Pregnancy is a wonderful time for any woman, but spotting during pregnancy can overshadow this period.
Any discharge causes worry and anxiety in future parents. However, in some cases this is the norm, in others it is really a reason for worry, so it is important to be able to distinguish between the moments when you should see a doctor and when to take this phenomenon calmly.
How to behave in such a situation?
In general, if you are expecting your first child, spotting in the first weeks of pregnancy will cause panic.
But you should remain calm and under no circumstances give in to panic. It is necessary to understand the reasons that are hidden behind these secretions. Of course, sometimes various types of discharge indicate the presence of pathology, but not always.
Often, even if the occurrence of bleeding is outside the normal range, it does not pose a threat to the child or his mother. However, this does not mean that, having discovered the presence of discharge, you should dismiss it and treat it as a natural coincidence. It is necessary to monitor other symptoms accompanying this phenomenon. The first thing the expectant mother should do is contact her attending physician. It is worth giving up on independent attempts to establish a diagnosis, as this can cause unpredictable consequences.
What's behind the discharge?
Bloody discharge in early pregnancy has many causes and causes. Moreover, in this case, this state of affairs is often the norm. It is worth considering the moments when spotting during early pregnancy does not pose a threat and is natural.
Bloody discharge during pregnancy at 1 or 2 weeks, if there are no other alarming symptoms, is normal. During this period, the egg is implanted into the uterine mucosa. This process may be accompanied by damage to the blood vessels, as a result of which the blood discharge will mix with normal discharge and come out of the vagina.
Under this set of circumstances, the discharge has a light brown tint, and sometimes even pinkish or beige. Another distinctive feature of this type of discharge will be its single nature, since damaged vessels will heal quickly.
In addition, the discharge does not cause any inconvenience to the expectant mother. They are harmless, have no odor, are not accompanied by itching or redness, and are not accompanied by pain.
Among other things, this kind of discharge is a kind of harbinger of pregnancy. Almost any woman at the time of implantation of the egg into the uterus does not even suspect that she is pregnant, and most often attributes discharge with a bloody component to the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, if you pay more attention to your own body and observe all the changes in it, you can determine the onset of pregnancy without tests.
Points to start worrying
Next will begin a list of moments that pose a real danger to the child or expectant mother. Often, bright red discharge indicates a high risk of miscarriage. This is associated with detachment of the placenta or ovum. In the location where the egg was detached, vessels remain that are damaged.
Detachment occurs mainly due to a deficiency of the female hormone or progesterone. This hormone is responsible for preparing the endometrium to connect the uterine mucosa with an already fertilized egg. In cases where there is a deficiency or complete absence of the female hormone, the fertilized egg is rejected by the endometrium. It is worth noting that the discharge in this case can be both scanty and abundant.
It is worth highlighting other symptoms that accompany egg rejection: severe nausea, pain in the abdominal area, vomiting. If discharge and other specific symptoms are detected, you should immediately call an ambulance. In addition, the expectant mother should give up all physical activity.
However, pregnant women should be reassured, since in this condition there is a chance of saving the pregnancy if they consult a doctor in a timely manner. Pregnant women are usually prescribed medications that contain progesterone. Among them it is worth highlighting Utrozhestan.
Another alarming phenomenon that bleeding during pregnancy indicates is an ectopic pregnancy. It is worth saying right away that this diagnosis will be very alarming. This phenomenon is characterized by the attachment of the fertilized egg not to the mucous membrane of the uterus, but to the fallopian tube. The egg will increase in size as it grows. This will cause the fallopian tube to rupture. This combination of circumstances poses a threat to a woman’s life. An ectopic pregnancy significantly reduces the possibility of having children in the future.
Another unpleasant diagnosis will be hydatidiform mole. The disease is still not fully understood. It was noted that with this pathology there is a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus, as a result of which it was assumed that such a pathology appears when an egg is fertilized by two different sperm. This condition is specific in that a neoplasm is formed from the placenta, which is classified as benign.
As a result, we can say that there are many reasons for bleeding during pregnancy, and they do not always indicate the presence of any pathology that poses a danger to the child. It is always necessary to monitor yourself and note all changes. In addition, you should refrain from independence and consult a doctor if you have any suspicions. Any condition must be explainable, the cause of this or that anxiety must be found. There should be close contact with the attending physician, but panic should not be allowed in any case. It is important to remain calm and follow all doctor's instructions.
The most common reason why this occurs is hormonal imbalance (both in the 1st and last trimesters). They may be associated with increased blood circulation in the vaginal mucosa. These situations do not pose a health hazard. Other causes include viruses or bacteria, in which case treatment is necessary.
