One of the scariest things in early pregnancy is Bleeding. This is a simple explanation as to some of the causes in early pregnancy.

BLEEDING IN EARLY PREGNANCY

One of the commonest causes of concern in early Pregnancy is Bleeding.

Bleeding can be in the form of spotting, frank bleeding or passing clots.

It can be isolated, continuous or associated with pain and cramping.

This article describes some of the causes of bleeding.

Why am I bleeding?

• Bleeding may occur in a normal pregnancy sometimes at the time of a missed period, it may be associated with sexual activity or simply due to the normally growing womb and baby
• Bleeding may indicate an abnormal pregnancy
• If you are bleeding there is a risk of miscarriage or less commonly an ectopic pregnancy

FACTS ABOUT BLEEDING IN EARLY PREGNANCY

• It is NOT your fault!
• Spicy meals, drinking the occasional coffee or alcohol, thinking negative thoughts, vomiting, taking Panadol, playing sports , riding horses and having intercourse have not been shown to cause miscarriages.
• It is a good idea to rest
• About 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriages
• The majority of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the baby
• Your body senses this chromosomal abnormality and by a process of natural selection terminates the pregnancy

What is a threatened miscarriage?

A threatened miscarriage is the term used for pregnancies in which there is some early vaginal bleeding which occurs over several days or weeks. The amount of blood loss can vary greatly. A threatened miscarriage may result in miscarriage, although very often, with rest, the bleeding can stop and the outcome is usually good.

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is a spontaneous ending of pregnancy usually during the first trimester. In most cases there is some small problem with the pregnancy. In some cases the baby has not developed at all and there is just a small amount of tissue in the uterus.

In a vast majority of cases miscarriage occurs by chance and could have happened to anyone. Many women have at least one miscarriage during their reproductive life and go on to have normal pregnancies.

In the next blog, I will discuss when you should worry and what you should do what you should and shouldn’t do if you are bleeding in early pregnancy. As always, if you are worried... ask your doctor, get help and get advice!