Bleeding and pregnancy 6 weeks
Vaginal bleeding - NHS
Bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common and does not always mean there's a problem – but it can be a dangerous sign.
Urgent advice: Call your midwife or GP immediately if:
- you have any bleeding from your vagina
Causes of bleeding in early pregnancy
Implantation bleeding
In early pregnancy, you might get some harmless light bleeding, called "spotting". This is when the developing embryo plants itself in the wall of your womb. This type of bleeding often happens around the time your period would have been due.
Cervical changes
Pregnancy can cause changes to the cervix, and this may sometimes cause bleeding – after sex, for example.
Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
However, if you bleed at this stage of pregnancy it's likely you will go on to have normal and successful pregnancies.
Treating bleeding in early pregnancy
You may be offered a medicine called progesterone to stop bleeding in early pregnancy. This will only be recommended if you've had a scan to confirm you're pregnant and you've had a miscarriage before.
Your doctor may recommend you take the medicine twice a day until you're 16 weeks pregnant.
Miscarriage
If a pregnancy ends before the 24th week, it's called a miscarriage. Around 1 in 5 pregnancies ends this way.
Many early miscarriages (before 14 weeks) happen because there is something wrong with the baby. There can also be other causes of miscarriage, such as hormone or blood clotting problems.
Most miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks (3 months) of pregnancy and, sadly, most cannot be prevented. Other symptoms of miscarriage include:
- cramping and pain in your lower abdomen
- a discharge or fluid from your vagina
- a discharge of tissue from your vagina
- no longer experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy, such as feeling sick
If you have bleeding or any of the symptoms above, contact your midwife or GP straightaway.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb – for example, in the fallopian tube.
It can cause bleeding and is dangerous because the fertilised egg cannot develop properly outside the womb. The egg has to be removed, which can be done through an operation or with medicines.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy tend to develop in the 6th week of pregnancy but can happen later.
Other signs of ectopic pregnancy can include:
- tummy pain low down which may be on one side
- vaginal bleeding or a brown, watery discharge
- pain in the tip of your shoulder
- discomfort when peeing or pooing
Call 111 if you have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.
Causes of bleeding in later pregnancy
Cervical changes
These can lead to bleeding, particularly after sex.
Vaginal infections
Your midwife or doctor can discuss tests and treatment with you.
A 'show'
This is when the plug of mucus that has been in the cervix during pregnancy comes away, signalling that the cervix is getting ready for labour to start.
It may happen a few days before contractions start or during labour itself.
Find out about the signs of labour and what happens in labour.
Placental abruption
This is a serious condition in which the placenta starts to come away from the womb wall. Placental abruption usually causes stomach pain, and this may occur even if there is no bleeding.
Low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
This is when the placenta is attached in the lower part of the womb, near to or covering the cervix. Bleeding from a low-lying placenta can be very heavy, and put you and your baby at risk.
You may be advised to go into hospital for emergency treatment, and a caesarean section will usually be recommended. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has more information on placenta praevia.
Vasa praevia
This is a rare condition where the baby's blood vessels run through the membranes covering the cervix.
When your waters break, these vessels may be torn and cause vaginal bleeding. The baby can lose a life-threatening amount of blood.
Finding out the cause of bleeding in pregnancy
To work out what is causing the bleeding, you may need to have a vaginal or pelvic examination, an ultrasound scan or blood tests to check your hormone levels.
Your doctor will also ask you about other symptoms, such as cramp, pain and dizziness. Sometimes it might not be possible to find out what caused the bleeding.
If your symptoms are not severe and your baby is not due for a while, you'll be monitored and, in some cases, kept in hospital for observation.
How long you need to stay in hospital depends on the cause of the bleeding and how many weeks pregnant you are.
Being in hospital allows staff to keep an eye on you and your baby, so they can act quickly if there are further problems.
Find the answers to common health problems in pregnancy
Video: What should I do if I start bleeding during early pregnancy?
In this video, a midwife tells you what to do if you start to bleed during early pregnancy.
Media last reviewed: 20 March 2020
Media review due: 20 March 2023
6 Weeks Pregnant - American Pregnancy Association
Congratulations! Week 6 is when most women discover they are pregnant. This week-by-week newsletter will keep you informed about what to expect for you and your developing baby during your pregnancy. If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may want to begin by reading the previous articles.
How is pregnancy calculated?
There can be confusion when discussing the way in which pregnancy is calculated. Since most women do not know when they conceived as it is difficult to know exactly when ovulation occurred, pregnancy is always determined from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).
