Vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is a matter of concern. However, there are times when you could dismiss the sign as a common pregnancy symptom which doesn’t indicate danger in any way. That being said you shouldn’t ignore the symptom altogether. To know when you need to pay attention to vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, you ought to know what could lead to it at the first place.
Vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is a matter of concern. However, there are times when you could dismiss the sign as a common pregnancy symptom which doesn’t indicate danger in any way. That being said you shouldn’t ignore the symptom altogether. To know when you need to pay attention to vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, you ought to know what could lead to it at the first place.
Spotting during first trimester
Some amount of spotting during the early days of your pregnancy when the fertilized egg implants itself on the uterus wall is normal. This spotting would be light and last for few hours. ‘Spotting during the first trimester may not necessarily mean trouble but it should definitely raise an alarm. Because vaginal bleeding can also be indicative of an underlying trauma that can threaten your pregnancy,’ says Dr Pooja Mehta, consultant gynecologist, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon. If you are missing your periods and spot blood in your undergarments, it could also be a telling sign of pregnancy.
Here’s what causes spotting during the first trimester:
Hormone deficiency: During pregnancy two hormones that rule your system are progesterone and hCG or human Chorionic Gonadotropin, ‘Any deficiency of these hormones can lead to spotting. Usually supportive treatment to increase the hormone production can help to cope with this problem along with adequate rest,’ says Dr Mehta.
- Miscarriage: It is often believed that the first trimester is the most crucial time of pregnancy. Apart from rapid fetal growth and development a woman also has the highest chances of facing a miscarriage. ‘Spotting in its worst case scenario can spell miscarriage for you. If you notice spotting with stomach cramps and lower abdominal pains rush to the hospital immediately,’ says Dr Mehta. Here are five causes of miscarriage you need to know about.
Physical activity: ‘Lifting heavy weights, exercise or just exertion can lead to dislodging of the fetus in the uterus and cause bleeding. For the same reason it is advised that women should slow down during pregnancy,’ says Dr Mehta. Here are five ways to start exercising during pregnancy.
Pressure on the cervix: During pregnancy there is a surge in blood flow to the cervical area. A pelvic examination or sexual intercourse can aggravate the blood vessels and can trigger bleeding. ‘This type of bleeding isn’t harmful and would not cause any harm to mother and baby,’ informs Dr Mehta. However, it is better to talk to your doctor to be on the safer side of trouble. Here are reasons why having sex during pregnancy is great for your health.
Infections: Any infection in the vaginal area or the cervix can also lead to bleeding. If you notice spotting with itchiness and other discomfort down there, talk to your doctor and get treated to avoid any other complication during pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy: Sometimes the fertilized egg places itself outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. As the fetus grows it can cause the fallopian tubes to burst and lead to bleeding. This can be life threatening for the mother. Immediate surgical intervention could save one from complications of the situation. Here are six signs of ectopic pregnancy that you should know about.
Originally published on www.thehealthsite.com
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