Let's start with the obvious, if you are bleeding and you are worried even slightly or just to be on the safe side have
it checked out. It is only natural for a mum-to-be to panic if they start to bleed while they are pregnant, the truth is that
there are some harmless reasons why it happens. It is quite common and about 1 in 10 women experience it for one of the following
reasons. Remember it is always best to have any bleeding checked out by a doctor or midwife just to be sure, bleeding can
also be a sign of a more serious problem!
Spotting
Many women get reddish brown spots of blood in the early stages of pregnancy, often around the time they would be due a
period, this is due to the pregnancy hormone not being high enough to stop the period. It is much lighter than a period and
generally nothing to worry about. If you are concerned in any way go to your G.P.
Cervical erosion
This is a very common cause of pregnancy bleeding and can happen throughout the whole pregnancy. It often occurs after
sex but the bleeding is light and will not harm the baby, if you are worried talk to your midwife or G.P.
Fibroids
These are a type of benign tumour which grows in the womb, it effects up to 50% of woman but most do not even know they
are there until the first scan. They can increase in size during the pregnancy as the blood flow to the uterus is increased.
They can cause a light bleed that doesn’t usually effect the baby. In some very rare cases fibroids can cause premature labour, placental abruption, or they can restrict the foetal growth, if you are worried speak to your midwife or a G.P.
Low lying placenta
In as many as one in four pregnancies the placenta is low lying covering the cervix and as such blocking your babys exit.
Most, around 90%, move by the time you go into labour. If the placenta touches the cervix you may have continuous spotting
of fresh red blood and painful cramps. If you suffer this get help straight away. If the placenta fails to move then your
baby will have to be born early through caesarean.
Implantation bleeding
When the egg is burrowing into the lining of the womb there is often a light bleed which is light and brown in colour it
can be worrying but it is not dangerous, if you are concerned get it checked out.
Rectal bleeding
Haemorrhoids during pregnancy are common and can cause bleeding, if you are concerned always get it checked.
Remember get any bleeding checked out but if it is painful and heavy seek medical advice immediately as you may have a
threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, a placental abruption or you may be going into premature labour.
Send us your comments about this article or tell us about your experiences
Back to top ^
