Bleeding during Pregnancy: Is it Risky?

The pregnancy phase can be unique to every expecting woman. From mood swings to physical complications, a woman may experience a lot of changes during her gestational period. While some conditions may need medical examination and further treatment, for others, it may just be a part of the journey. 

In this article, we will address one such condition is bleeding normal during pregnancy?  Or how to stop bleeding during pregnancy if someone is experiencing it?

Let’s start!

Why Am I Experiencing Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy?

One of the first things to know about bleeding during pregnancy is it is common. Many pregnant women bleed at some point during their pregnancy. Early pregnancy bleeding is more common than in the second and third trimesters. However, no matter when you are bleeding, it is quintessential to inform your gynaecologist immediately and let them go with the check-up. 

Spotting during pregnancy is experienced by several women. Spotting early pregnancy is considered light bleeding, which may go away in a few hours or a couple of days. However, anything persisting longer than that must be brought into the knowledge of your gynaecologists. 

Later, we’ll be discussing various causes of bleeding in pregnancy. However, before coming to the causes it is prudent to understand the nature of bleeding during pregnancy. 

Difference Between Pregnancy Bleeding And Spotting

Bleeding in pregnancy and pregnancy spotting are two different conditions. Look at the table below to have a quick note of these differences:

No matter if you are bleeding or spotting, ignoring the situation may not be a wise decision. To ensure the good health of your baby and yourself, it is of utmost importance to inform your gynaecologist. They may recommend an ultrasound or blood test to know the exact cause.

Do not worry! Usually, spotting and bleeding are common, and the baby remains healthy!

Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Since pregnancy is a complicated journey, every individual may go through different experiences. When it comes to bleeding during pregnancy, the following are some of the most commonly known reasons:

First Trimester

Most of the women experience bleeding or mere early pregnancy spotting during their first trimester. Some of the reasons for the same are:

Bleeding due to Implantation

When the fertilised egg gets implanted into the uterus wall, it may cause light bleeding. This results in spotting during pregnancy. This is not a serious issue and is quite common in expecting women. 

Molar Pregnancy

Molar pregnancy is a rare condition. In this condition, when the fertilised egg gets implanted into the uterus wall, it does not change into a fetus but into a tumour. Due to this, bleeding may happen.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A normal pregnancy is expected to occur inside the uterus after the fertilised egg implants on the uterus wall. However, in ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube or outside the uterus. This situation may be life-threatening and needs immediate attention.

Cervical Polyps

Polyps are non-cancerous on the cervix. During pregnancy, it may increase in size and lead to bleeding.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is a situation where a pregnant woman loses pregnancy due to various reasons. It usually happens during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. In such a situation, spotting may begin, followed by heavy bleeding and severe cramps.

Second and Third Trimesters

Bleeding during the second or third trimester is not so common and may be serious. Here are some of the common reasons for bleeding in pregnancy:

Abruption of Placenta

The placenta is the temporary organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. It supports the growing baby with the required nutrients. In this case, the placenta may detach from the uterus wall and cause serious problems. It also leads to bleeding in pregnancy. 

Placenta Previa

The placenta is not supposed to cover the cervix. However, in rare cases, it may happen even after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Such a situation may cause bleeding during pregnancy.

Premature Labour

Going into pregnancy labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy is not common. However, some may experience it, and premature labour may cause bleeding accompanied by severe labour pain.

Premature Cervix Opening

The cervix is the passage that connects the uterus and vagina in a female. During pregnancy labour pain, the cervix widens so the baby can be born. In some cases, the cervix may widen prematurely, and this causes bleeding and pain.

Sign of Labour

In case you are approaching motherhood days, that is, childbirth, you may experience bleeding. It may also be mixed with mucus and happens during the end days of pregnancy. It shows that your body is preparing for the pain and childbirth.

Pregnancy Loss

Miscarriage, usually at any stage of pregnancy, causes light to heavy bleeding.

Adding Some More Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Apart from the aforementioned reasons, there may be some other causes of bleeding during pregnancy, including:

Intercourse

The growing baby is protected under the amniotic sack and the uterus muscles. So, sexual interactions may not directly affect pregnancy. However, sometimes it may cause problems and lead to bleeding in case the placenta is weak or if the child bearer has gone through bleeding, premature labour and cervix opening. In such a case, you may be advised to avoid any form of sexual activity.

Medical Examination

During pregnancy, the cervix becomes quite sensitive. Hence, sometimes medical examinations like ultrasound and pelvic exams may lead to light bleeding during pregnancy. 

Infection

One may suffer infections during pregnancy like urinary tract infection (UTI), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, etc. Such conditions may also lead to bleeding in pregnancy.

How is Pregnancy Bleeding Treated?

Treatment of pregnancy bleeding depends on several factors the amount of bleeding, the underlying problems, and your overall health. Your gynaecologist may recommend an ultrasound and MRI (if needed). Medical examinations may also include blood and urine tests. Once the underlying problem is known, the following treatment may be recommended:

• Bed rest
• Avoiding any heavy task
• Avoiding sex
• Surgery
• Medication

Plan Your Big Day with Us!

Bleeding during pregnancy is as normal as it may be. Only after reporting to your healthcare professional can you know the exact cause. The very first mantra to stay healthy and out of complications during pregnancy is to not hide any details from your doctor and report the smallest of incidents immediately. Also, after a few weeks of pregnancy, it is highly recommended to avoid lifting heavy items, doing exhausting chores, travelling far off and on foot, and doing rigorous exercises.

Not to forget, the journey of pregnancy requires you to continuously keep in touch with your health expert. Sometimes, it may attract a huge chunk from your pocket if you are not covered with a comprehensive health cover. Here comes JOY maternity insurance offered by Care Health Insurance into the picture. Starting from pre and post-hospitalisation expenses to newborn cover, the policy supports your finances throughout. Also, if you buy this plan early, you can cover the waiting period effortlessly without compromising on the coverage. 

So plan your pregnancy with our maternity health insurance and stay stress-free forever. 

>> Also Read: Why is Maternity Cover Important for Women?

Disclaimers: 

The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.

All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.