancy. Instead of an embryo forming within the uterus, clusters of abnormal tissue, known as a “mole” grow and take up the space. Bleeding, pain and a lack of fetal signs can all cause suspicion. An ultrasound can distinguish if a molar pregnancy is present. Occasionally, women who’ve had a molar pregnancy require chemotherapy due to cancerous cells which have developed.
Uterine infection
Occasionally, an infection is responsible for pregnancy bleeding. Identifying the cause of the infection is important so that the appropriate treatment can be initiated. If a bacterial infection is present then treatment is given with an appropriately sensitive antibiotic. Depending on the extent of the bleeding, hospital admission may be necessary.
Urinary tract infection
A U.T.I. can cause bleeding during pregnancy, both from the uterus and the bladder. Treatment with antibiotics is usually very effective, but it may be necessary to stay on these long term. Untreated urinary tract infection can lead to premature labour and kidney damage.
Post coital bleeding
Many women experience light vaginal bleeding after having intercourse. Most commonly, this is because the cervix is inflamed and engorged with blood. Most women are advised to stop having sex for as long as the bleeding continues.
Placenta praevia
This is a condition which occurs when the placenta lies over, or partially over, the cervix. Instead of the placenta adhering to the wall of the uterus so there is a firm seal where the blood flows between the two, there is a leakage of blood. There are different degrees of placenta praevia, each measuring the extent to which the cervix is covered. If the coverage is complete, there is no way the baby can be born vaginally, so caesarean section delivery is necessary.
Older women, having had a previous history, and multiple births, all raise the odds of having placenta praevia. Around 70% of women with placenta praevia have painless bleeding, 20% will experience some cramping with bleeding and 10% have no symptoms.
Placental abruption
This is an obstetric emergency and can threaten the life of the baby and the mother. In placental abruption, the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus and causes bleeding and abdominal pain. In most cases, caesarean section delivery is necessary. Women who have had four or more children, who use cocaine or tobacco, who are aged 35 or older, who have a history of placental abruption or surgery to their uterus are more at risk. The odds of having placental abruption are around 1 in every 200 pregnancies.
Around 80% or women with placental abruption will experience heavy blood loss and clots from their vagina and 20% will not have any visible blood loss at all.
Premature labour
Having an ante (before) partum (childbirth) bleed can also occur when the baby is coming before its due date. Before the 38th week of pregnancy is classified as premature labour. Blood loss at this time may be more watery and tinged with mucous. This is because the membranes may have ruptured as well and the amniotic fluid is mixing with blood.
Uterine rupture
Can occur in the later stages of pregnancy and is more common in women who have had four or more children. Where the uterine wall has been weakened, because of previous surgery or caesarean, it is more common for the uterus to separate. A uterine rupture is classified as an obstetric emergency, so immediate transport to a hospital is critical.
Varicose veins
Occasionally, varicose veins of the vagina or lesions on the cervix can cause bleeding during pregnancy. But this tends to be a rare occurrence. Women who have had vaginal trauma or varicosities to the extent where bleeding is possible, usually have some degree of forewarning.
Fetal bleeding
Can be differentiated from the mother’s blood with a special test on the blood. Fetal cells can be identified as being present in the mother’s vaginal blood, rather than maternal cells.
When to get medical help
Any bleeding during pregnancy needs to be investigated. Although it can be more common for women to bleed during the first trimester, it is still important to seek the advice of a health care professional. Self-diagnosing is common, but it doesn’t help to establish the true reason for blood loss.
Ultrasound is a commonly method for identifying why bleeding has happened. It can also help to work out where the bleeding has originated, if the baby is still viable and what to expect.
Seek medical help if:
- You are experiencing any vaginal bleeding.
- You feel any cramping or pain.
- If you do not feel your baby moving or there is a change in the pattern of their movements.
- If you have an elevated temperature. A normal temperature range is 36.1-37.3 degrees Celsius.
- If you bleed heavily, pass blood clots or obvious pieces of tissue.
- If you feel dizzy, faint or lightheaded.
- If you become breathless or develop pain in the tip of your left or right shoulder.
- If you have had a termination of pregnancy (abortion) and you develop heavy bleeding, an elevated temperature or abdominal pain.
Some women don’t realise they are pregnant and find out they are when they present to their doctor because of vaginal bleeding. This is more common with women who have irregular periods and are not using contraception.
What you can expect to happen if you are bleeding during pregnancy
- A check of your medical and obstetric history.
- A vaginal examination, probably with a speculum.
- Blood tests. These commonly include a pregnancy test, full blood count, and blood type assessment. Identifying the Rh factor is important, especially for women who are Rh negative and who are carrying an Rh positive baby.
- A urine test which includes culture and sensitivity to check for infection.
- An ultrasound to check if the baby is still present, where the embryo has implanted and if there are other issues causing the bleeding. If you are still within the first trimester of pregnancy, you may need to have a full bladder so the uterus can be more clearly seen by the sonographer.
Your emotions
It can be devastating for couples who are keen to have a baby to experience bleeding during pregnancy. Although many women go on to deliver perfectly healthy babies, there is no guarantee. Supportive counselling can be immensely useful for couples who experience grief and loss issues.
