Bleeding during 5 weeks pregnant
5 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, you have lots of questions. Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is packed with lots of useful information. From what's happening inside your body, to how your baby is developing, and tips and advice on having a healthy pregnancy – this is your one-stop pregnancy guide!
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Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is full of essential information. From early pregnancy symptoms to how your baby is growing and developing, you' ll find it all here.
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- Week 8
- Week 9
- Week 10
- Week 11
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To the outside world, you'll look much the same as usual – but on the inside, some amazing things are happening.
What's happening in my body?
Your baby's nervous system is developing, and the brain and spinal cord are taking shape. The tiny heart is starting to form and will beat for the first time around now.
Many women realise that they're pregnant around week 5. You might notice that your period is late, and you may feel a bit under the weather. If you're wondering when to take a pregnancy test, now is a good time as they are sensitive to changes in your urine from week 3 or 4 onwards.
Finding out that you are pregnant can be exciting, but it's normal to have worries too. More than 1 in 10 mums feel anxious during pregnancy. Try not to keep your worries to yourself – talk to your midwife or doctor. You could also try doing some relaxing breathing exercises.
Food cravings
Are you getting food cravings? Some people do, some don't. Pregnancy cravings are caused by hormonal changes affecting your senses of taste and smell. Try to eat a balanced healthy diet. If you have any unusual cravings, like wanting to eat dirt, talk to your midwife or doctor, as you may have a condition called pica which is caused by a lack of iron.
Early pregnancy symptoms (at 5 weeks)
It's still early days, and many women won't know they're pregnant at 5 weeks. Not everyone has regular menstrual cycles, so you may not realise that your period is late. You might notice some light bleeding, and think it's your period, but it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding (when an embryo attaches to the lining of the womb).
In the 1st trimester, many women feel extreme tiredness. Other early signs of pregnancy can include:
- a metallic taste in your mouth
- sore breasts
- nausea - also known as "morning sickness", although you can experience it at any time (read about morning sickness in week 6)
- mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
- new food likes and dislikes
- a heightened sense of smell
- needing to pee more frequently
- a milky white pregnancy discharge from your vagina
- light spotting (see your doctor if you get bleeding in pregnancy)
- cramping, a bit like period pains
- darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma faciei or the "mask of pregnancy"
- thicker and shinier hair
- bloating (read about bloating on week 16's page)
Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.
What does my baby look like?
Your baby, or embryo, is around 2mm long (about the size of a sesame seed). The face is starting to take shape, with a tiny nose and little eyes which stay closed until around 28 weeks. Your baby's brain and spinal cord are forming rapidly inside you.
Your baby already has some of its own blood vessels and a string of them will make up the umbilical cord. This cord delivers everything it needs from the placenta. The placenta, which is being created now, will give your baby nutrients and oxygen, while removing waste products.
Action stations
The advice for week 5 is the same as for week 4 - basically keep up the good work looking after yourself!
In particular:
Share the news with your GP or ask for an appointment with a midwife at your doctors' surgery. Alternatively you can refer yourself to your local hospital – look for contact details on their website.
You'll need to arrange a booking appointment. This usually takes place between weeks 8 and 12 and takes around an hour. You can talk about the options for your pregnancy and the birth. You will also be offered screening tests for infectious diseases and conditions such as Down's syndrome. Now is a good time to ask about the Maternity Transformation Programme and how it could benefit you.
You will be offered your first dating scan at 8 to 14 weeks.
If it's your first pregnancy, you will probably have around 10 appointments and 2 scans in total.
Ask your midwife or doctor about online antenatal classes – they may be able to recommend one. The charity Tommy's has lots of useful information on antenatal classes and preparing you for birth.
Antenatal classes will give you the chance to meet other people and prepare you for parenthood. The NCT offers online antenatal classes with small groups of people that live locally to you.
Take prenatal vitamins. You're advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid, every day, until at least week 12. This helps your baby's nervous system to form and offers some protection from conditions such as spina bifida.
To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.
Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.
Do you think you or your partner could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? If so, get it checked out, as this could affect your baby's development. Talk to your midwife or GP, or visit a sexual health clinic.
It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
There's no need to eat for 2. If you pile on the pounds, you could put you and your baby at risk of health problems such as high blood pressure. Eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.
If you have a long-term health condition, then let your specialist or GP know that you're pregnant as soon as possible. Don't stop taking any regular medication without discussing it first with your doctor.
How are you today? If you're feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor who can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need.
You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family. You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don't keep it to yourself. It's important to ask for help if you need it.
You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):
To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:
Go back to week 4
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Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: When Should you Worry?
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Light bleeding or spotting during your first trimester is common.
