Show It's easy to get the care you need.See a Premier Physician Network provider near you. Many moms-to-be experience bleeding while they are pregnant. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association says studies show that 20-30 percent of women experience some degree of bleeding during early pregnancy. But how do you know how much bleeding is normal and when it’s a cause for concern? It depends on how far along you are, and how severe the bleeding is. First, know how to tell spotting from bleeding. Spotting is very light bleeding. It is common in the first trimester. The blood will be light brown or pink, similar to what you see at the end of a period. Bleeding is heavier. The blood is bright red and is more like the bleeding you experience when having your period. If you’re thinking about it, call your doctor. When to Call the DoctorDavid McKenna, MD, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with Perinatal Partners, advises calling your doctor if you see any sign of bleeding during pregnancy and have not yet talked to your doctor about it. This is especially the case for women who are pregnant for the first time. “Explain what’s happening to your doctor. Talk about your next steps and if – and when – you should call back,” he says. Why You May Bleed During PregnancyFirst Half of Pregnancy Heavier bleeding during the first trimester can also be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This bleeding doesn’t mean a miscarriage will occur, or that you have an ectopic pregnancy. About half of pregnant women who have bleeding do not miscarry. The most important thing you can do is to let you doctor know about any bleeding, so that you can evaluated for the cause. Second Half of Pregnancy
Be Prepared for These QuestionsIf you experience bleeding during pregnancy, be ready to answer these questions when you call or visit your doctor:
If you are asked to make an appointment, your doctor is likely to check your cervix with a speculum. You might have an ultrasound or other testing to help learn the cause of the bleeding. Many factors can cause spotting and bleeding during pregnancy. Because of that, it’s best to talk with your doctor if you have any bleeding. The bottom line is, if you’re thinking about it, call your doctor.“That’s what we’re here for,” says Dr. McKenna. It's easy to get the care you need.See a Premier Physician Network provider near you. Source: David S. McKenna, MD; Perinatal Partners; American Pregnancy Association; The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Whattoexpect.com Can pregnancy continue after bleeding?The bleeding may be light and stop in a day or two. Many people go on to have a healthy baby at full term after such a bleed. However, sometimes the bleeding becomes heavy and a miscarriage is likely to happen.
Can I still be pregnant if I'm bleeding and clotting?Sometimes during pregnancy, women pass blood clots vaginally, which is an understandable cause of concern. In the first trimester of pregnancy (first three months), women may bleed as a result of implantation (where the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall) or due to early pregnancy loss (miscarriage).
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