Vaginal Bleeding In Pregnancy: What Are The Causes And Treatments

Vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy is worrisome and should be brought to the notice of your doctor. Some women do experience light bleeding in the early phases of pregnancy and generally go on to have a safe delivery. However, if the bleeding is in the later stages of pregnancy, it takes a serious turn and results in a miscarriage or lost pregnancy. The causes depend on which trimester you are in, but whenever you spot any little amount of blood, rush to your healthcare provider immediately.

Causes Of Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, light bleeding or spotting is pretty common in the first trimester or the initial 12 weeks of pregnancy. A few causes for bleeding/spotting may be:

Implantation bleeding

This happens when the fertilized egg gets attached to the lining of the uterus.

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Cervical changes

Since pregnancy causes changes to the cervix, sex during that time can result in bleeding.

Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, your body needs extra hormones. This at times can lead to spotting.

Ectopic pregnancy

In ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus and can be dangerous without treatment.

Infections

STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and several others, or UTIs (urinary tract infections) can cause light bleeding. Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor can treat these infections.

Molar pregnancy

In this rare condition, implantation happens but instead of foetus, a tumor forms.

If bleeding happens in the second and third trimesters, the causes probably are:

Placenta previa:

In this, the placenta covers the cervix fully or partially.

Placental abruption:

The placenta gets detached from the uterine wall. This is rare but can prove to be dangerous for you and your foetus.

Preterm labour, incompetent cervix, pelvic exam or ultrasound, pap test, and/or injury/trauma are some other reasons for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

How To Treat Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy?

Your doctor, or gynaecologist in this case, will prescribe diagnostic tests like ultrasound, blood tests, and other physical exams to understand what caused the vaginal bleeding. After that, they may ask you to:

• Take rest and time off work
• Drink loads of water
• Stay away from sex, douching, and using tampons
• Take medication for mild pain
• Avoid travel, rigorous exercise, or/and lifting heavy things

The doctor may also recommend you stay in a hospital in case the bleeding is severe. Whatever the situation may be, listen to them, but in an unfortunate turn of events, if you happen to have a miscarriage, don't lose heart. You can try for pregnancy again and fulfill your motherhood dreams.

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