During pregnancy, minor discharge is mainly a sign of proper functioning of the ovaries. In this case, we are talking about a response to hormonal changes that accompany egg maturation and ovulation. After a woman becomes pregnant, the ovaries “suspend” their activity, the eggs do not function, and the hormones work differently. However, discharge can be active during this period.
In most cases, there is no cause for concern - almost every pregnancy is accompanied by small vaginal discharge. There is definitely no tragedy in this.
However, if bleeding occurs, especially if accompanied by pain, caution should be exercised - they may be a warning signal of a more serious condition. Therefore, bloody discharge during pregnancy should be a reason to visit a gynecologist. The doctor will be able to determine their cause and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.
Beginning of pregnancy
Light discharge in the first trimester usually occurs a few days before the date of menstruation. They may indicate the fixation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Unexpected heavy bleeding with bright red, thin blood or clots is a sign of a possible miscarriage. If bleeding occurs in the first 3 months, this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This symptom is usually accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. An ectopic pregnancy should be terminated early. Other causes of light bleeding during this period include the aforementioned hormonal imbalance, cervical trauma, and consequences of sexual intercourse (contact bleeding).
What to do on your own?
The main thing is to calm down, lie down and put your feet up. You can apply a cool compress to the abdomen. It is necessary to call a doctor; self-medication is inappropriate!
What will the doctor do?
Your doctor will likely do an internal examination and an ultrasound to see if the fetus is developing properly. If everything is fine, your doctor will recommend resting until the bleeding stops. If hospitalization is recommended, it is not advisable to resist it.
Second trimester
Bloody discharge during pregnancy, occurring between 4-6 months, is most often associated with placental changes. The placenta may be in an inappropriate position, and in some cases, avulsion may occur. A common reason for this is increased fragility of blood vessels in the uterus. Bleeding is also promoted by the so-called. Vanishing twin syndrome. This syndrome affects up to 20% of all twin pregnancies.
Third trimester
Bleeding in late pregnancy is often a symptom of placenta previa or placental abruption. In placenta previa, it is located in the lower part of the uterus and prevents the fetus from feeding. Its detachment from the wall of the uterus during the last 3 months of pregnancy causes bleeding of varying intensity. This condition puts mother and baby at great risk, so it is important to seek professional help immediately.
What will the doctor do?
The therapeutic approach is determined according to the severity. If bleeding during the 3rd trimester is weak, conservative treatment is chosen - rest and bed rest until childbirth. If bleeding is severe, pregnancy can be terminated by caesarean section (after the 6th month).
Main reasons
Let's take a closer look at the main reasons why bleeding during pregnancy:
- increased blood supply to the mucous membrane;
- sex;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- infections;
- miscarriage.
Discharge during pregnancy may be caused by increased blood flow to the vaginal lining. They are insignificant, almost colorless (minor impurities of blood), there is no itching or burning. This phenomenon does not pose a threat and is a problem. But it can scare the expectant mother, who is afraid of the threat of miscarriage. But, the situation in most cases is not so dramatic. Often, mucus mixed with blood is released during the onset of menstruation. In fact, we are talking about “hormonal deficiency”: the body is ready for menstruation, but the level of hormones responsible for the implantation of the egg is elevated enough to prevent it. However, it is good to consult with your doctor to rule out potential complications. In most cases, it is recommended to remain calm or take medications that increase the strength of the vascular walls.
Discharge can also occur shortly before childbirth, when the pregnant woman’s body begins preparations for an important event.
Light spotting can also be caused by the use of unsuitable products that irritate the mucous membranes.
Sex
Minor bloody secretion often occurs in the first months of pregnancy, because the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine mucosa and causes capillary disruption. If there is no pain or other physical discomfort, this condition is not dangerous.
The problem may occur after sexual intercourse, which may disrupt the integrity of the capillaries.
Ectopic pregnancy
If the discharge is more abundant and has a bright red color, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor, because this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy! Along with the blood, there is a feeling of fainting and a gradual increase in pain in the lower abdomen. With early detection of pathology, it is possible not only to maintain pregnancy, but sometimes even to avoid surgery.
Infections
One of the reasons why bloody impurities appear is due to infections. Most often pregnant women are affected by the fungus. This is facilitated by hormonal changes, which bring with them an increase in sugar levels. And sugar is a paradise for a pathogen! The most common type is Candida albicans. Its presence is usually manifested by a whitish, yellowish, highly irritating, sometimes burning secretion, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane. However, bloody impurities may also be present. Fungal infections are usually not dangerous for a woman, but can cause significant discomfort.
