Bleeding during pregnancy:
Bleeding occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy in 15 to 25 cases out of every 100 pregnancies. Bleeding at the beginning of pregnancy is common. Light bleeding or spotting may occur one to two weeks after fertilization, when the fertilized ovule implants in the lining of the uterus, as well the cervix may bleed more easily during pregnancy because more blood vessels grow in this area.
Problems that can cause bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy:
- Bleeding from implantation of the ovum.
- Bleeding caused by changes in the cervix.
- Early pregnancy loss (miscarriage).
- An ectopic pregnancy.
Bleeding from implantation of the ovum:
In the early stages of pregnancy, a pregnant woman may experience some mild, harmless bleeding "spotting", which occurs when the fetus implants itself in the wall of the uterus, and this type of bleeding often occurs around the time of the menstrual period in early pregnancy.
Bleeding due to changes in the cervix:
Pregnancy can cause changes in the cervix, sometimes causing bleeding, for example, after intercourse.
Early pregnancy loss (miscarriage):
Pregnancy loss during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy is called pregnancy loss. It occurs in about 10 out of every 100 pregnancies. Bleeding and cramping are signs of early pregnancy loss, but nearly half of women who have miscarriages do not experience any bleeding beforehand. Miscarriage means the pregnancy ends before the 24th week, and early miscarriages occur before the 14th week due to a problem in the baby and other problems (such as: problems with hormones or blood clotting). Symptoms include the following:
- Cramps and pain in the lower abdomen
- Secretions or fluids from the vagina
- Secretions in the form of tissue from the vagina
- The pregnant woman no longer suffers from any symptoms of pregnancy such as nause
Ectopic pregnancy:
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized ovum does not implant in the uterus but implants somewhere else, usually in one of the fallopian tubes, and if the fallopian tube ruptures, internal bleeding can occur that may cause weakness, fainting, pain, shock, or even death. Ectopic pregnancy appears in the 6th week of pregnancy but can occur after that, sometimes vaginal bleeding is the only sign of ectopic pregnancy, and other symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen on one side or the pelvis or shoulder, as these symptoms can occur before Knowledge of pregnancy.
When to see a doctor:
- When feeling pain in the abdomen, pelvis or shoulder.
- When bleeding occurs.
Problems that can cause bleeding during pregnancy:
- Inflammation of the cervix.
- Heavy bleeding due to a problem with the placenta.
- Any amount of bleeding may also indicate premature labor.
Placental problems that can cause bleeding during pregnancy:
- Placental abruption: The placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before or during childbirth. The most common signs and symptoms are vaginal bleeding and abdominal or back pain. Early placenta abruption can cause serious complications if it is not detected early.
- Placenta previa: When the placenta previa is in the uterus, it may cover the cervix partially or completely, and it may cause vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding often occurs without pain. The problem of placenta previa may resolve on its own by the 32nd to 35th week of pregnancy, as the lower part of the uterus expands and the placenta is dislodged from the cervix.
- Placenta accreta: When the placenta or part of it sticks and does not separate from the wall of the uterus, as it can cause bleeding during the third trimester of pregnancy and severe blood loss during childbirth, it can be detected for most pregnant women through a routine ultrasound examination, however sometimes It is not discovered until after the baby is born.
- Vasa privia: It is a rare condition in which the baby's blood vessels pass through the membranes that cover the cervix, so when the water sac breaks at the time of birth, these vessels may rupture and cause vaginal bleeding, and the baby may lose a life-threatening amount of blood.
Bleeding and premature labor:
In late pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of labor. If labor begins before 37 weeks of gestation, it is called preterm labor. Other signs of preterm labor include:
- A change in vaginal secretions (watery, mucous, or bloody) or an increase in the amount of vaginal secretions.
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
- Continuous back pain.
- Mild abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea.
- Regular or frequent contractions or tightening of the uterus that are often painless (four times every 20 minutes or 8 times an hour for more than one hour)
- Rupture of the membranes (water leakage)