Counting from your LMP, your pregnancy will last around 40 weeks. For more information on how pregnancy is measured, please see our information on calculating your dates.
What changes are occurring with your body during the 6th week of pregnancy?
Some pregnant women may notice that they have gained a few pounds by this point, while others may have actually lost weight. You may begin noticing changes in your breasts including tenderness, darkening of the areolas, and swelling. You may also begin experiencing heartburn, which is common during pregnancy. Some women experience light bleeding during pregnancy. This spotting (spots of blood on your underwear or toilet paper after using the restroom) may be accompanied by light cramping. This is not necessarily a reason for concern. However, you will want to monitor the spotting, and let your doctor know about it at your first appointment. You would also want to consult your doctor if the bleeding becomes heavy like a normal period or if the cramps are worse than normal period cramps.
This could be a sign of a miscarriage.
What is happening with your baby during the 6th week of pregnancy?
Your baby is rapidly growing. The neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord will develop, is closing along baby’s back. The heart and other organs also are starting to form and the heart begins to beat. Development of the lungs, jaw, nose, and palate have begun. The hand and feet buds have webbed-like structures that will become the fingers and toes. A vaginal ultrasound may be able to detect an audible heartbeat at this time.
How big is your baby at six weeks?
Your baby is about ¾ of an inch (19.05 millimeters) in length.
What should you plan for during the 6th week of pregnancy?
Knowing your blood type and your partner’s blood type is important during pregnancy. Each person’s blood is one of four major types:
- Type A
- Type B
- Type AB
- Type O
Blood types are determined by the types of antigens on the blood cells.
Antigens are proteins on the surface of blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system. The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. Most people who have the Rh factor are Rh-positive. Those who do not have the Rh factor are Rh-negative. It is important to know your blood type because complications could occur if the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive.
Tips for making your pregnancy better
Some women complain that their prenatal vitamins make them sick to their stomachs. If you experience this, you may want to take them with food or at night before going to bed. If you continue to have problems tolerating your prenatal vitamins, consult your health care provider before stopping them completely.
Tips for mom’s partner
Your partner may be struggling with morning sickness, and you may feel completely helpless. However, you can help mom cope with nausea and vomiting that are common during the first trimester.
Suggest these natural options she can try to help ease the discomfort.
Other things that you could do that may be helpful include:
- Cooking (or ordering takeout!)
- Helping with the kitchen clean-up
- Grocery shopping
- Doing laundry
- Cleaning up around the house
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Pathological and physiological causes of bleeding during early pregnancy
The gestation period is a complex process that does not always go well. Every second woman has various complications. Most often, women go to the doctor with complaints of spotting. Why does bleeding occur during early pregnancy, how dangerous is it?
Causes of bleeding in pregnancy
Blood in the first trimester of pregnancy in the vaginal secretion is observed in 30% of expectant mothers. Bleeding can be weak, spotting, plentiful.
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Most often, blood during early pregnancy is observed during implantation of the fetal egg. When the egg is attached, the vessels are often damaged, which leads to the appearance of blood secretions. They are similar to menstruation, last 1-2 days. This process is considered natural, does not indicate any pathologies.
Any bloody discharge during early pregnancy is a reason for an urgent appeal to a gynecologist. Even if there is no additional discomfort. At a remote consultation, our doctor will collect an anamnesis, draw up a clinical picture in order to identify the cause of bleeding. And he will select effective methods to eliminate the problem. nine0003
Blood during pregnancy - other common causes
In addition to the main ones, there are some other reasons why pathology can develop.
| No. | Cause |
| one nine0003 | Excessive exercise, deep penetration during intercourse. |
| 2 | Progesterone deficiency. With a low level of the hormone, the body starts the process of menstruation. Bloody discharge during pregnancy appears when the uterine mucosa is exfoliated. The situation may adversely affect the implantation of the fetal egg. nine0003 |
| 3 | Miscarriage - occurs in 2-8% of pregnant women. It is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, which is rapidly increasing, bloody discharge at the beginning of pregnancy. The causes of the pathological condition can be different - infectious diseases, fetal malformations that are incompatible with life, dehydration, abdominal trauma, taking certain drugs. nine0026 |
| 4 | Ectopic pregnancy. Dangerous condition, urgent hospitalization is required. |
| five | A failed miscarriage. |
| 6 | Infections. To avoid dangerous complications, it is necessary to treat diseases. Parents of both sexes should be tested. |
| 7 | Full or partial hydatidiform mole. Pathology of the chorion, in which the size of the villi increases, bubble expansions form. The risk group includes women with ovarian dysfunction, inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, and a history of cystic mole. Bleeding is profuse and constant, characteristic blisters are present. The symptoms of early toxicosis are very pronounced, the size of the uterus, the hCG indicators do not correspond to the gestational age. nine0003 |
| eight | Cervical cancer. Pregnant women are rarely diagnosed. The risk group includes women with a large number of abortions and childbirth, often changing sexual partners. |
| nine | Subchorionic hematoma. Hemorrhage around the placenta most often resolves on its own. But it increases the risk of preterm birth and other complications. nine0003 |
| 10 | Cervical erosion. Detected in 50% of women. For pregnant women, the disease is not dangerous, but constant medical supervision is needed. |
If the cervix is damaged, slight red discharge occurs, which disappears within two hours. 