If the presence of a fungus is suspected, appropriate treatment is prescribed. When planning for a child, you can improve the composition of the microflora in advance by treating with over-the-counter products containing natural components that provide an acidic environment: lactic acid, lactobacilli or natural disinfectants (for example, tea tree oil).
In more advanced cases, medications are prescribed that are directly aimed at inhibiting fungal infections, but the decision to take them is made by the doctor!
Another causative factor for discharge is bacteria. They are more dangerous: they can provoke premature birth and further complications. There are many pathogens that affect pregnant women, and the infections they cause are commonly called bacterial vaginosis. The disease predominantly affects women with a reduced number of lactobacilli, which provide a natural acidic environment. In the event of such an imbalance, an ideal environment for the proliferation of pathogens is formed. Manifestations of bacterial infections are typical and include: itching, redness of mucous membranes and discharge (including bloody). The decision on the treatment method is made by the gynecologist. Bacteria that pose a serious threat to pregnancy include Streptococcus agalactiae. The danger of the pathogen lies in the ability to infect the fetal membrane and provoke premature birth. Bacteria are also dangerous for the child himself - they can cause birth defects. Therefore, at the end of pregnancy, an examination is carried out, the purpose of which is the final destruction of this bacterium. Sometimes antibiotic therapy is necessary.
Miscarriage
Bleeding in the first half of pregnancy is the most common symptom of miscarriage. It can also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
Other causes of bleeding include cervical cancer, in which case it is weaker and looks like a brownish discharge.
In the second half of pregnancy, bleeding may indicate placental disorders, in the worst case, premature placental abruption.
A few words in conclusion
Discharge and bleeding in the first weeks of pregnancy can frighten the expectant mother. But they do not always warn of danger. On the other hand, it is not recommended to underestimate such symptoms - consult your doctor as soon as possible.
The appearance of blood from the genital tract can frighten almost every pregnant woman. There is no need to panic right away. This article will help you understand why spotting occurs during pregnancy, as well as what to do in this situation.
Reasons for appearance
Various conditions can contribute to the development of bleeding from the genital tract. Each period of pregnancy has a number of unique physiological characteristics. As a rule, the reasons leading to the appearance of blood from the genital tract in pregnant women differ.
In the early stages
The appearance of small or moderate bleeding during early pregnancy is often associated with the peculiarities of the baby’s intrauterine development.
During implantation
In the first weeks after conception, a huge number of important biological processes occur in the developing child’s body. So, a fertilized egg begins to divide quite quickly and turns into a small embryo. The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract in early pregnancy often occurs 6-8 days after fertilization. The development of this symptom in this situation has a completely physiological feature and is caused by implantation - the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall.
In order to ensure a strong fixation, the fertilized egg must firmly “attach” to the wall of the uterus. During implantation, slight physiological damage to the endometrium (inner uterine lining) occurs, which is manifested by the appearance of bloody discharge. As a rule, this symptom disappears quite quickly.
Many women often do not even notice this or do not pay any special attention to this event. It also happens that they simply do not realize that implantation of the fertilized egg is occurring in the body.
If a woman did not plan her pregnancy, then in this case she does not even suspect that she is already pregnant. She can “attribute” the appearance of pink or reddish vaginal discharge to the onset of menstruation or an exacerbation of some chronic disease. Severe implantation bleeding can also be a manifestation of abnormal attachment of the fertilized egg.
In the presence of a number of chronic diseases of the uterine walls (endometritis, endometriosis), bleeding may be more pronounced and abundant in quantity. Typically, in this case, a pregnant woman experiences accompanying symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen, slight weakness, and sometimes dizziness.
With the development of multiple pregnancy
It also happens that during conception, several eggs are fertilized at once. This is how twins are conceived. During implantation, it may happen that one fertilized egg attaches, but the second does not. In this case, the pregnant woman may also experience spotting or even slight bleeding. It should be noted that the death of one of the embryos can occur after implantation.
In this case, the woman may also experience bleeding from the genital tract. They usually appear suddenly. In this case, the death of one of the embryos can be determined by performing an ultrasound.
Dishormonal disorders
During pregnancy, the hormonal background of the expectant mother changes almost constantly. The concentration of some hormones and then others increases in the blood. Such constant hormonal changes are necessary so that the embryo can fully develop.
A lack of certain hormones during pregnancy can lead to the development of dangerous pathologies. Thus, a significant deficiency of progesterone in the blood can lead to the appearance of specific secretions.
Dyshormonal disorders that occur with the development of unfavorable symptoms can significantly worsen the prognosis of pregnancy.
