Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy - What's Normal?

Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy - What's Normal?

Vaginal Bleeding can occur at any stage of pregnancy from conception to delivery. It can happen due to several reasons and it can be sometimes serious or non-serious. Light bleeding or spotting is normal during early pregnancy. Whenever you experience bleeding during pregnancy wear a pad or panty liner so that you can monitor how much and what type of bleeding you're experiencing. If you're experiencing bleeding don't wear a tampon and also avoid sexual intercourse.

Common reasons for vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy

Some of the common reasons for vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy are:

1. Implantation Bleeding

The bleeding that occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus is known as Implantation Bleeding. It can occur from 6-12 days after possible conception. 

2. Sexual Intercourse

Some women may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse. However, having normal sexual intercourse doesn't cause miscarriage.

3. Infection

An infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract can also cause bleeding during early pregnancy.

(Also read: Benefits of Sex doing pregnancy)

Serious reasons for vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy

Some of the serious reasons for vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy are:

1. Miscarriage

Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage. Miscarriage doesn't mean that you're unhealthy or you can't have a healthy pregnancy in the future. 

Signs of miscarriage 

The signs of miscarriage are

• Vaginal Bleeding

• Lower Abdominal Cramping 

• Tissue or clot passing through the vagina

2. Ectopic Pregnancy

When the fertilized egg implants and develops outside the uterus it is known as Ectopic Pregnancy while in normal pregnancies the fertilized egg implants and develops in the uterus. Approximately 90% of the ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tubes. 

Signs of ectopic pregnancy 

• Abdominal Pain

• Vaginal Bleeding

• Pelvic Pain

• Rectum Pain

• Low Blood Pressure, weakness, dizziness caused due to blood loss.

(Also read: Reasons for Spotting during pregnancy)

3. Molar Pregnancy

When tissue in the uterus becomes a tumor or an abnormal mass instead of a placenta it is known as a molar pregnancy. Molar pregnancy is also referred to as Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) or Mole. It is a rare condition that occurs in 1 out of every 1000 pregnancies. Molar Pregnancy is of two types:

• Partial Molar Pregnancy

• Complete Molar Pregnancy

Signs of molar pregnancy

• Vaginal Bleeding

• Sacs (Grape like clusters) that pass through the vagina

• Watery Brown Discharge

Vaginal bleeding during the second and third trimester of pregnancy

Some of the causes of vaginal bleeding during the second and third trimester of pregnancy are:

1. Placenta Previa

Placenta Previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs when the placenta lies low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervix.

Signs of Placenta Previa

• Painless Vaginal Bleeding

• Premature Contractions

2. Placental Abruption

Placental Abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before labor or during labor. Placental Abruption can occur at any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy mostly it occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Signs of Placental Abruption

• Vaginal Bleeding 

• Stomach Pain

• Back Pain

• Repeated contractions in the uterus

(Also read: How much bleeding during pregnancy is normal?)

3. Preterm Labor

Preterm Labor occurs when regular contractions lead to the opening of the cervix after 20 weeks and before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks of pregnancy and before 37 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of preterm labor.

Signs of Preterm Labor

• Uterine Tightening or Regular Contractions

• Vaginal Discharge (watery fluid, blood, mucus)

• Back pain

• Pelvic Pressure

• Lower Abdominal Pressure

• Diarrhea

If you're experiencing vaginal bleeding in any stage of pregnancy it's better that you consult your doctor to find out the exact reason for bleeding or spotting. 


Also, read other health-related articles :

• Best Pregnancy Diet Chart for all the three trimesters

• Benefits of eating Strawberry during pregnancy

• Top 10 best books to read during pregnancy

• Sex during pregnancy - Is it safe?

• Spotting during pregnancy

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.