Bleeding During Pregnancy: What's Normal and What's Not?

There’s no doubt that bleeding during pregnancy can be an unsettling, upsetting experience. Some types of bleeding are neither abnormal nor dangerous, but it doesn’t mean it’s OK to ignore bleeding. Having a medical evaluation is essential for determining the cause of bleeding and its potential impact on your pregnancy and your health.

As a leading OB/GYN in Conroe, Texas, Richard Roberts, MD, helps women at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe understand the cause of bleeding during pregnancy, providing compassionate, patient-centered pregnancy care to help you and your baby stay healthy. 

Here’s what Dr. Roberts wants you to know about pregnancy bleeding, including its possible causes.

Normal causes of bleeding

Menstrual bleeding happens when your uterus sheds its lining every month following ovulation. If you become pregnant, the lining stays in place while the baby develops, which means your periods also stop.

However, an end to periods doesn’t mean you won’t have any bleeding during pregnancy. Many women do experience some light bleeding or spotting, especially during the first trimester while their body is adjusting to pregnancy.

This type of light bleeding is typically benign (harmless) and often related to hormonal changes or implantation of the fertilized egg within 1-2 weeks of conception. Some women may have light bleeding or spotting at around the time of their next period following conception as their hormone levels continue to adjust.

You might also experience light bleeding following intercourse or after a pelvic exam. That’s due in part to increased blood flow to your cervix, the opening of your uterus. Like spotting associated with hormonal changes or implantation, this type of bleeding is very minimal and typically resolves on its own very quickly.

Potentially serious causes of bleeding

While very light bleeding may be nothing to worry about, heavy bleeding is often a sign of a serious problem. These include issues like:

• Miscarriage
• Problems with the placenta
• Infection
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Polyps or other growths
• Preterm labor

While miscarriage tends to be more common during the first trimester, some issues, like placenta issues and ectopic pregnancy, tend to cause bleeding later on.

In addition to being heavy, serious vaginal bleeding is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like significant pain or cramping. You may pass blood clots or clumps of tissue. Infections may cause a fever or flu-like symptoms, and some types of bleeding can cause dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

All types of serious vaginal bleeding need immediate medical care, and some can pose life-threatening emergencies. 

When to seek medical care

Bleeding during pregnancy isn’t always serious, but it definitely can be. If you have any type of bleeding, it’s important to call the office right away so we can provide the most appropriate care and avoid potentially serious complications.

To learn more about pregnancy bleeding or to find out what steps you can take to stay healthy during pregnancy, call 936-756-7788 or book an appointment online with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.