Pregnancy Spotting: Understanding What’s Normal

Did you know—up to 25% of women experience some sort of vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. While this may seem alarming, it’s not always a cause for concern.¹ But expectant moms must know what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to blood spotting during pregnancy. This will help them reach out to a doctor promptly if the need arises.

This blog will help you build a complete understanding of the reasons for bleeding during pregnancy. You’ll also get to know its cause and management strategies. So stay tuned.

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Sometimes during pregnancy, you may notice some blood flow from the vagina. This is called vaginal bleeding—a phenomenon quite scary for moms-to-be.¹

Why Am I Bleeding During Pregnancy?

This is the first question that comes to your mind when you notice some blood on your underpants during pregnancy. And it is natural for you to want to know why this is happening. But don’t panic yet—bleeding doesn’t always mean that there is something wrong with your pregnancy. However, it’s always advisable to visit your doctor when this happens so that you can be doubly sure about your and your baby’s well-being.¹

Bleeding Vs. Spotting In Pregnancy

The main difference between the two lies in the quantity and colour of the blood that is discharged. Bleeding is when there’s blood flow enough to ruin your underpants, needing you to put on a pad. While spotting, as the name reflects, is just drops or tints of blood in shades of pink, red or dark brown. If you wear a pad or a panty liner, the blood won’t be enough to fill it.²

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Bleeding In The First Trimester?

Is spotting normal in early pregnancy? Well, up to 25% of pregnant women experience bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, especially in their first three months. The causes of bleeding during early pregnancy could be:

• Implantation bleeding:

This is a small amount of light spotting that happens about two weeks after conception. This usually indicates that the fertilised egg has attached itself to the uterine walls.^{1 3}

• Hormonal changes:

An increase in hormonal levels can also sometimes cause spotting during early pregnancy.¹

• Cervix Changes

During pregnancy, several changes occur in your cervix, making it extra sensitive. This could also lead to light spotting during pregnancy.¹

• Ectopic Pregnancy

When a foetus develops outside your womb in organs such as the fallopian tubes, it's called an ectopic pregnancy. This needs immediate medical attention and could be one of the causes of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy.¹

• Molar Pregnancy

In a molar pregnancy, an abnormal mass of cells takes the place of the placenta, resulting in a tumor-like growth. Such a pregnancy cannot be continued and must be terminated.¹

• Subchorionic Hematoma

Sometimes blood might accumulate in the spaces between the amniotic sac and the uterine wall. This clears up on its own but may cause some spotting during early pregnancy.¹

• Cervical Polyps

These are non-cancerous growths on the cervix that bleeds when estrogen levels rise during pregnancy.¹

• Infection

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can also cause light bleeding or spotting which can be treated with antibiotics.¹

• Miscarriage

This is the early loss of a pregnancy that happens before 20 weeks of gestation. The bleeding starts light and progresses to severe, accompanied by cramping.¹

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Bleeding In The Second Or Third Trimester?

Rarely, pregnant women can bleed in the second or third trimesters as well. But bleeding during this time is usually more serious. The causes could include:

• Placenta Previa

It’s a condition when the placenta (connecting organ between the mother and her baby) covers the cervix partially or completely.

• Placental Abruption

The condition where the placenta gets detached from the uterine walls. This is a serious condition needing medical attention.

• Preterm Labour

A preterm labour is when you start having labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Its signs include contractions, cramps, and water breaking.

• Labour

Sometimes, the onset of labour might also be accompanied by bleeding.

• Incompetent Cervix

This is when your cervix dilates before it should during pregnancy.

• Bloody Show

A sign of labour—where there’s bleeding mixed with mucus. This usually happens towards the last phase of pregnancy.

• Stillbirth

Stillbirth is when a baby is lost after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

• Vasa Praevia

Rarely, the baby’s blood vessels could run through the cervical membranes. So when the water breaks, these can tear, causing heavy bleeding. This is very dangerous for the baby as they might lose significant amount of blood.⁴

What Are Other Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy?

Some causes of bleeding during pregnancy which aren’t health-related include:

• Sex

As mentioned earlier, your cervix becomes more sensitive during pregnancy. This can lead to easy bleeding after an intercourse.¹

• Pelvic Exam Or Ultrasound

Your cervix can also bleed after a transvaginal ultrasound or a physical exam.¹

• Pap Test

Pap smears, performed in the first trimester of pregnancy can also cause light bleeding later on.¹

• Injury Or Trauma

An accidental fall that hurts your abdomen can cause placental abruption and bleeding during pregnancy.¹

How Much Bleeding Is Normal In Early Pregnancy?

While there is no fixed amount, you must let your doctor know if you bleed during pregnancy. Especially if you’re unsure whether you’re just spotting or it's a proper blood flow. That’s because some of the causes of bleeding in pregnancy could be worrisome.¹

Can You Bleed In Early Pregnancy And Not Miscarry?

Yes! There are many harmless causes of spotting during pregnancy that doesn’t affect your baby such as a physical pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound.¹

What Does Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy Look Like?

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy might vary in colour, consistency and quantity. Upon proper evaluation, your doctor will be able to tell if it is normal or needs treatment.¹

How Is Bleeding During Pregnancy Treated?

A physical exam, ultrasounds and blood tests can help your doctor in identifying the cause of bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. The management strategies include:¹

• Resting
• Drinking lots of water
• Avoiding sex
• Avoiding travel
• Avoiding heavy lifting & vigorous exercise
• Staying hospitalised if the bleeding is severe

When Does Spotting Stop In Pregnancy?

There is no fixed time period for spotting during pregnancy. While it’s common in the first trimester, it can occur in the next two trimesters as well.¹

When To Call The Doctor

You must contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding that needs you to change a pad every few hours.¹
• Cramping or contractions.
• Pain in your pelvis or abdomen.
• Feeling dizzy
• Fever or chills
• Water breaking

Summing Up

There are several possible causes of bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. While some of them are harmless, others may require immediate medical attention. So, as an expectant mother, it’s crucial that you stay vigilant about it. Don’t forget to notify your doctor immediately if this happens so that you can ensure your little one’s safety.

And while we’re at it, let’s tell you another easy way to ensure your baby’s health and future safety—and that is via cord blood banking! It’s a simple, painless procedure where you bank your baby’s cord blood stem cells at birth. These stem cells offer protection to them and your entire family against the impact of 80+ deadly diseases including cancers. 

So moms, what are you waiting for? Book your free consultation with a LifeCell expert at our toll free number 1800 266 5533. And discover the ways in which stem cell banking can safeguard your entire family’s future well being.

FAQs

Q1. Why Is There Blood On My Underwear Even Though I Am Not Menstruating?

It could be a sign of pregnancy spotting which is quite common.¹

Q2. Is Spotting A Symptom Of Miscarriage?

Not necessarily. But to be on the safer side, get it checked soon, especially when bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, cramping or fever.^{1 3}

Q3. Is Spotting A Symptom Of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Spotting could be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. It’s important to get it examined by the doctor.⁵

Q4. What To Do If I Notice Pregnancy Spotting In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy?

Please consult a doctor right away if you come across traces of blood on your underwear in the first trimester of your pregnancy (pregnancy spotting).¹⁰