Bleeding during 12th week of pregnancy

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

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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.

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

Vaginal Bleeding and Blood Clots During Pregnancy

Written by Stephanie Watson

Bleeding during pregnancy is common, especially during the first trimester, and usually it's no cause for alarm. But because bleeding can sometimes be a sign of something serious, it's important to know the possible causes, and get checked out by your doctor to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

Bleeding in the First Trimester

About 20% of women have some bleeding during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Possible causes of first trimester bleeding include:

Implantation bleeding. You may experience some normal spotting within the first six to 12 days after you conceive as the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus. Some women don't realize they are pregnant because they mistake this bleeding for a light period. Usually the bleeding is very light and lasts from a few hours to a few days.

Miscarriage. Because miscarriage is most common during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it tends to be one of the biggest concerns with first trimester bleeding. However, first trimester bleeding does not necessarily mean that you’ve miscarried or will miscarry. In fact, if a heartbeat is seen on ultrasound, over 90% of women who experience first trimester vaginal bleeding will not miscarry.

Other symptoms of miscarriage are strong cramps in the lower abdomen and tissue passing through the vagina.

Ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If the embryo keeps growing, it can cause the fallopian tube to burst, which can be life-threatening to the mother. Although ectopic pregnancy is potentially dangerous, it only occurs in about 2% of pregnancies.

Other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are strong cramps or pain in the lower abdomen, and lightheadedness.

Molar pregnancy (also called gestational trophoblastic disease). This is a very rare condition in which abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus instead of a baby. In rare cases, the tissue is cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.

Other symptoms of molar pregnancy are severe nausea and vomiting, and rapid enlargement of the uterus.

Additional causes of bleeding in early pregnancy include:

Cervical changes. During pregnancy, extra blood flows to the cervix. Intercourse or a Pap test, which cause contact with the cervix, can trigger bleeding. This type of bleeding isn't cause for concern.
Infection. Any infection of the cervix, vagina, or a sexually transmitted infection (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes) can cause bleeding in the first trimester.

Bleeding in the Second and Third Trimesters

Abnormal bleeding in late pregnancy may be more serious because it can signal a problem with the mother or baby. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any bleeding in your second or third trimester.

Possible causes of bleeding in late pregnancy include:

Placenta previa. This condition occurs when the placenta sits low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the opening of the birth canal. Placenta previa is very rare in the late third trimester, occurring in only one in 200 pregnancies. A bleeding placenta previa, which can be painless, is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Placental abruption. In about 1% of pregnancies, the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus before or during labor and blood pools between the placenta and uterus. Placental abruption can be very dangerous to both the mother and baby.

Other signs and symptoms of placental abruption are abdominal pain, clots from the vagina, tender uterus, and back pain.

Uterine rupture. In rare cases, a scar from a previous C-section can tear open during pregnancy. Uterine rupture can be life-threatening, and requires an emergency C-section.

Other symptoms of uterine rupture are pain and tenderness in the abdomen.

Vasa previa. In this very rare condition, the developing baby's blood vessels in the umbilical cord or placenta cross the opening to the birth canal. Vasa previa can be very dangerous to the baby because the blood vessels can tear open, causing the baby to bleed severely and lose oxygen.

Other signs of vasa previa include abnormal fetal heart rate and excessive bleeding.

Premature labor. Vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy may just be a sign that your body is getting ready to deliver. A few days or weeks before labor begins, the mucus plug that covers the opening of the uterus will pass out of the vagina, and it will usually have small amounts of blood in it (this is known as "bloody show"). If bleeding and symptoms of labor begin before the 37th week of pregnancy, contact your doctor right away because you might be in preterm labor.

Other symptoms of preterm labor include contractions, vaginal discharge, abdominal pressure, and ache in the lower back.

Additional causes of bleeding in late pregnancy are:

Injury to the cervix or vagina
Polyps
Cancer

What to Do If You Have Abnormal Bleeding During Pregnancy

Because vaginal bleeding in any trimester can be a sign of a problem, call your doctor. Wear a pad so that you can keep track of how much you're bleeding, and record the type of blood (for example, pink, brown, or red; smooth or full of clots). Bring any tissue that passes through the vagina to your doctor for testing. Don't use a tampon or have sex while you are still bleeding.