In the later stages
The appearance of red discharge from the genital tract in the second half of pregnancy is quite often an unfavorable sign. When spotting or bleeding occurs, it is very important to establish the cause that led to its occurrence. They can be very diverse.
Placental abruption
This condition is characterized by separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. Normally, the placental tissue is quite firmly fixed to the uterine wall. This is necessary so that the baby, who “lives” in the mother’s womb during its intrauterine life, can receive all the necessary nutritional components for its development. There are many blood vessels passing through the placenta, which carry oxygen dissolved in the blood.
Detachment of the placenta from the uterine walls occurs due to various reasons. The most striking sign of this pathology is usually bleeding. Most often it develops suddenly. However, a woman does not always notice bleeding. Sometimes placental abruption develops gradually. This causes the woman to begin to experience reddish spotting from the vagina.
Placental abruption may be preceded by some mechanical effects. Thus, detachment of placental tissue can begin after intense sports or lifting too heavy objects. In some cases, the pathology develops rapidly and may even be accompanied by the development of massive blood loss.
Placenta previa
The low location of the placenta relative to the internal os can also lead to bleeding during pregnancy. In most cases, such discharge appears systematically. They can bother the expectant mother several times throughout the entire pregnancy.
Most often, spotting with placenta previa develops in the third trimester of pregnancy. At this time, the fetus is already quite large and puts a lot of pressure on the cervix. This contributes to the fact that small damage and defects may appear in the area of the delicate mucous membrane, which will bleed. Droplets of blood mix with vaginal secretions, causing them to become stained. This leads to the fact that a pregnant woman notices the appearance of red spotting.
Placenta previa is a rather dangerous condition. It requires the expectant mother to follow a number of recommendations, which are drawn up for her by doctors in order to prolong the course of pregnancy as much as possible.
Spontaneous abortion
Unfortunately, adverse pregnancy outcomes also occur in obstetric practice. Rejection of the fetus from the uterus and its intrauterine death can occur for various reasons. One of the possible symptoms that can develop with this pathology is the appearance of bleeding. Usually it is quite strong, accompanied by severe blood loss.
In addition to the appearance of bleeding, the woman’s well-being is also significantly affected. Another characteristic symptom of this condition is the appearance of severe pain in the abdomen. Massive blood loss is usually accompanied by clouding or even loss of consciousness. The woman is in critical condition, so she must be urgently hospitalized.
If medical care is not provided in a timely manner, the risk of a woman’s life being threatened is quite high.
Hydatidiform mole
This pathology is relatively rare in obstetric practice. This pathological condition is associated with excessive growth of placental tissue. In the very early stages of pregnancy, a woman may not experience virtually any adverse symptoms. Dangerous symptoms appear much later.
One of the clinical signs of this condition is the appearance of specific red discharge. They are usually quite plentiful. The prognosis for the development of this pathology is usually unfavorable.
Exacerbation of cervical erosion
The presence of an eroded area on the cervix can also lead to the appearance of bloody spotting from the genital tract. During pregnancy, hormonal levels in the body constantly change. Some hormones affect the cellular layers of the cervix, which can lead to worsening erosion. The color of vaginal discharge can vary from red to brown. Usually the discharge is scanty or insignificant.
The danger during exacerbation of cervical erosion lies elsewhere - constant blood loss. Even small but systematic blood losses can lead to the development of an anemic condition, which is unfavorable for both the expectant mother and her baby.
Injury to polyps
Polypous tissue may grow on the walls of the uterus. In practice, there are often cases where pregnant women suffering from this pathology did not even suspect it before pregnancy. The growth of polyps in the uterus is usually not accompanied by any uncomfortable symptoms. Often the first adverse signs appear during pregnancy. This is largely due to the active growth of the baby.
As the fetus grows, damage may occur to a certain area of the uterus where the polyp is located. This leads to its traumatization, and hence the appearance of slight bleeding.
If the polyp is quite small, the woman will not notice significant bleeding. In this case, she may experience only slight bloody discharge from the genital tract.
At any time
Some reasons that contribute to the occurrence of bloody discharge from the genital tract can lead to the appearance of adverse symptoms at any time during pregnancy. They are mainly associated with traumatic damage to the delicate mucous membranes of the female genital tract. As a rule, installing them is quite simple. Many of them are preceded by some kind of mechanical impact, which contributes to the damage.
After intercourse
Bloody discharge can also occur after sex. In the first weeks of pregnancy, the mucous membranes lining the genital tract “loose” a little. This is intended by nature so that the process of implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterus occurs successfully. Sexual intercourse in this case can lead to injury and minor damage to vulnerable mucous membranes. This may also cause a woman to notice blood drops or reddish discharge in her underwear.
