What does bleeding in pregnancy mean

Bleeding and spotting from the vagina during pregnancy

Bleeding and spotting from the vagina during pregnancy are common

If you bleed or spot during pregnancy, it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem but in some cases they may be signs of a problem for you or your baby’s health

If you have heavy bleeding, call your health care provider right away

Tell your provider about any bleeding or spotting you have during pregnancy

Bleeding and spotting from the vagina during pregnancy are common. Up to 1 out of 4 (up to 25%) of all pregnant women have some bleeding or spotting during their pregnancy.

Bleeding and spotting in pregnancy don’t always mean there’s a problem, but they can be a sign of miscarriage or other serious complications. Miscarriage is when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Call your health care provider if you have any bleeding or spotting, even if it stops. It may not be caused by anything serious, but your provider needs to find out what’s causing it.

What’s the difference between bleeding and spotting?

Bleeding or spotting can happen anytime, from the time you get pregnant to right before you give birth. Spotting is light bleeding. It happens when you have a few drops of blood on your underwear. Spotting is so light that the blood wouldn’t cover a panty liner. Bleeding is when the blood flow is heavier, enough that you need a panty liner or pad to keep the blood from soaking your underwear and clothes.

What should you do if you have bleeding or spotting during pregnancy?

Call your health care provider if you have any kind of bleeding during pregnancy and do these things:

Keep track of how heavy your bleeding is, if it gets heavier or lighter, and how many pads you are using.
Check the color of the blood. Your provider may want to know. It can be different colors, like brown, dark or bright red.
Don’t use a tampon, douche or have sex when you’re bleeding.

Call your health care provider right away at any time during pregnancy or go to the emergency room if you have:

Heavy bleeding
Bleeding with pain or cramping
Dizziness and bleeding
Pain in your belly or pelvis

What causes bleeding or spotting early in pregnancy?

It’s normal to have some spotting or bleeding early in pregnancy. Bleeding or spotting in the first trimester may not be a problem. It can be caused by:

Having sex
An infection
Implantation. When a fertilized egg (embryo) attaches to the lining of the uterus (womb) and begins to grow.
Hormone changes. Hormones are chemicals made by the body.
Changes in your cervix. The cervix is opening to the uterus that sits at the top of the vagina.
Certain types of testing during pregnancy like an amniocentesis or Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These are tests that are done to check for genetic abnormalities in your baby. Genetic abnormalities are changes in the genes that are passed down to a baby from mom or dad. These genetic changes can cause health problems for a baby.
Problems related to smoking. If you smoke, it’s best to stop before pregnancy or as soon as you know you’re pregnant.

Sometimes bleeding or spotting in the first trimester is a sign of a serious problem, like:

Miscarriage. Almost all women who miscarry have bleeding or spotting before the miscarriage.
Ectopic pregnancy. This is when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus and begins to grow. An ectopic pregnancy cannot result in the birth of a baby. It can cause serious, dangerous problems for the pregnant woman.
Molar pregnancy. This is when a mass of tissue forms inside the womb, instead of a baby. Molar pregnancy is rare.

What causes bleeding or spotting later in pregnancy?

Bleeding or spotting later in pregnancy may be caused by:

Labor
Having sex
An internal exam by your health care provider
Problems with the cervix, like an infection, growths, inflammation or cervical insufficiency. This is when a woman’s cervix opens too early. Inflammation of the cervix is when it may be painful, swollen, red or irritated.

Bleeding or spotting later in pregnancy may be a sign of a serious problem, like:

Preterm labor. This is labor that happens too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Placenta previa. This is when the placenta lies very low in the uterus and covers all or part of the cervix.
Placenta accreta. This is when the placenta grows into the wall of the uterus too deeply.
Placental abruption. This is when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth.
Uterine rupture. This is when the uterus tears during labor. This happens very rarely. It can happen if you have a scar in the uterus from a prior cesarean birth (also called c-section) or another kind of surgery on the uterus. A c-section is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your doctor makes in your belly and uterus.

How are bleeding and spotting treated?
Your treatment depends on what caused your bleeding. You may need a medical exam and tests.

Most of the time, treatment for bleeding or spotting is rest. Your provider may also suggest treatments like:

Take time off from work and stay off your feet for a little while
You may need medicine to help protect your baby from Rh disease. Rh disease is when your blood and baby’s blood are incompatible (can’t be together). This disease can cause serious problems — even death — for your baby.
Don’t have sex, douche or use tampons
If you have heavy bleeding, you may need a hospital stay or surgery

Last reviewed April 2020

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

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 sign.

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. Timely medical care can save the life of the fetus and the woman. Lethal outcome is extremely rare. Prevention of bleeding during pregnancy consists in the early detection of benign neoplasms and their treatment even before conception. To prevent the development of a pathological symptom, you should register as soon as possible, take all the necessary tests, and if any violations occur, immediately seek advice from an obstetrician-gynecologist. Prevention of bleeding during pregnancy also consists in avoiding stress, physical exertion, violent sexual contacts.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of bleeding during pregnancy.

Sources

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.

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, 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?

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?

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?

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 95

Specialist with extensive practical experience.