Pregnancy is an exciting and stressful time for many women. Some problems, especially during pregnancy, can cause expectant mothers to worry about the health of both themselves and their baby. One of these problems is vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is actually common and does not always indicate a problem to worry about.
First Trimester Bleeding
In the first trimester of pregnancy, between 20% and 40% of pregnant women experience different types of bleeding. In some pregnancies, the bleeding may be small, intermittent or painless, while in other pregnancies it may be heavy, continuous or painful. Some bleeding is serious and some is minor, but in all cases it should be medically evaluated.
Possible causes of bleeding in the first 3 months of pregnancy are :
- Threat of miscarriage
- Changes in the uterus (softening of the uterus, more blood flow to the uterus, etc.)
- Implantation bleeding
- Uterine cancer
- Molar pregnancy
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Some uterine infections
Possible causes of bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy are :
- Dilatation bleeding (bleeding caused by the opening of the cervix before birth)
- Placental previa
- Placenta detachment
- Cervical insufficiency
- Intrauterine infection
Some vaginal bleeding in the last months of pregnancy is normal. As the uterus becomes thinner and loosens in preparation for childbirth, the expectant mother may feel a thick or threadlike discharge mixed with blood as the thick mucous membrane covering the cervix moves. If this happens a week or two before the birth, it is seen as a normal sign of labor.
When to see a doctor for vaginal bleeding?
It is important to inform your doctor about any vaginal bleeding you experience during pregnancy. In the first trimester;
- In mild spotting,
- Vaginal bleeding lasting more than one day,
- If bleeding is accompanied by chills, abdominal pain and fever, you should contact your doctor immediately.
In the second trimester;
- Bleeding that disappears within a few hours,
- Vaginal bleeding lasting more than a few hours, regardless of the amount,
- Regardless of the amount, you should contact your doctor immediately if bleeding is accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, chills and watery discharge.
In the third trimester of pregnancy, regardless of the amount, 37. If bleeding occurs before the first week of pregnancy and is accompanied by abdominal pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.
As a result, bleeding during pregnancy should not be neglected.