Sexual intercourse can contribute to damage to the mucous membrane in late pregnancy. In order to avoid this, the couple should choose the most gentle poses.
After a transvaginal ultrasound
Ultrasound examinations are performed several times during pregnancy. For the first time, ultrasound is prescribed to verify the fact of pregnancy, as well as to determine the location of attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall. Also, during such a diagnosis, the doctor evaluates the condition of the reproductive organs of the expectant mother.
Transvaginal ultrasound is performed by inserting a device probe into the vagina. With this administration, microdamage to the mucous membrane is also possible. In this case, as a rule, the woman experiences slight vaginal discharge that has a reddish tint.
They usually appear without pain. Such vaginal discharge usually goes away on its own.
After performing a gynecological examination
In some cases, bloody discharge from the genital tract may appear even after examination by a gynecologist. The appearance of this symptom is caused by the introduction into the genital tract of instruments intended for examination. In this case, the pregnant woman may also notice the appearance of drops of blood on her underwear. This symptom usually goes away on its own within a couple of days after the gynecological examination.
After an unsuccessful douching
Violation of the technique of performing this procedure can contribute to damage to the mucous membranes of the genital tract. This may cause a woman to develop bleeding or discharge. They usually occur almost immediately after unsuccessful douching. It is worth noting that resorting to douching during pregnancy should only be done after consulting a doctor.
Self-use of medications may have adverse effects on the fetus. Before introducing any products into the vagina, you should definitely discuss the appropriateness of their use with your obstetrician-gynecologist.
With exacerbation of chronic diseases of the genital organs
Many pregnant women have certain pathologies even before pregnancy. This is confirmed by gynecological statistics. Doctors note that there are quite a few healthy women of reproductive age. Various factors contribute to the exacerbation of diseases of the reproductive organs. One of them is a physiological decrease in immunity. Changes in the functioning of the immune system during pregnancy occur in every pregnant woman and are absolutely normal.
The risk of exacerbation of chronic salpingitis, cervicitis, endometritis and other diseases during pregnancy is quite high. In some situations, with such pathologies, spotting and spotting may appear. Exacerbation of chronic diseases of the intimate organs can develop at any time during pregnancy. They are usually accompanied by pain in the abdomen, and can also occur with an increase in body temperature.
What might they look like?
Bloody discharge can have a different appearance. So, they can be liquid and homogeneous or with clots. The coloring also varies. It can range from pinkish to dark brown. With the development of uterine bleeding, the blood does not have time to “coagulate”, which leads to the fact that the discharge from the genital tract becomes bright red and even crimson in color.
The amount of discharge is a very important clinical indicator. Doctors must evaluate this sign when making a diagnosis and conducting differential diagnostics. For example, with an exacerbation of cervical erosion, the amount of discharge is usually insignificant. When placenta previa occurs, more blood is released. Complete placental abruption is characterized by the development of massive bleeding.
How can it be dangerous?
The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract means that blood loss is occurring. Its severity varies and depends on the initial cause that led to its development. Complications in this case depend on how often and for how long the expectant mother loses blood.
If spotting bothers the expectant mother several times during the entire period of pregnancy, then in this case the risk of anemia is quite high. In an anemic state, the amount of hemoglobin and (or) red blood cells in the blood decreases. This decrease in red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting dissolved oxygen, leads to the development of a dangerous condition - hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of internal organs.
It is important to note that hypoxia in this condition develops both in the pregnant woman herself and in her baby.
A child who is in the mother’s womb will definitely react to the resulting oxygen deficiency. This is usually manifested by the fact that the fetus’s heart rate increases significantly, and motor activity also increases. These characteristic changes are also determined on the cardiotocogram.
To compensate for the resulting functional disorders, doctors usually resort to prescribing iron-containing drugs. Systematic intake of these drugs helps normalize the level of red blood cells in the blood. The positive effect of such therapy is significantly higher if it is carried out under the condition that blood loss stops. If a pregnant woman continues to lose blood due to frequent spotting, but receives iron-containing medications, then the effect of their use will be much lower.
Massive blood loss, for example, during a spontaneous abortion, is even dangerous for the woman’s life. In this situation, there is a sharp decrease in the volume of circulating blood, and, therefore, the total fluid content in the body. In such a situation, the functioning of vital organs - the brain and heart - sharply deteriorates. With massive blood loss, a woman carrying a baby may even lose consciousness. In this case, timely provision of medical care is very important, including the prescription of anti-shock drugs if necessary.