Blood discharge during pregnancy, abdominal pain are the main manifestations of intrauterine development of the fetus. 
Bleeding in the first trimester can be caused by causes that appear at any gestational age. These are fibroids, polyps in the uterus and cervical canal, cardiovascular pathologies that are associated with a weakening of the endothelium. nine0003
Physiological or pathological bleeding during gestation - differences
Clinical manifestations of bleeding in pregnant women depend on the causes. Physiological discharge of blood from the genital tract in the early stages of gestation proceeds without deterioration in well-being.
With bleeding caused by erosion, fibroids and polyps, there are also no additional discomfort. In this case, only a few drops of blood are released, it bleeds for a short time. nine0003
Abundant bleeding, similar to menstruation, against the background of a general satisfactory condition, occurs with a deficiency of progesterone.
Bleeding with spontaneous interruption is accompanied by constant or periodic pain in the lumbar region, abdomen. Disturbed by nausea, bouts of dizziness, slightly increased body temperature. Bleeding can be weak or intense, and clots are often observed in the discharge.
nine0002 When a fertilized egg is fixed outside the uterus, internal bleeding often occurs, and discharge from the genital tract may appear much later. Characteristic manifestations - acute pain in the abdomen radiates to the anal region, right or left side, blood pressure decreases, cold sweat appears, fainting is possible. Significant blood loss leads to the development of a state of shock with a high probability of death.
Learn more about implantation bleeding
Why does it bleed at the initial stages of gestation? Most often, the appearance of spotting during pregnancy is associated with the implantation of the embryo. They occur 6-12 days after conception and are often one of the first signs of conception.
Usually, the appearance of spotting at the beginning of pregnancy coincides with the time of the onset of menstruation, if the cycle is regular. But discharge in pregnant women is not as abundant as menstrual bleeding. Duration - from several hours to three, with the first pregnancy up to 5 days. nine0003
How does implantation bleeding manifest?
- weak, pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
- headache, dizziness;
- sudden change of mood;
- bouts of nausea;
- increased sensitivity, swelling of the mammary glands;
- fatigue, drowsiness.
Important! When the embryo is implanted, little blood is released, usually these are small spots.
The discharge may be pink, brown, orange, and there should be no clots. nine0003
Possible causes of early bleeding by week
The first months of pregnancy are the most difficult and dangerous. It is in the early stages that various pathologies and complications often appear.
Why blood may appear in the early stages during pregnancy:
- At the 4th week of pregnancy, discharge with an admixture of blood may appear - this is implantation bleeding. Heavy bleeding is a dangerous sign, most often indicates a miscarriage. Spontaneous abortion can be caused by exercise, fever, infections, drugs or alcohol. Such bleeding is profuse, painful, blood clots are present. nine0156
- The appearance of sanious discharge at the 5th week of pregnancy may be a sign of a missed pregnancy. The reasons are overwork, Rh conflict, bad habits, bacterial and viral diseases of the reproductive system, genetic disorders in the embryo. Symptoms - causeless fever, severe pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, the disappearance of signs of toxicosis.
- Blood in the discharge at the 6th week of pregnancy appears with an ectopic attachment of the fetal egg, fetal fading, Rhesus conflict. Discharge with blood at 6 weeks of pregnancy is a reason for an urgent visit to the gynecologist. nine0156
- At the 7th week of pregnancy, discharge with blood is not the norm. May indicate a miscarriage, missed or ectopic pregnancy.
- From the 8th week of pregnancy, one of the most dangerous periods of pregnancy begins. The formation of the placenta begins, the hormonal background changes. Bloody discharge appears with the threat of miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. Pregnancy is often not saved.
Pay attention! nine0170 In the second trimester, bleeding occurs only in 5-10% of women. Most often this is due to late spontaneous abortion, isthmic-cervical insufficiency. The appearance of blood in the third trimester mainly occurs with presentation, placental abruption.
