Early Pregnancy Bleeding – Implantation Bleeding, Miscarriage Or Infection?

Not all early pregnancy bleeding is a cause for worry or a sign that something is wrong. In a number of cases, early pregnancy bleeding is considered perfectly normal and no reason for concern.

One kind of early pregnancy bleeding is caused by the process of implantation.

One in four pregnant women will experience implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg is being implanted into the uterine lining and seeking sustenance from the mother’s circulatory system.

This happens some days after conception and a few days before a woman’s actual period would have arrived.

This is nothing to worry about so long the bleeding is light and does not consist of fresh blood.

Early pregnancy bleeding in small qualities could also result after a pelvic exam or intercourse at times. This is due to the increased blood flowing into the pelvic region, particularly the cervix which could be slightly inflamed.

Early pregnancy bleeding however could be cause for worry when the following other symptoms are also present:

  • If the bleeding is heavy and goes on for more than a day or two this could be an indication that all is not well with the baby. This could be the sign of a threatened miscarriage. According to some statistics, as many as 15 to 20% of pregnancies are not carried to term but end in miscarriages, which occur most commonly within the first trimester (first 12 weeks).
  • The color of the blood discharged is also an indicator to watch out for: pinkish or brownish blood is not usually cause for concern; if it is bright colored, fresh blood that could be problematic.
  • Also cause for concern is the consistency. If the blood contains clots, or tissue then it could be cause for concern.
  • If the early pregnancy bleeding is accompanied by cramping pain this could be the sign of a problem with the pregnancy. This is particularly the case if there is fever or chills or dizziness being experienced.
  • If the bleeding is accompanied by pain, particularly one sided pain, there could be a chance that this is an ectopic pregnancy and there is a need for immediate medical attention. There could be internal bleeding and the very life of a pregnant woman may be in peril here.
  • Some early pregnancy bleeding can also be due to an infection such as a sexually transmitted disease or a yeast infection. This would also require medical attention; most such cases are able to be resolved without harming the baby.
  • Bleeding other than early pregnancy bleeding; i.e. that which occurs later in the pregnancy could be an indication that there is a problem with the placenta.

It is a good idea to report any bleeding during pregnancy to a doctor, including details about the amount, color, consistency, duration and length of bleeding experienced.

Any other symptoms such as pain, cramping, fever, chills, dizziness, should also be reported accurately, so that the doctor is able to arrive at the clearest diagnosis as to the cause of the early pregnancy bleeding.

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