1st-trimester
Many women suffer from some slight bleeding in early pregnancy. Normally, women who have had slight bleeding in the first trimester have no problems during the further pregnancy. A little blood loss can be normal, but it is sometimes a cause for concern. Every loss of blood must be reported to the doctor / midwife. Describe the color, quantity and composition of the blood and all other symptoms that you feel during the blood loss. You can use sanitary napkins or panty liners to protect your underwear. Do not use tampons during pregnancy.
The following options may be an explanation for blood loss. However, always contact your midwife, GP or gynecologist!
Implantation bleeding
Implantation bleeding can occur during six to ten days after conception. You may suffer from some light blood loss for one or two days. This type of bleeding may occur when the fertilized egg adheres to the uterine wall. Because the pregnancy is not yet known, some women may think this is an early period.
Miscarriage
Blood loss can also be an early signal of miscarriage. It is necessary to go to your midwife to determine if there is a problem with the pregnancy. The most frightening type of blood loss in the first trimester is fresh blood, bright red in color, especially when accompanied by cramps. Although this type of blood loss can be serious, it does not always mean that you have had or are having a miscarriage. Your healthcare provider will probably perform an ultrasound to try to determine the whether miscarriage is the cause.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy can be noticed by blood loss in the first trimester. This happens when the embryo is implanted outside the uterus. Usually the fertilized egg will implant in one of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies are not as common as miscarriages. However, an embryo that is implanted outside the uterus may develop into a normal baby and cause severe internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancies must be removed to save the life of the mother. Other symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are abdominal pain - which is usually worse on one side -, lightheadedness and diarrhea.
Molar pregnancy
A rare condition, known as Molar pregnancy, may also be a cause of blood loss. An abnormal mass forms inside the uterus after fertilization. Blood loss is the most common symptom of a Molar pregnancy. However, it is an unusual cause of bleeding during the first trimester
Benign bleeding
When you become pregnant, your body produces extra blood for the growing baby, so more blood is supplied to your cervix. You may suffer from some slight bleeding after sexual intercourse or after an internal examination. This is normal and normally does not pose a risk. Use a panty liner to protect your clothes.
Cervical infections
Cervical infections can be a cause of blood loss early in the pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will do a series of blood and / or urine tests to determine what kind of infection is causing the bleeding. To combat the infection, antibiotics will probably be given.
Trauma
Traumas such as falls or car accidents can also cause bleeding. This can cause tears in the vaginal wall or placenta. Tears in the placenta can be life-threatening. It is very important to report any fall or accident to your doctor when you are pregnant.
Although blood loss during the first trimester can be very common, it is important to remember that whatever bleeding occurs, you should always inform your health care provider. Most doctors will closely monitor bleeding and in some cases recommend bed rest. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe bleeding, chills or fever or if you lose tissue through the vagina. Your doctor will ask you many questions and do an internal examination to determine the cause of the bleeding. Laboratory testing or an ultrasound may also be performed.
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