Here’s what it could mean (and when to seek help).During pregnancy, your body changes. A lot. And in early pregnancy, you may deal with some pretty substantial hormonal shifts. Between mood swings, exhaustion and morning sickness, you might not feel your best. But there’s another symptom that can happen in early pregnancy that you might not be thinking about — bleeding or spotting.
“Bleeding in early pregnancy happens to 20 to 40% of women,” says Deidre Heber, DO, OB-GYN at Geisinger. “Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about.”
Potential causes of first trimester bleeding
Bleeding during the first trimester can look different for everyone. The amount can range from light to heavy. For some, it can be intermittent. Others may have more constant bleeding or spotting. And it may or may not be painful.
Here are a few things that might be behind it.
Implantation bleeding
Early in pregnancy (sometimes before you know you’re pregnant), you may have some spotting when your period is due. This common occurrence is called implantation bleeding. “It happens between 6 and 12 days after conception as the fertilized egg implants into your uterus,” Dr. Heber says. This bleeding is typically light and may last for a few days.
Cervical changes
During pregnancy, there’s increased blood flow to your cervix. Having sex or getting a Pap smear, which cause contact with the cervix, can trigger light bleeding. Other cervical changes that can trigger bleeding include:
- Polyps
- Minor infections
- Cervical ectropion (when cells from the inside of the cervix move to the outside)
Hormones
In the early weeks of pregnancy, your body starts making the hormones you need to sustain a pregnancy. This change can cause your progestin levels to drop. That drop may lead to spotting or light bleeding.
Miscarriage
Since miscarriages are most common during the first trimester, worrying about bleeding is normal. Light bleeding or spotting doesn’t automatically mean you’re miscarrying. But if your bleeding is heavy, bright red or you’re passing clots and in pain, contact your healthcare provider. They can explain next steps.
Most women who miscarry go on to have healthy pregnancies. But having a miscarriage is a loss that families may need help handling. Don’t rush the grieving process, and find a support group or counselor if you feel you need it.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, like in your fallopian tube. When that happens, it can lead to heavy bleeding, pain and other serious symptoms. “An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency,” says Dr. Heber. “If you have symptoms, contact your provider immediately.”
When to call the doctor about bleeding
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of these symptoms:
- Severe pain or cramps low in the abdomen
- Severe bleeding, soaking greater than one heavy pad per hour, with or without pain
- Passage of blood clots or tissue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chills
- Fever higher than 100. 4° F
If you’re pregnant and bleeding heavily, don’t use a tampon. Wear a pad instead. “Doctors need to know how much you’re bleeding to gauge the severity,” says Dr. Heber.
And if you’re passing tissue, consider bringing it in for testing.
Your doctor may use an ultrasound to determine the cause of your bleeding. Once they find the cause, they’ll work with you on a treatment plan.
Healthy parent, healthy baby
Building good habits now can help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Dr. Heber makes these suggestions to help you (and your baby) feel your best.
- Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs and cigarettes
- Reduce caffeine intake to 1-2 cups a day
- Attend regular prenatal visits
- Take your prenatal vitamins
Next steps:
Meet Deidre Heber, DO
Learn about pregnancy care at Geisinger
Separating fact from fiction: 6 pregnancy myths
- Sign up for our wellness email
How to get more folic acid naturally
Can you drink coffee while pregnant?
Is it too late for a baby?
Treating endometriosis: When is surgery necessary?
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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.
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.
Blood during pregnancy - other common causes
In addition to the main ones, there are some other reasons why pathology can develop.
No. | Cause |
1 | Excessive exercise, deep penetration during intercourse. If the cervix is damaged, slight red discharge occurs, which disappears within two hours. |
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. |
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. |
4 | Ectopic pregnancy. Dangerous condition, urgent hospitalization is required. |
5 | A failed miscarriage. Blood discharge during pregnancy, abdominal pain are the main manifestations of intrauterine development of the fetus. |
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. |
8 | Cervical cancer. Pregnant women are rarely diagnosed. The risk group includes women with a large number of abortions and childbirth, often changing sexual partners. |
9 | Subchorionic hematoma. Hemorrhage around the placenta most often resolves on its own. But it increases the risk of preterm birth and other complications. |
10 | Cervical erosion. Detected in 50% of women. For pregnant women, the disease is not dangerous, but constant medical supervision is needed. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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! 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.
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.