In addition to the adverse consequences for the expectant mother’s body, the fetus may also suffer.
Pathologies that are accompanied by the development of bloody discharge can lead to the formation of various defects in intrauterine development and in the fetus. This is largely facilitated by disruption of the uteroplacental blood flow, which can develop in a number of pathologies.
Is it possible to maintain pregnancy if bleeding develops?
The appearance of blood from the genital tract can be an extremely dangerous sign. However, this does not always mean a sad pregnancy outcome. The prognosis in this situation can be very different and largely depends on the cause that influenced the development of severe bleeding, as well as on the initial state of the expectant mother’s body. Heavy, breakthrough bleeding can be dangerous due to the development of massive blood loss. In this case, timely provision of specialized medical care is very important.
If a pregnant woman is bleeding, then you should not hesitate to call an ambulance. It happens that every minute of delay can be decisive.
How is diagnosis carried out?
It is worth immediately noting that only a doctor can determine the severity of the violations that have arisen. A pregnant woman can guess why she has bloody discharge from the genital tract, but only a doctor can definitively determine the pathology. To do this, he first needs to conduct a clinical examination. During such a simple study, the doctor determines the condition of the mucous membranes, assesses the well-being of the fetus, and also takes smears for analysis.
In this case, the examination on the gynecological chair is carried out quite carefully and carefully. Inaccurate examination may increase bleeding.
For a woman who experiences bloody vaginal discharge during pregnancy, her doctor will order tests. The simplest, but quite informative, is a general blood test. This routine laboratory test can determine the presence of inflammation, as well as assess the degree of blood loss by reducing the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
In some cases, the doctor also prescribes a biochemical test. It allows you to determine blood clotting indicators. Such an analysis helps the doctor figure out whether there are any pathologies of hemostasis and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate therapy.
Another research method that is prescribed to women suffering from the appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract is an ultrasound scan. This examination is carried out mainly in a transabdominal manner. In this case, the specialist examines the condition of the uterus and the baby in it with a special sensor, which he runs along the anterior abdominal wall. Transvaginal ultrasound can lead to additional trauma to the mucous membranes, which will only provoke re-bleeding.
It is important to remember that before you try to cope with the discharge that has arisen, you should establish the cause that led to its appearance. This can only be done through various examinations that are carried out in medical institutions.
Treatment
It often happens that a woman who experiences bleeding while carrying her baby is afraid to see a doctor. This often leads to the fact that the diagnosis of various pathologies is carried out untimely. With such a delay, the pregnancy prognosis may change and become unfavorable.
An obstetrician-gynecologist, to whom a woman suffering from the appearance of bloody discharge comes for an appointment, first of all establishes the diagnosis and cause of the developed disorders. Then he chooses tactics for further monitoring of the pregnancy. If necessary, the doctor refers the expectant mother to hospitalization in a hospital.
Choice of medical tactics
The main task when bleeding from the genital tract appears is to take measures aimed at stopping the bleeding that occurs. Various techniques can be used for this. Their choice is largely determined by the underlying cause that led to the development of adverse symptoms. If the condition of the expectant mother is quite serious and there is a threat to the life of the fetus, then in such a situation even emergency obstetric care may be required. Caesarean section in this situation is performed for health reasons.
Drug therapy
Drug treatment of pregnancy pathologies accompanied by the development of bleeding is usually complex and multicomponent. In some cases, doctors may resort to prescribing hemostatic agents to stop bleeding. One of these drugs is Tranexam. It helps to cope with bleeding and improve the well-being of a pregnant woman. This drug is prescribed by a doctor, as it has a number of contraindications.
In pathologies accompanied by the development of severe bleeding, it may be necessary to administer solutions through droppers. This treatment is aimed at replenishing the volume of circulating fluid in the body. Along with the solution, drugs that affect blood clotting can also be administered.
For disorders associated with dyshormonal disorders, medications may be prescribed that affect the level of certain hormones in the blood. One of these products is Duphaston. The use of this remedy allows you to normalize the low level in the blood of one of the important hormones of pregnancy - progesterone.
Surgical obstetrics
In case of severe bleeding, especially when it occurs with the development of severe fetal hypoxia, doctors may resort to a cesarean section. In some cases, this method of obstetrics can save the life of a woman and her baby.
Before performing a cesarean section, doctors must evaluate the condition of the mother and fetus. If the general condition of a pregnant woman is critical, then there is no delay in performing a caesarean section. If the condition allows the possibility of conservative therapy, then it is carried out first. If the general condition of a pregnant woman does not improve against the background of drug therapy, then doctors will be forced to resort to emergency obstetrics.
