Vaginal bleeding also known as pre-partum bleeding is any blood discharge from the vagina. It can be light, mild or heavy and can be discharged at any point during your pregnancy.
Why Bleeding May Occur During the First Trimester
If we were living in the old says, one could easily blame witchcraft for their vaginal bleeding. Perhaps some still would! Nevertheless here are the various reasons why a woman will have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy:
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- Implantation of a fertilized egg
- Rupture of the uterus can be due to previous C-section or previous pregnancies scars
- Having a threatening miscarriage or an actual miscarriage
- Molar pregnancy- where the foetus is not forming properly on the womb
- Ectopic pregnancy- Where an embryo grows along the fallopian tubes
- Spotting
Why Bleeding May Occur in The Second Trimester and Third Trimester
- Low-placenta location, at the cervix
- Separation of the placenta from the uterus wall
- Vaginal Infection
Remedies for Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
Light or mild bleeding clears on its own as the pregnancy develops. Some heavy vaginal bleeding can also be managed if suitable precautionary measures are taken. It’s important to note, however, that if not diagnosed early, heavy bleeding can lead to maternal death. Your health care professional may encourage adoption of calming and soothing practices like;-
- taking more siestas and bed rests
- taking more water to keep hydrated
- reducing strenuous activities
- raising your feet, when sitting
- avoid lifting of heavy luggage
When to Seek Doctor’s Advice
Light, bleeding that’s painless and occurs before 12 weeks may not require medical care. However, you should get medical attention if the bleeding is period-like, heavy and is accompanied with:
- Pains and cramps
- Not feeling the baby movement or pattern change
- High fevers
- Passing blood clots or visible pieces of tissues
- A feeling of lightheadedness
- A sense of breathlessness
- Abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding due to abortion
If bleeding occurs after 12 weeks of pregnancy, first trimester, ensure to get an appointment with your regular gynecologist or seek medical care from any hospital maternity. This should take care of any pending worries.
It is essential to stay calm when you notice blood spots or stains; it might be normal pregnancy-related bleeding. Nonetheless, an expectant mother with well-managed vaginal bleeding can give birth to a normal, healthy baby.
Disclaimers:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another
# Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: americanpregnancy, parents, tommys, medicinenet, motherandbaby, webmd, the-star
