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Pregnancy and Bleeding

Pregnancy and bleeding are not two words that any pregnant woman likes to hear spoken together. Normally when you know you're pregnant, you expect to see no blood for around 9 months.

The fact is though that alot of pregnant women will experience varying amounts of bleeding and spotting during pregnancy.

Light bleeding during pregnancy is more common than you may think, some women even report bleeding all the way through their pregnancy, or even having a period every month! If the bleeding is bright red and heavy, or if you pass any clots it may be a sign of something more serious and you should see your doctor right away.

Not all bleeding is going to mean an end to your pregnancy, so don't worry without cause. Not all bleeding during pregnancy is vaginal bleeding. If you suffer from constipation during your pregnancy, bleeding could be due to a small tear in the rectal lining.

Pregnancy and bleeding - What to do

You should visit your doctor or midwife, and be prepared to give them all the details. They will want to know how heavy the bleeding is, whether it is accompanied by any pain or cramping, or whether there was any pain before or after the bleeding. The type of pain you are experiencing and where you can feel it. They may need to examine you, or may send you for an ultrasound scan to determine the problem.

Whatever advice your doctor gives to you, you should be prepared to follow it. You will probably be told to rest. I know this isn't always as easy as it sounds, especially if you work, or if you have other children. Enlist the help of family and friends and do try to put your feet up.

The end result will of course depend on the underlying problem if there is one. Normally bleeding during pregnancy will be categorized by what stage of pregnancy you are in.

First trimester bleeding, This could be something as simple as changes in hormones affecting your cervix. For more information on first trimester bleeding, click here

Second and third trimester bleeding should be reported to your doctor or midwife as soon as possible. To see some reasons for bleeding in later pregnancy, click here.

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