Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is a very common problem and does not always indicate serious problems, but it is important that it is evaluated by the doctor as soon as the woman notices its presence, since it is also possible to indicate a serious situation.
Slightly pink, dark red or medium brownish blood can be normal and result from changes that occur in a woman's body. However, they may also indicate worrying situations, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which is pregnancy outside the womb, for example, especially if they become abused and bright red.
So, some situations that can lead to bleeding during pregnancy are:
- Bleeding from leakage or spotting;
- Ectopic pregnancy;
- Ovular detachment;
- Placental abruption;
- Placenta previa;
- Spontaneous abortion;
- Uterine infection.
Because there are several causes, making it difficult to differentiate between the causes of bleeding, it is very important to seek care from the obstetrician as soon as possible so that the necessary assessments and treatments are made as quickly as possible.
In addition, the possible causes of bleeding can vary according to the period of pregnancy, and may be:
1. In the first quarter
Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is common in the first 15 days after conception and in this case bleeding is pinkish, lasts for about 2 days and causes cramps equal to menstruation.
This may be the first symptom that indicates pregnancy in some women, and it is important to confirm it by performing the pregnancy test.
- What can be : although it may be normal this bleeding in this period, if it is intense, bright red or accompanied by nausea and colic, may indicate a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which is the pregnancy outside the uterus.
- What to do : It is important to contact the obstetrician immediately or go to the emergency room for an evaluation of the possible causes.
During the first 3 months of pregnancy the woman may also have a dark colored discharge, like coffee grounds, but which, as unrelated to the menstrual cycle, may appear on any given day. In this case, because it may be an ovular detachment that can lead to miscarriage. See more details on: Ovular detachment.
2. In the second quarter
The second trimester of pregnancy includes the time period between the 4th and the 6th month of gestation, which begins at the 13th week and ends at the 24th week of pregnancy.
- What can be : From 3 months on, bleeding in pregnancy is uncommon and may indicate placental abruption, miscarriage, low insertion placenta, infection of the cervix or an injury to the uterus caused by intimate contact.
- What to do : It is recommended that the pregnant woman go to the obstetrician or emergency room as soon as possible.
Worrying bleeds are usually accompanied by other warning signs, such as abdominal pain, fever or decreased fetal movements, for example. Learn more about how to identify in 10 warning signs in pregnancy.
3. In the third quarter
When bleeding occurs after 24 weeks of gestation, it can already indicate signs of labor, although it may also indicate some problems.
- What can be : some situations can be placenta previa or placental detachment. In addition, some women may also have a small bleeding late in pregnancy due to labor, exiting the mucus plug and rupturing membranes, which is usually accompanied by irregular contractions that indicate that the baby will be born soon. Learn more about this normal bleeding in: How to Identify Mucous Plugs.
- What to do : The pregnant woman should go immediately to the emergency room and advise the obstetrician who accompanies her.
In the last 3 months, it is still common for a woman to experience bleeding after intimate contact, as the birth canal becomes more sensitive, bleeding easily. In this case the woman should only go to the hospital if the bleeding continues for more than 1 hour.
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