Read on to learn what spotting during pregnancy means and what a pregnant woman needs to do to carry and give birth to a healthy baby.
Bloody discharge during pregnancy is quite common in the first trimester. They are noted by more than 60% of pregnant women. But at the same time, they can appear in the last months of pregnancy, which is often much more alarming.
Such bleeding can be either a normal sign or a pathology. It all depends on the amount of bleeding. Therefore, at the first and even the most minor symptoms, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
The appearance of bloody discharge: pregnancy
The reasons for the appearance of spotting at different stages of pregnancy vary greatly. And they can even lead to premature miscarriage.
First trimester (1 – 13 weeks)
Bloody discharge at the beginning of pregnancy is very common and is often not considered a deviation. Observed in 76% of pregnant women.
At the same time, the very first spotting during pregnancy may appear in a woman already on the first day of fertilization of the egg. But at the same time, they should not be abundant and should not last longer than one or one and a half weeks. Scanty spotting is also possible during the first 9 weeks of pregnancy, which may appear at the onset of menstruation. Often, many women confuse these with menstruation. The main distinguishing feature of this bleeding is its color - dark brown.
4 and 5 weeks pregnant may also be accompanied by bloody discharge, which is usually not a cause for alarm.
The most common causes of bleeding in the early stages:
- Cervical erosion. During pregnancy, the cervix may bleed a little, but no pain should be experienced.
- Polyps can also cause bleeding. Typically, a gynecologist monitors a benign tumor and waits for it to die naturally.
- Spontaneous miscarriage. After 4 - 6 weeks of bearing a child, scanty bleeding may begin, which will gradually develop into more abundant discharge. Such bleeding is not accompanied by pain, and the uterus remains unchanged. Moreover, if you consult a doctor in time, the pregnancy can be saved.
- Various infections in the vagina of a pregnant woman often cause bleeding at 4 weeks.
- 5 weeks of pregnancy may be accompanied by menstrual flow. Approximately 6% of women continue their menstrual cycle for 2 months after conceiving a child.
- The fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, resulting in scanty bleeding. They can last a couple of days.
- During pregnancy, hormones can irritate the cervix, causing it to become more sensitive and vulnerable. Therefore, both vaginal examination by a doctor and sexual intercourse can cause slight bleeding.
- In multiple pregnancies, there is a possibility of one embryo detaching, which causes bleeding. Typically, detachment occurs during pregnancy resulting from IVF.
- Injuries, falls and severe stress also cause bleeding of varying complexity.
6 weeks for the fetus are the most disadvantaged. And most often heavy bleeding occurs during this period.
Bloody discharge at 6–13 weeks of pregnancy indicate a probable threat of miscarriage. Light discharge may also indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, during this period, if there is any hint of bleeding, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Second trimester (14 – 25 weeks)
Since the first trimester has a lot of signs that may indicate bleeding during gestation, in the second trimester they should appear very rarely or completely absent.
Spotting in the middle of the trimester can also trigger fetal loss, but much less frequently than in the initial stages.
The main reason for such discharge is placenta previa, a complication of pregnancy that occurs due to the blocking of the cervical canal by the placenta. There is no pain, but a slight feeling of heaviness may appear after sexual intercourse or during physical activity.
Placenta previa is a fairly serious complication, so very often pregnant women with this symptom are under inpatient medical supervision.
Third trimester (26 – 42 weeks)
In the last trimester of pregnancy, the usual causes of bleeding are abruption and placenta previa. Placental abruption is accompanied by severe pain and heavy bleeding, which is not typical for placenta previa. In this case, there is a threat of miscarriage and the life of the mother. Also, the appearance of small or spotting discharge creates a risk of internal bleeding. Therefore, even with slight vaginal discharge in the third trimester, a pregnant woman needs urgent hospitalization.
Additional causes of bleeding in the last trimester:
- Bloody discharge at 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy can be caused by a gynecological examination of the vagina. The reason for this is irritation of the cervix, which is preparing to open.
- Bloody discharge mixed with mucus at 40 and 41 weeks is a sign of labor beginning.
Bloody discharge before childbirth
Immediately before the onset of labor, a pregnant woman begins to experience bleeding within 24 hours. The mucus contained in the cervix throughout pregnancy is released and released along with dark blood. In this case, labor itself can begin after 6 hours or several days.
Spotting dark discharge during pregnancy:
- Scanty bleeding is most dangerous in the first trimester of pregnancy. Since during this period the fetus is just beginning to attach to the mucous membrane of the uterine body.
- Also, slight bleeding in the initial stages may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or detachment of the ovum.
