Bleeding during pregnancy
What should you do if you notice spots of blood or if you are bleeding during pregnancy? Contact your doctor or midwife right away, even if the bleeding seems to have stopped. It could prove to be something trivial, but it could also be a sign of a serious problem. Pregnancy symptoms should never be taken lightly. What you need to do next will depend on your individual situation. You will probably need an evaluation, which may include physical examination, ultrasound and blood tests to make sure that you and your baby are well and to rule out any complications. If you are bleeding or in severe pain of any kind and you cannot reach your doctor immediately, you should go to the emergencies of a hospital.
Blood spots are something different from bleeding. These spots are a very light form of bleeding, something similar to what you may have at the beginning or end of your menstruation circle. They may differ in color from pink to brown. What can cause the appearance of blood spots or bleeding? It is not always possible to determine the cause. Here are some of the most common causes: Sex can affect. During pregnancy more blood flows to your uterine cervix so it is not uncommon to notice spotting after intercourse. A polyp cervix can also cause spotting or bleeding after intercourse. You may notice blood spots after a Pap test or transvaginal exams for the same reasons with intercourse.
Very early in pregnancy, even before you find that you are pregnant, you may have some spotting for a day or two. One reason for the bleeding may be due to the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus cavity.
The spotting or bleeding, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping, may be an early sign of miscariagge or ectopic pregnancy, meaning that the embryo is implanted outside the uterus, usually in one of the tubes. An ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening for the mother. This is one of the reasons why you should immediately call your doctor if you are bleeding or feeling pain in the first trimester.
Blood stains can also be caused by conditions not related to pregnancy. A vaginal infection or sexually transmitted disease can cause inflammation of the uterine cervix. An inflamed cervix is particularly susceptible to spotting after sex or a Pap test.
Blood stains can also be caused by problems in the placenta or a premature labor. In the second or third trimester of pregnancy, bleeding or spotting can be a sign of a serious condition like a problem in the placenta, detachment of the placenta for example, miscarriage or premature birth.
Source: www.paidorama.com
In collaboration with Dr Olga. E. Bikou, Obstetrician-Surgeon-Gynaecologist