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;
- 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 |
Miscarriage | Cleansing the uterus. |
Ectopic pregnancy | Diagnostic laparoscopy, removal of residual fetal tissues, antibiotic therapy. |
Risk of miscarriage | Hospitalization, bed rest, prescribing drugs to maintain pregnancy, sedatives and tocolytics to reduce uterine tone. |
bubble skid | Curettage of the uterine cavity. |
Cervical cancer | Operational intervention. |
Polyp injury, cervical erosion | Expectant management, if the condition does not worsen, removal and cauterization is carried out after childbirth. |
progesterone deficiency | hormone therapy. |
Damage to the uterus | Complete bed rest. |
Infectious pathologies | Depending on the type of pathogen - antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal drugs. |
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.
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.
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;
- 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.
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?
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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.
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.
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.
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Article author
Menshikova Maria Viktorovna obstetrician-gynecologist
Experience 38 years
Consultations 1816
Articles 91
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).
- 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
- 2020 to present Teledoctor24 LLC - doctor - consultant (gynecologist)
Bleeding during pregnancy. What is Bleeding During Pregnancy?
IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
Bleeding during pregnancy is a sign that can occur regardless of the period of embryogenesis and indicates ongoing changes in the woman's body. It can be observed with spontaneous miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, Rh conflict, placenta previa and other conditions. This manifestation can develop against the background of general well-being or be accompanied by painful sensations in the lower abdomen, lower back, and sacrum. Diagnosis of bleeding during pregnancy is carried out on the basis of data from a gynecological examination, an ultrasound assessment of the condition of the patient and the fetus. The treatment of this pathological symptom is determined by its cause and is prescribed exclusively by a specialist.
- Causes of bleeding during pregnancy
- Classification and symptoms of bleeding during pregnancy
- Diagnosis and treatment of bleeding during pregnancy
- Prognosis and prevention of bleeding during pregnancy
- Prices for treatment
General
Bleeding during pregnancy is an obstetric symptom, indicating the possible development of a number of disorders, the cause of which can be both physiological changes in the body of a woman after conception, and pathological conditions. Only an obstetrician-gynecologist can finally find out the etiology of such a manifestation after a complete examination. Bleeding during pregnancy occurs in about one in five patients. In 50%, they indicate pathological changes and end in spontaneous miscarriage. In half of the patients, the symptom is physiological in nature. Bleeding occurs more often in the first and third trimester of embryogenesis.
The danger of bleeding during pregnancy lies in the fact that a variety of factors can provoke them, including those that pose a threat to the mother and fetus. In some situations, there are no other pathological signs. Any bleeding during pregnancy should be a reason for immediate medical attention. Only a specialist is able to assess the danger to the health of a woman and the fetus, as well as decide on further tactics. Timely assistance provided even with an abnormal course of pregnancy allows you to continue its management and save the life of the child.
Bleeding during pregnancy
Causes of bleeding during pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy can occur at any time of embryogenesis, develops both against the background of physiological changes in the woman's body, and as a result of the formation of a certain obstetric pathology. In the early stages, half of the women have a slight separation of blood due to the implantation of the fetal egg in the uterine cavity. Such bleeding during pregnancy is often regarded by the patient as menstrual, so she does not seek medical help, which in the future may make it difficult to determine the timing of embryogenesis. A similar symptom is possible with insufficient production of progesterone in the early stages of gestation.
The most common cause of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy in the first trimester is spontaneous miscarriage. This symptom appears both with a just-started and with a complete abortion. Approximately 6 weeks after conception, the symptom occurs with an ectopic attachment of the fetal egg. Also, bleeding during pregnancy at this time may indicate an Rhesus conflict, fetal fading. Similar manifestations are characteristic of women suffering from varicose veins that feed the uterus. In this case, bleeding during pregnancy is due to increased blood supply to the tissues.
Bleeding during pregnancy in the second trimester is diagnosed much less frequently, in about 5-10% of all cases of gestation. As a rule, the symptom is caused by pathological changes and in most cases indicates spontaneous late abortion or isthmic-cervical insufficiency. Sometimes the separation of blood from the genital tract is observed during intrauterine death of the fetus. Bleeding during pregnancy in the third trimester also always speaks of the development of gestation pathology. The most common cause is placenta previa. In this case, the embryonic organ completely or partially covers the uterine os, while due to the high load on the lower segment, placental micro-ruptures occur, which causes a similar symptom.
Less commonly, bleeding during pregnancy in the third trimester is due to premature detachment of a normally located placenta. In this situation, there is a high threat to the life of the fetus. The danger also lies in the fact that initially internal bleeding develops during pregnancy or the formation of a hematoma, and only then the blood flows out. The rarest, but most dangerous for the life of the mother and child, the cause of the development of this symptom is uterine rupture. Such a complication is diagnosed in the presence of a scar on the myometrium and tissue overstretching, provoked by polyhydramnios, large fetuses or multiple pregnancies. It is extremely rare that bleeding during pregnancy occurs due to a violation of the integrity of the membranes or umbilical cord vessels.
