Bleeding during pregnancy: causes and tips

Pregnancy brings many new feelings, especially in the first few weeks or when you are pregnant for the first time. Your body changes quickly and it can be difficult to assess what is normal. Blood loss during pregnancy is more common than many women think, but it can raise immediate questions or uncertainty. It may be a few drops, light bleeding or sometimes a little more. Knowing what might fit with this and when it’s time to raise the alarm will provide quicker clarity and more peace of mind. In this blog, you will read what possible causes are and what you can do when it worries you.

How do you recognize innocent bleeding in pregnancy?

Bleeding quickly sounds worrisome, but especially in the first few weeks, light bleeding is a regular occurrence. Many women mistake this for an early period, especially when they do not yet know they are pregnant. Yet you cannot have your period and be pregnant at the same time. Light bleeding during this period usually has a different cause.

Normal bleeding is often brief, limited in quantity and rarely accompanied by severe cramps. Recognizing these characteristics will give you a better sense of what may be involved and when it is good to be alert.

Causes of blood loss during pregnancy

The most common cause of bleeding in the first few weeks is implantation bleeding. This occurs when the embryo nestles in the uterine wall. The bleeding is then light, often pink or brown and stops on its own. The cervix may also react sensitively to sex, an internal ultrasound or an infection. This sometimes causes small, harmless bleeding that quickly subsides.

In the first trimester, light bleeding is common and often fits within your body’s normal changes. Later in the pregnancy, blood loss may be related to the release of the mucous plug or changes in the position or growth of the placenta. This need not mean anything right away, but it is important to keep a close eye on it.

Not all bleeding falls within what is considered normal. More severe or bright red blood loss may indicate something that needs more attention. Consider a placenta that is low, premature labor activity or another complication. This does not immediately mean something is going wrong, but this type of blood loss is not part of the usual physical reactions in pregnancy.

It is important to be alert to blood loss during pregnancy when:

• blood loss increases
• you lose bright red blood
• you see clots
• you get abdominal pain or cramps that don’t subside
• the blood loss keeps coming back

If you recognize this, it is always wise to contact your midwife or family doctor. They will assess what suits your term and whether additional monitoring is needed.

Helpful tips for bleeding and doubt

1. Write down when the bleeding starts, how long it lasts and what it looks like. That way you can track changes better.
2. Take it easy for a while and avoid strenuous exercise until you have more clarity.
3. Use comfortable and hygienic products, such as Beppy’ s soft and durable menstrual products that you can use safely.
4. Having doubts or concerns? Then always call! Midwives would rather you call once too much than once too little.

Still have questions? If so, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you further!