Your doctor might recommend that you rest as much as you can and avoid exercise and travel.

You should expect to receive an ultrasound to identify what the underlying cause of your bleeding may be. Vaginal and abdominal ultrasounds are often performed together as part of a full evaluation.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 right away if you have any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of a miscarriage or other serious problem:

Severe pain or intense cramps low in the abdomen
Severe bleeding, with or without pain
Discharge from the vagina that contains tissue
Dizziness or fainting
A fever of more than 100.4 or more degrees Fahrenheit and/or chills

Health & Pregnancy Guide

Getting Pregnant
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Labor and Delivery
Pregnancy Complications
All Guide Topics

The question is asked by Anya, - a question-answer from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"

10/23/2014

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, four; 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. Nevertheless, in your case, it is better to follow a sparing regimen, take antispasmodics (no-shpu, magnesium B6, soothing herbs, continue taking utrogestan until 16 weeks of pregnancy, dexamethasone. With normal health and ultrasound data after 16 weeks, gradually cancel utrogestan, antispasmodics, magnesium B6).

Bloody discharge during pregnancy ᐈ Blood during early pregnancy

Seeing bloody discharge, a pregnant woman is always frightened. They are considered a symptom of miscarriage and other equally serious pathologies. At the same time, in some cases, the appearance of a small amount of blood is considered the norm and does not pose a threat to the life and health of the fetus or the expectant mother.

In early pregnancy, bloody discharge occurs in 25% of women. In most cases, they are associated with the implantation of the fetal egg to the wall of the uterus. Also, scanty spotting may appear on the dates of the expected menstruation. If they end quickly, are not accompanied by pain, and the woman has not had miscarriages or pregnancy complications before, most likely she has nothing to worry about. However, it is necessary to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist and undergo an examination.

Why bloody discharge can appear and when it is dangerous, said Elena Petrovna Domnich, obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound specialist of the ADONIS medical center.

Elena Nikolaevna, tell me, can a woman have periods during pregnancy?

- Sometimes during pregnancy, a woman may experience spotting, but this should not be interpreted as menstruation. Menstruation occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle, during which the endometrium changes, first proliferative, then secretory. During the cycle, the endometrium prepares for pregnancy, and if it does not occur, then menstruation begins.

In the event of pregnancy, menstruation is not possible, although bleeding may occur at the expected time. Because of this, some women do not immediately know that they are pregnant. However, when the obstetrician-gynecologist at the reception asks them about the nature of the discharge, it always turns out that they are different from menstrual. As a rule, they are more scarce, pass faster and are not accompanied by other symptoms. Sometimes a woman says that her period was very recent, but at the time of examination and examination, we find that she is already 8 or 12 weeks pregnant.

How often does this happen? Is spotting during pregnancy an exception or a fairly common occurrence?

- Bloody discharge is rare in pregnant women, but still it cannot be said that these are exceptional cases.

Tell me, if a woman is planning to conceive a child, and during the expected period she has atypical discharge, should she take a pregnancy test?

– Yes, but it is better to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist. There are cases when a woman is pregnant, but the test strip shows a negative result. To accurately determine whether there is a pregnancy, allows a blood test for the level of hCG.

So bleeding during pregnancy is not menstruation, but bleeding? Why can it appear and why is it dangerous?

- Yes, that's right. This is bleeding, not menstruation. It can be a symptom of a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other pathology. For diagnosis, you must consult a doctor.

Tell me more, if a woman has a discharge and thinks she is menstruating, but a previous pregnancy test came back positive, could it be wrong?

- A pregnancy test is sometimes positive even if it is not. This happens if a woman has formed luteal cysts or developed a thyroid disease.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy requires contacting the antenatal clinic or the medical center where the woman was registered for pregnancy management. Sometimes they may not be dangerous, but without diagnosis, it cannot be ruled out that this is a symptom of a serious disorder.