Bleeding during pregnancy may mean a lot of things and is a symptom for a lot of pregnancy complications.
Bleeding during the first trimester is quite often and is often no cause for alarm, but bleeding during the second and third trimester could be due to complications that may affect both you and your baby.
During the first trimester, bleeding is often experienced.
This bleeding is called implantation bleeding and is different from a regular menstruation.
Implantation bleeding is very light compared to a menstruation.
It is also accompanied by cramping in the abdominal area.
Other possible reasons for bleeding during the first trimester are infections in the pelvic cavity, infections in the urinary tract, a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or a molar pregnancy.
Most miscarriages cannot be prevented because this is the body's way of stopping an unhealthy or abnormal pregnancy.
Molar pregnancy is the presence and growth of an abnormal tissue instead of an embryo; on the other hand, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy wherein implantation occurs in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.
Ectopic Pregnancy is a serious condition and requires immediate attention.
If you experience pain in the abdominal section that spreads up to your neck, vaginal bleeding that is watery and dark, and lightheadedness, consult your doctor immediately.
Bleeding in the second trimester and in the third trimester is a cause for alarm.
The two most common causes for bleeding during the second or third trimester are placental complications such as placenta previa and placental abruption.
Placenta previa is the condition where in the placenta blocks the cervix, thus the baby would not be able to be delivered via a vaginal delivery.
The bleeding that is caused by placenta previa often does not have any other symptoms; it does not accompany any pain.
On the other hand, placental abruption is the early separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
In serious cases, this can cause heavy bleeding which could lead to hemorrhaging.
Both Placenta previa and Placental Abruption are very serious conditions which needs prompt attention.
If not detected early, these could cause great damage to both mother and baby.
Aside from Placental Problems, bleeding in the third trimester could be a sign for labor.
When the mucus plug that covers the cervix detaches, slight bleeding occurs.
When this happens more than three weeks before your expected date of delivery, you are experiencing pre-term labor.
Contact your doctor immediately.
When you experience bleeding during pregnancy, keep track of the consistency of the discharge and how much you are bleeding.
It is best that you consult your doctor if you experience any sort of bleeding, either in the first, second, or third trimester, so that any possible complications may be detected early and will be treated accordingly.