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy is very dangerous. Often accompanied by severe nagging pain in the lower abdomen. They can cause spontaneous miscarriage, and in some severe cases lead to the death of the mother.
How dangerous is the fetus during bleeding?
The loss of a child is very difficult to predict, but some women have higher risk factors:
- Women over 36 and under 24 have a high risk of miscarriage.
- Smoking or passive smoking also affects pregnancy.
- Increased bloody bleeding.
- Drinking alcohol in large quantities.
- Strong blows to the stomach.
- Sexual infections.
- Having previous miscarriages or abortions.
- IVF fertilization.
Women who have experienced bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy have a very high risk of developing placenta previa, placental abruption, late toxicosis and premature birth - the baby can appear as early as 34 - 36 weeks.
What to do if there is bleeding?
First you need to call an ambulance. Also, do not get hysterical and panic too much. Since a stressful state can only increase bleeding and cause additional harm to the child. You need to try to relax, get comfortable (you can lie down) and breathe deeply. Be sure to wait for the doctor and under no circumstances try to get to the hospital on your own.
For many women, spotting during pregnancy is a cause for panic. Immediately thoughts arise about the threat of pregnancy or the appearance of diseases. Other expectant mothers, on the contrary, ignore such symptoms, believing that nothing bad can happen to them. Bloody discharge during pregnancy can be completely natural, or indicate the development of certain pathologies.
When is spotting during pregnancy normal?
According to medical statistics, about 80% of cases when an expectant mother experiences such discharge is associated with completely physiological, and therefore natural, reasons. Bloody discharge is especially common in early pregnancy.
Most often, spotting in the first months of pregnancy occurs in accordance with the menstrual cycle that preceded its onset. This is because a woman's hormonal background changes gradually, so the hormones that control the monthly cycle can cause a small amount of blood to flow on the days scheduled for menstruation. This often causes spotting at 5 weeks of pregnancy or even at 6-7 weeks. This condition may be accompanied by slight pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region.
Another common cause of blood-streaked discharge is the process of attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus. In this case, these discharges are observed within 1-2 days.
Sometimes a woman expecting a baby notices spotting after undergoing a gynecological examination or ultrasound with a vaginal sensor. During pregnancy, the blood supply to the genital organs increases significantly and their sensitivity increases. And all, even minor, manipulations can cause this condition.
Deviations from the norm
The greatest concern should be caused by excessive bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy. They usually indicate threat of miscarriage. In this case, the discharge turns into bleeding, which is accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen. They often contain blood clots. In this condition, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will prescribe a number of procedures to maintain pregnancy. If you seek medical help in a timely manner, pregnancy can be maintained in more than half of the cases.
Another reason for spotting at 5 weeks of pregnancy or even later may be detachment of the ovum, which is accompanied by rupture of blood vessels. This is a fairly serious pathology of pregnancy that requires urgent medical intervention to maintain the pregnancy.
It is quite dangerous if a woman develops ectopic pregnancy, the symptoms of which are also bloody discharge. In this case, the embryo is attached not in the uterus, but in the fallopian tubes, that is, outside the reproductive system. At the same time, spotting with streaks of blood during pregnancy can turn into minor bleeding and is accompanied by intense pain in the lower abdomen. This condition poses a threat not only to the health, but also to the life of a woman, and it is necessary to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Sometimes spotting during pregnancy indicates cervical erosion– inflammation of the uterine epithelium, in which small wounds and ulcers form. This disease is dangerous because it increases the risk of developing malignant tumors, and therefore requires treatment. However, during pregnancy, the number of treatment options for cervical erosion is very limited. It is possible to use medicinal treatment methods, but in most cases erosion is treated after childbirth.
Rarely, but a possible cause of bleeding is hydatidiform mole. This pathology occurs as a result of abnormal development of the egg. Because of this deviation, there is no maternal DNA in the fertilized egg, but only duplicated paternal DNA. In this case, neither the development of the embryo nor normal placental tissue occurs. In this case, a pathological placenta develops, which looks like many cysts located on the wall of the uterus. This pathology is an indication for urgent surgical intervention.
In some cases, if a woman has a multiple pregnancy(especially often after in vitro fertilization (IVF)), it is possible to develop a pregnancy pathology such as a vanishing twin. In such a situation, one or more twins are rejected by the mother's body and come out naturally, which is accompanied by minor spotting, which then turns into bleeding of varying intensity.
Bloody discharge can appear due to intrauterine death of the fetus, the so-called frozen pregnancy. Usually a week after the death of a child, a spontaneous miscarriage begins, one of the first symptoms of which is discharge containing blood. Then they turn into bleeding.
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