Not every woman will experience bleeding when she is in the early stages of pregnancy. But many will. And some will be quite worried about it.
There are several possible causes for bleeding during early pregnancy. Some are serious, some are not. Here are a few of them:
Implantation bleeding
Spotting and cramping soon after conception takes place can indicate that a fertilized egg has become attached to the uterine wall. This implantation bleeding takes place six to 12 days after fertilization, according to WebMD.com. Mayoclinic.org reports that implantation bleeding can happen 10 to 14 days after conception.
It takes place around the time you would be normally expecting your period, but it lasts only a short amount of time, and is less than a period.
Not every pregnant woman will have implantation bleeding, and some may who have it may not know it, thinking instead that they're having a light period.
Implantation bleeding will stop by itself, without treatment. If your bleeding continues, or worries you in some respect, see your doctor.
Miscarriage
In the first 12 weeks, 20 percent of pregnant women will have some bleeding states WebMD. About half of these women will miscarry, but the other half will not. A miscarriage will usually be preceded by bleeding.
Changes to the cervix
Because of the extra bloodflow to the cervix during pregnancy, a Pap test or intercourse can cause some bleeding.
Infections affecting the cervix or vagina, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, herpes and gonorrhea can trigger first trimester bleeding.
Bleeding Vs. Spotting
If you see a drop or two of blood in your underpants, light enough that a panty liner is hardly stained, you're seeing spotting.
If you have bleeding, a liner or pad is necessary to protect your clothing.
Serious reasons for bleeding
While most cases of spotting are nothing to worry about, ectopic pregnancies where a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, can also exhibit spotting as well as cramping. An ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous for you. You should contact your medical provider to discuss whether you need to be seen.
Hydatidiform mole
A molar pregnancy can cause bleeding in its first three months. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and unexplained weight loss.
If you should have heavy bleeding, pain in your pelvis or belly, dizziness with bleeding, or bleeding with pain or cramps, see a doctor right away or go to the ER. Do this even if the bleeding has stopped.
Treatment for Vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding requires plenty of rest and staying off your feet. Do not douche, do not use tampons and do not have sexual intercourse. If it's heavy, you may need to be hospitalized.
Sources:
Pregnancy Symptoms. WebMD.com. Retrieved Sept. 8, 2015.
http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-am-i-pregnant
Is implantation bleeding normal in early pregnancy? Mayoclinic.org. Retrieved Sept. 8, 2015.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/exper...
First Trimester Bleeding Causes. Emedicinehealth.com.Retrieved Sept. 8, 2015.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/pregnancy_bleeding/page2_em.htm
Bleeding During Pregnancy. WebMD.com. Retrieved Sept. 8, 2015.
http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/bleeding-during-pregnancy
Hydatidiform mole. NLM.NIH.gov. Retrieved Sept. 8, 2015.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000909.htm
Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. NLM.NIH.gov. Retrieved Sept. 8, 2015.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000614.htm
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Reviewed September 9, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN