It is scary to experience bleeding early in your pregnancy. Bleeding is the leading indicator of pregnancy loss, but there are other reasons expectant moms may experience vaginal bleeding. Bleeding can resolve alone or with treatment. If you notice bleeding or spotting at any time during your pregnancy, call your obstetrician or midwife for an evaluation.
Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding is described as the bleeding that occurs approximately 10 to 14 days after conception. This is the time when the fertilized egg implants itself into the wall of the uterus. It is believed that the action of the egg burrowing into the uterine lining can cause the light bleeding associated with implantation.
Implantation bleeding is distinguished from a normal menstrual cycle in that it occurs days earlier than your period is due. It is shorter in duration than a period too, with a much lighter flow. Its resemblance, however, to menstrual bleeding can mislead a woman to think she has experienced a light period, and she may not realize that she is pregnant.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. The most common place to find an ectopic pregnancy is in the fallopian tubes, the tunnels of tissue that the egg travels between the ovary and the uterus. Other locations ectopic pregnancies are known to be located in are the ovaries and the cervix.
If undiagnosed, an ectopic pregnancy grows much as a normal pregnancy, until it grows too large for the organ on which it has implanted. When this happens, a woman may experience vaginal bleeding accompanied by severe pain as the organ threatens to rupture do to the growth of the embryo. An ectopic pregnancy does not continue on to a live birth. Though it may be difficult to think about, treatment is necessary to remove the pregnancy tissues from the fallopian tube or area in which it is located. Surgical removal is often the woman’s best option for preserving future fertility.
Miscarriage
It is estimated that up to 20 percent of all confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage, most of these occurring before the eighth week of pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding, which can be bright red or brownish in color, is the primary warning sign that a miscarriage is imminent.
It is important to note many women with healthy pregnancies have episodes of light bleeding, usually associated with implantation. The bleeding which precedes miscarriage is often heavier and lasts for days, much longer than implantation bleeding would. Your physician or midwife can evaluate you and perform tests, such as an ultrasound or quantitative hCG blood tests, to help determine the status of your pregnancy.
Other Possible Causes
Pelvic or urinary tract infections may cause vaginal bleeding or blood in the urine. Spotting after sexual intercourse is not uncommon. There is an influx of blood to the cervix in early pregnancy, and it can easily become irritated. To be safe, discontinue intercourse until your doctor has had the chance to evaluate your cervix, but sexual relations during a healthy pregnancy are completely safe and will not cause a miscarriage.
It may be frustrating to learn that some light bleeding in early pregnancy may be unexplained, but heavy bleeding is rarely benign. Always consult your physician or midwife if you notice any bleeding or spotting during pregnancy.
About this Author
Melanie Clatfelter is a licensed practical nurse in the state of North Carolina. She spent five years working in childcare and early childhood education before transitioning to the health care arena where she still enjoys working with expectant parents, new moms, and young families. Clatfelter is a contributor for LIVESTRONG Health, eHow, Trails Travel, and Answerbag.
