During pregnancy, many women observe vaginal spotting or bleeding. During initial stages of pregnancy, vaginal spotting is common in many women. It is light bleeding or spotting from vagina. It is not like your menstrual periods. 

There are various reasons that lead to vaginal bleeding. Many women find consistent vaginal spotting in the first few months of pregnancy. Vaginal spotting can occur some time during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is not a major concern if isn't heavy like periods. Things can become troublesome if it occurs during second or third trimester of pregnancy. If you find bleeding during this period, it might be harmful for your pregnancy and you should immediately contact your doctor without any delay.

All about Vaginal Spotting

Vaginal spotting is the blood coming out from your vagina, which is a passage from the uterus to the external genitals. Vaginal spotting is not like your regular periods. It may vary from women to women and appear as light spotting to severe bleeding with clots.

During first trimester of pregnancy, it is a common problem. Approximately twenty to thirty percent women face this. In the second or third trimesters of pregnancy, vaginal spotting is considered abnormal and may cause miscarriage.

What can cause bleeding in first half of pregnancy

Miscarriage: Bleeding in the first trimester or 12 weeks of pregnancy is likely to indicate a miscarriage. Some common symptoms of miscarriage are vaginal bleeding, strong cramp in abdomen etc.

Common reasons for miscarriages are unhealthy pregnancy i.e. undeveloped child. If you have had miscarriage once, you should not get anxious next time when you become pregnant. You need to take more care for healthy pregnancy next time. You should follow your doctor’s guidance from the first day of your pregnancy.

Implantation Bleeding: Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus wall. Implantation bleeding is normally light and can continue for one or two days. It will occur after ten to 15 days of fertilization. Sometimes you cannot identify your pregnancy in case of implantation bleeding and you can feel it like normal periods.

Ectopic Pregnancies: Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg fertilizes outside the uterus. It causes pain and bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy is very rare and occurs in one woman out of 60. Some signs of ectopic pregnancy are vaginal bleeding, heavy cramp in the stomach, pain in the abdominal area and high level of HCG in blood test.

Molar Pregnancy: Molar pregnancy is very uncommon and can be one of the reasons for bleeding during early stage of pregnancy in which a non-viable, fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Molar pregnancy can be caused by the growth of abnormal tissue instead of an embryo. It is also known as gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Some symptoms of molar pregnancy are vaginal bleeding, high level of HCG in blood test, and absence of fetal heart tones. If you perform an ultrasound test you can find grape-like clusters in the uterus.

Infection: Bleeding can occur due to some type of infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary area.

Other Reasons

In some women, bleeding is noticed after sexual intercourse. It may cause because cervix is very tender and sensitive. In such case, it is advisable for women to avoid sex to prevent more bleeding. In normal condition, having sexual intercourse in not harmful, but if you find any bleeding you should avoid intercourse unless your doctor gives you permission.

What can cause bleeding in second half of pregnancy

Placental Abruption: One of the reasons for vaginal bleeding is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall during or before labor. Normally, it can occur during the last twelve weeks of pregnancy. Placental abruption can be found only in 1% of pregnant women. Placental Abruption signs are vaginal bleeding and pain in stomach. 

Placenta Previa: Placenta previa is an obstetric complication and can occur during the end of first trimester, or during second or third trimester of pregnancy. In Placenta previa, the placenta attaches to the uterine wall covering the cervix. It is also one of the reasons for vaginal bleeding (antepartum haemorrhage). 

Preterm Labor: During the last weeks of pregnancy, a plug known as mucus plug that covers the opening of the uterus may pass a small amount of mucus and blood. It is passed just before the start of labor. It is considered normal when bleeding starts during your due date period. When such situation occurs before few weeks (before 37 weeks) of your due date, it is considered preterm labor

You should run immediately to your doctor in case of preterm labor. Some symptoms of preterm labor are vaginal discharge (bleeding from your vagina), pelvic abdominal pressure, low backache, stomach pain, diarrhea or abdomen tightening.

Pregnancy is a very complicated period in woman’s life. You should not get depressed if you face miscarriage or other problems during pregnancy. You should be more careful during your next pregnancy. Try to keep yourself healthy and happy during pregnancy. Well-balanced healthy diet and regular exercise is necessary for the health of you and your baby. 

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