Also, bleeding during pregnancy can be triggered by causes that appear at any stage of embryogenesis. Such reasons include benign neoplasms - fibroids, polyposis growths in the cervical canal and uterine cavity. Often bleeding during pregnancy occurs in women with cervical erosion. Sometimes a sign occurs due to increased blood circulation in the pelvic organs. The risk of developing a symptom is also present with violent sexual intercourse, significant physical exertion, concomitant cardiovascular diseases associated with a weakening of the endothelium.
Classification and symptoms of bleeding during pregnancy
Depending on the origin of bleeding, two groups can be distinguished:
- Physiological bleeding during pregnancy - occurs due to the restructuring of the body, does not pose a threat to the health and life of the fetus or mother.
- Pathological bleeding during pregnancy - indicate its abnormal course, may be accompanied by a risk to the life and health of the woman and baby, require immediate medical attention.
The clinic of bleeding during pregnancy directly depends on the cause of this symptom. Isolation of blood from the genital tract in the early stages of embryogenesis, provoked by physiological changes, proceeds against the background of general well-being. Bleeding during pregnancy, which has developed due to the presence of polyps, erosion, fibroids in most cases also does not cause disturbances in well-being. In this case, there is a slight release of biological fluid - just a few drops, the symptom is of a short-term nature. More abundant, similar to menstrual, will be bleeding during pregnancy associated with a deficiency of progesterone.
In the case of bleeding during pregnancy associated with its spontaneous interruption, the patient is worried about constant or cramping pain in the lumbosacral region, abdomen. Additionally, nausea, dizziness, malaise, and a slight increase in body temperature may occur. Bleeding during pregnancy in this case can be of varying intensity, often in the discharge there are pieces of tissue. With an ectopic attachment of the fetal egg, as well as with a rupture of the uterus, a serious threat to the life of a woman arises. In such a situation, internal bleeding initially develops during pregnancy, and only then do pathological discharges from the external genital tract appear. There is acute pain in the abdomen with irradiation to the anal region, the lateral parts of the body. With significant blood loss, a state of shock occurs with a threat of death.
Bleeding during pregnancy in the later stages is also not always accompanied by a detailed clinical picture. In the case of placenta previa, this is the only symptom that should cause alertness in a woman and become a reason for contacting an obstetrician-gynecologist. As for the premature detachment of a correctly attached placenta, in this case, bleeding during pregnancy develops against the background of uterine hypertonicity, there is pain in the abdomen, deterioration in general well-being. During cardiac monitoring of the fetus, there is a violation of the heart rate, motor activity.
Diagnosis and treatment of bleeding during pregnancy
To identify the cause of bleeding during pregnancy, a gynecological examination of a woman is performed. With changes in physiological origin, no deviations from the norm can be detected. With pathological bleeding during pregnancy against the background of spontaneous abortion, an opening of the cervix is observed. An increase in the tone of the myometrium may indicate the onset of placental abruption. Of the laboratory diagnostic methods, an analysis is used to determine the concentration of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). With ectopic pregnancy and bleeding, this figure will be reduced. Instrumental diagnosis of bleeding during pregnancy is to conduct an ultrasound scan. Using this method, it is possible to assess the state of the myometrium and the embryo, the level of blood flow in the vessels, the exact localization of the placenta and (possibly) its incipient detachment. Using CTG, the diagnostician can make a conclusion about the vital activity of the fetus.
Treatment of bleeding during pregnancy also depends on the cause of the symptom. If there are no pathological changes or the manifestation is provoked by damage to the polyp, medical attention is not required. In rare cases, the doctor recommends its removal. Expectant tactics are also used in case of cervical erosion. Her cauterization is carried out after childbirth. Bleeding during pregnancy against the background of the threat of miscarriage and placenta previa requires immediate hospitalization in an obstetric hospital, followed by the appointment of drug treatment. To reduce uterine tone, sedatives, tocolytics are used. Pregnancy management in this case requires careful monitoring by a specialist.
Bleeding during pregnancy caused by ectopic attachment of the ovum, scar rupture, or completed spontaneous abortion requires hospitalization and surgical treatment. After removal of the remnants of fetal tissues or emergency delivery, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. In this case, stopping bleeding during pregnancy is carried out in different ways, depending on its intensity, often ligation of the uterine arteries is performed. With premature detachment of the placenta, an emergency caesarean section is indicated.
Prognosis and prevention of bleeding during pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy is usually accompanied by a favorable prognosis.