What Causes Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and notice any type or amount of bleeding it is important to wear a pad so that you can monitor the amount and type of bleeding, so that you can report it to your pregnancy caregiver. Never, however place a tampon or anything else into the vaginal area when you are bleeding.

What bleeding may mean in the 1st half of a pregnancy (1st trimester):

·Miscarriage

·Ectopic pregnancy

·Molar pregnancy

·Implantation bleeding

·Pelvic cavity or urinary tract infection

·Bleeding after intercourse due to the cervix being tender and sensitive during pregnancy

What bleeding may mean in the 2nd half of a pregnancy (2nd or 3rd trimester):

If the woman is experiencing minor bleeding in the 2nd half of her pregnancy it could be caused by an inflamed cervix or abnormal skin growths on the cervix (Polyps). Bleeding that is light to heavy can also signal a serious complication called, "Placental Abruption". This bleeding results from the placenta detaching from the uterus before or during labor. This is a rare condition that occurs in approximately 1% of pregnancies and typically in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy.

If a woman is experiencing Placental Abruption during her pregnancy she may experience vaginal bleeding and pain in the stomach or abdominal region. Women who have had previous children, are age 35 or older, have had an abruption previously, have sickle cell anemia, suffer from high blood pressure, have had a trauma or injury to the stomach region or who use Cocaine are at a higher risk than others for Placental Abruption.

Placenta Previa is another complication of pregnancy that can cause bleeding but usually no pain. It occurs in 1 out of every 200 pregnancies. Women, who have had previous children, have given birth by cesarean section, or who have had other surgeries on the uterus or those women who are pregnant with twins, triplets or higher multiples are at risk for Placenta Previa.

Did you know that vaginal bleeding could also be a sign of preterm labor?

When the mucus plug is lost in the last few weeks of pregnancy mucus and blood can pass and it is a normal sign of impending labor. If this happens before you are full-term you may be going into preterm labor, which can be a serious complication of pregnancy.