Bleeding in pregnancy

Is it normal?

Bleeding in pregnancy is very common, however it is not normal. It is important to notify your doctor or midwife if you experience any bleeding.

Why is this happening?

There are many reasons for bleeding and it may be a sign of a serious problem. Causes vary at different periods of a pregnancy. In early pregnancy you may encounter harmless implantation bleeding or bleeding associated with miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Later in pregnancy, bleeding may be a sign of placental complications such as abruption (when part or the whole placenta peels off the uterine wall), vasa praevia (part of cord vessels run over the neck of womb), or placenta praevia (when the placenta covers the neck of the womb).

Bleeding may be due to cervical changes due to hormones or cervical disease such as cancer. A show is a bloody mucous discharge near term, when the mucous plug sealing the cervical canal during pregnancy comes off as the cervix is getting ready for labour.

Recommendations

You will need an examination to rule out any serious conditions. Further tests for your baby’s wellbeing may need to be done. Depending on the cause of bleeding and gestational age of the baby, delivery may be indicated.