Early bleeding after IVF
The appearance of blood discharge during pregnancy on the 8-10th day after IVF is not considered a pathology, provided that the woman feels normal.
After the introduction of the embryo into the uterine cavity, minor damage to the small uterine vessels often occurs. Brown, dark cream, pale pink, odorless discharge most often indicates a successful transplant, pregnancy. nine0003
If spotting after IVF is observed for 1-2 days, slight pulling pains in the lower abdomen are disturbing, this may be due to a progesterone deficiency. After the examination, the doctor will adjust the hormonal maintenance therapy.
Pink discharge on the 16th day after the transfer is a dangerous symptom. It may be a sign of detachment of the fetal egg, the threat of termination of pregnancy.
According to studies, uterine bleeding in the first trimester is a common occurrence in pregnancy after IVF. Discharge does not affect the incidence of adverse reproductive outcomes. The number of embryo rejections in women with and without uterine bleeding is approximately the same. Consult with our doctors by phone for more details.
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Diagnostics
If blood has gone from the genitals of a pregnant woman, the doctor conducts an external and gynecological examination.
Analyzes and examinations:
- general and biochemical blood test;
- general urine analysis;
- tests for hCG, other hormones;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs; nine0155 CTG is performed to assess the vital activity of the fetus.
Treatment
Methods of treatment depend on the results of the examination.
Bloody discharge in the first trimester - causes and therapeutic measures:
| Causes | Treatment | nine0031
| Miscarriage | Cleansing the uterus. |
| Ectopic pregnancy | Diagnostic laparoscopy, removal of residual fetal tissues, antibiotic therapy. |
| Risk of miscarriage nine0003 | Hospitalization, bed rest, prescribing drugs to maintain pregnancy, sedatives and tocolytics to reduce uterine tone. |
| bubble skid | Curettage of the uterine cavity. |
| Cervical cancer nine0003 | Operational intervention. |
| Polyp injury, cervical erosion | Expectant management, if the condition does not worsen, removal and cauterization is carried out after childbirth. |
| progesterone deficiency | nine0023 |
| Damage to the uterus | Complete bed rest. |
| Infectious pathologies | Depending on the type of pathogen - antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal drugs. nine0003 |
Complications and consequences
It is impossible to ignore bloody impurities in vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
Without proper and timely assistance, the following complications may occur:
- miscarriage;
- intrauterine fetal death;
- the development of an infectious process, sepsis due to the remainder of dead tissues in the uterine cavity;
- profuse blood loss can lead to death. nine0156
Important! Urgent medical attention is needed in case of heavy bleeding, discharge of bright scarlet blood, presence of blood clots in the discharge. In life-threatening and fetal conditions, severe pain in the abdomen, lower back, convulsions, profuse cold sweat, and loss of consciousness are disturbing.
Methods of prevention
If there is blood in the first trimester, it is important to remain calm. Stress and anxiety will only exacerbate the situation. But any health problem is easier to prevent than to treat. nine0003
How to avoid bleeding during childbearing - recommendations from a gynecologist:
- eat right and balanced, give up junk and junk food, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits;
- observe the drinking regime;
- in the absence of contraindications, moderate physical activity is indicated - yoga, swimming, special gymnastics for pregnant women;
- more time to walk in the fresh air; nine0156
- avoid stress, overwork, observe the daily routine, get enough sleep;
- give up bad habits, do not be in smoky rooms;
- timely visit a gynecologist;
- according to the doctor's prescription, take vitamin complexes for pregnant women;
- do not self-medicate.
The prognosis for bleeding during gestation depends on the causes and timely visit to the doctor. Properly provided medical care can save the life of the fetus and the woman. nine0003
FAQ
Why is there blood from the genital tract during gestation?
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The causes of bleeding in early pregnancy are different. Most often, spotting appears when the fetal egg is fixed, progesterone deficiency, with erosion of the cervix and polyps. Dangerous causes - ectopic, molar, miscarriage, miscarriage.
What to do if there is bleeding during pregnancy? nine0003
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Much depends on the amount of blood released, general well-being. If the bleeding is not strong, not for long, the general condition is normal, it is enough to lie down and rest. Write down the date of the attack, inform the doctor at the next visit. But if even slight spotting during early pregnancy lasts more than 72 hours, is accompanied by cramping or acute pain, fever, you should immediately visit a gynecologist or call an ambulance.
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How can you recognize a miscarriage?
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With the threat of interruption, spotting is scanty, pain in the lower abdomen is absent or may be dull, aching. The condition is considered reversible, with timely treatment, pregnancy can be saved. If a miscarriage has begun, bleeding intensifies, cramping pain appears. The general condition is satisfactory. Urgent hospitalization is required, the probability of maintaining pregnancy is decided on an individual basis. nine0003
Expert opinion:
Bleeding during pregnancy is a dangerous symptom. Sometimes spotting can be caused by physiological reasons. But often such a symptom appears in life-threatening conditions for the woman and the fetus.
We publish only verified information
Article author nine0003
Menshikova Maria Viktorovna obstetrician-gynecologist
Experience 38 years
Consultations 1816
Articles 46
Specialist with extensive practical experience.
He has a certificate of a mammologist, a certificate of professional certification. Participates in foreign business trips and individual training programs (Los Angeles). nine0003
- 1982 - 1986 NPO MONIIAG - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 1987 - 1989 VNITs OZMIR - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 1989 - 1992 departmental polyclinic st. Moscow - Kurskaya - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 1992 - 2001 NPO MONIIAG - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 2007 - 2008 NP KMIKM - doctor administrator
- 2009 - 2013 Pereslavl Central District Hospital, women's consultation - obstetrician-gynecologist nine0155 2020 to present Teledoctor24 LLC - doctor - consultant (gynecologist)
The question is asked by Anya, - a question-answer from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"
23.10.2014
Hello! I have a second pregnancy (my son is 1 year 2 months), the term is 13-14 weeks. At the 11th week, heavy bleeding began (until that time, nothing bothered) and I was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of “beginning miscarriage.
” Heavy bleeding lasted from 13.00 to 16.00, then it bled a little all the next day, and on the third day the discharge began to darken and disappeared. The next morning after admission, I had an ultrasound scan (06/04/05), which showed: The uterus in anteflexio, with clear, even contours, rounded, enlarged due to pregnancy and according to its duration. Meometrium of normal structure and echogenicity, without nodules and retrochorial hematomas, in which one live embryo is visualized. The placenta is formed on the right side with the transition to the anterior wall of the uterus, up to 1.2 m thick. The amount of water is normal. The internal os of the uterus is completely closed. The results of the analyzes: Cl. blood test: Er - 4, 15; Hb - 124; Ht - 35, 8; L-9, 4; P - 6; C - 73; L - 18; M-3; E-0; ESR - 22. General analysis of urine: Specified weight -1010, PH - Neutral; Protein, Glucose, erythrocytes - neg; L - 1-2-1; epithelium singly. Biochem. blood test: Common. Protein - 65.0; Urea - 3, 2; Creatinine - 76; Bilirubin - 12-0-12; Alat - 23; AsAt - 59; Glucose - 3, 4.
Gr. Blood A (II) Rh - factor positive. RW, HIV, HBs Ag - negative, DHA - 1.88. Treatment was prescribed: No-shpa 2, 0-3 times / m, papaverine 2 times, utrozhestan 1 t - 2 times, Vite 1-3 times, dicynone 2, 0 - 2 times / m, valerian 1 - 3 times, dexamethasone ½ tab. H night, magneB6 2-3 times, Materna 1. a day. While I was in the hospital, I bled a little bit a couple of times, and every day there were periodically pulling pains and tingling in the lower abdomen. She was discharged after 2 weeks, the medications were the same (except for decinone). The next day after discharge, dark brown discharge appeared again, on the same day I did a new ultrasound (06/20/05) results: Pregnancy 14 weeks, One live embryo is determined in the uterine cavity, the size of the fetus is proportional and corresponds to a period of 12 weeks. Rhythmic heartbeat 10 beats/min. Motor activity is determined by malformations not identified. Chorion along the anterior wall of the uterus On the degree of maturity.
The thickness of the placenta is 16 mm. The tone of the myometrium is slightly increased along the anterior wall. The cervix is not shortened. The cervical canal is closed. I have a few questions: How might such a threat affect a child's development? What additional tests should be taken to clarify the cause of the threat? How long to take the prescribed medication in this amount? Could the short period between pregnancies be the cause of the threat? Thank you for your advice
Clinic "Mother and Child" Kuntsevo:
01/27/2021
The presence of short-term bleeding during pregnancy with normal blood tests and ultrasound data (adequate fetal development, absence of detachment of the placenta) does not have a negative effect on the fetus. In such cases, it is necessary to exclude inflammation of the vagina, a decidual polyp of the cervical canal, when spotting does not occur from the uterus, but is external in nature and is not associated with problems of the fetal egg.
