Acid for pregnant women with bleeding. Bleeding in early pregnancy: normal or cause for concern? Diagnosis of uterine bleeding
Vaginal bleeding does not necessarily indicate any abnormalities in the development of pregnancy. As the placenta grows, many blood vessels form, so it's not surprising that one of these tiny capillaries can sometimes rupture. In this case, discharge or even slight bleeding is possible. About 20 percent of women with normal pregnancies experienced vaginal discharge or bleeding during the first weeks of pregnancy.
In what cases should you not worry. Bleeding, which should not cause you concern, is usually painless, transient, not very heavy, and is not accompanied by other symptoms. The color of the blood is red or pinkish and does not contain tissue fragments.
The three most common causes of safe bleeding during the first months of pregnancy are:
- "Implantation" bleeding. Occurs two to four weeks after fertilization, when the embryo is introduced into the uterine mucosa rich in blood vessels. Such bleeding can be mistaken for menstruation, especially if you have irregular periods.
- Menstrual bleeding. The developing placenta produces hormones that suppress menstruation, but in the first weeks, the levels of these hormones may not be high enough to completely prevent periods. Therefore, in the first and second months of pregnancy, you may experience slight bleeding at the right time.
- Bleeding after intercourse. Bleeding after intercourse is fairly common and is not dangerous.
If bleeding is heavy enough to soak a sanitary napkin, is painful, prolonged, accompanied by crampy abdominal pain, weakness, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. Lie down and wait for a call from the doctor. Store the blood-soaked pad and fetal tissues in a clean container.
When talking to the doctor, try to remain calm in order to give him all the necessary information; only in this case, he will be able to determine whether you need medical attention or whether it is too early to worry. The doctor needs to know how the bleeding started (suddenly or gradually), how profuse it is, how long it lasts and what its nature is (blood is bright red, brownish, pink, contains clots), have you noticed tissue fragments, is the bleeding accompanied by pain, spasms or other anxiety symptoms.
In most cases, occasional bleeding or vaginal discharge early in pregnancy is not a sign of trouble, and you will most likely have a healthy baby. If the doctor during a telephone conversation does not find reasons for concern, and you continue to worry, make an appointment with him the next day to get rid of anxiety. The doctor may order an ultrasound to determine if the baby is at risk of bleeding or not.
Sears W. and M. Expecting a baby. Eksmo, 2009
Is bleeding a sign of danger?
During pregnancy, bleeding from the vagina often worries expectant mothers. Logically, they shouldn't be? Is it really? Is the life of the mother and child really in danger?
Types of bleeding
Often, bleeding during pregnancy is possible for various reasons. In particular, implantation - some doctors call one of the first signs of an interesting situation. Since before implantation occurs, other signs are impossible, because before that the fertilized egg is not associated with the mother's body, but remains in the uterus in the so-called suspended state.
In turn, during implantation, penetrating into the uterine mucosa, the fetal egg can break the blood vessel. As a rule, this happens approximately on the 25-28th day of the cycle - when, in theory, there should be menstrual bleeding. That is why it is constantly confused with implantation.
However, unlike the usual menstruation, these bleedings are of a completely different nature - the discharge is less abundant, lasting a maximum of two days without increasing blood flow.
Breakthrough - appears due to a hormonal breakthrough. In other words, the cause of this phenomenon may be a sharp change in hormonal levels. It often recurs several times during pregnancy. That is why many women take such bleeding for critical days and do not even know about it.
By the way, breakthrough bleeding is not life-threatening and does not indicate any disease.
Erosion and infections
In addition, the causes of bleeding during pregnancy may be inflammatory and cervical. What may indicate the occurrence of spotting discharge, for example, after physical exertion, examination by a gynecologist, sex, etc.
In addition, bleeding and pain can cause. In other words, injuries of the cervical mucosa - both congenital and acquired as a result of various injuries and diseases.
Erosion does not affect pregnancy, child development and the birth process. Some experts believe that it is not necessary to treat it. Others, in turn, insist on getting rid of it.
Another thing is infection. It must be neutralized as soon as possible, as it can have a negative impact on the condition of the unborn child. In the worst case, cause a miscarriage or make the fetus unviable.
Possible miscarriage
The threat of miscarriage is the most serious cause of bleeding. In most cases, the probability of a miscarriage is high in the first month, when a woman is not yet aware of her interesting situation. Often this is due to genetic abnormalities: the mother's body rejects a non-viable fetus.
In addition, the cause of a miscarriage can be infectious and chronic ailments of the mother, hormonal failure, Rh conflict, pathologies of the structure of the uterus, etc. In addition, the likelihood of miscarriage increases with age and with multiple pregnancies. Women who smoke, drink and use drugs are also at risk.
What to do?
However, this does not mean that the occurrence of spotting can be ignored.
The main thing is not to panic, this can only harm yourself. In any case, you should call a doctor and lie down. After all, how quickly the expectant mother reacts depends on whether she can keep the pregnancy.
In addition, not only the embryo, but also the woman herself can suffer from bleeding. Therefore, rest is the most important advice, it is also undesirable to go to the hospital on your own by public transport.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the bleeding will be stopped first. Then analyzes will be made and studies will be carried out to determine the causes of the miscarriage, appropriate treatment will be prescribed, usually in a hospital, because few people can follow bed rest and perform all the procedures at home.
The outflow of blood from the genital tract during the bearing of a baby is a very dangerous symptom, especially in the early stages. This clinical sign can be the first signal of the development of many pathologies.
What causes bleeding during pregnancy?
During its intrauterine development, the fetus shares a common circulatory system with the mother. This feature is inherent in nature. In the first months of its development, the baby does not yet have its own blood vessels that would provide its body with the necessary nutrients and oxygen. They will appear a little later.
At the beginning of pregnancy, the embryo undergoes a very important process, which doctors call organogenesis. During it, the child begins to lay all the vital organs and systems. During this period even minor impacts can lead to very dangerous consequences for its further growth and development.
In the normal course of pregnancy, bleeding from the genital tract in a woman should not be. The appearance of blood on underwear is a warning sign. In some cases, it may indicate the development of dangerous pathologies that may threaten the development of the embryo.
In the first weeks
The appearance of spotting spotting at 4-5 weeks of intrauterine development of the fetus may indicate its successful implantation to the uterine wall. Usually at this time, a woman may have droplets of scarlet blood on her underwear. This symptom for many expectant mothers becomes truly frightening, as they are not yet aware of their new status.
6-7 weeks of pregnancy is usually the time of the first visit to the doctor. During this period, the woman stops menstruation, which leads her to a consultation with a specialist. After a gynecological examination, the expectant mother may experience slight bleeding or separate blood clots. You should not be afraid of this. This symptom will disappear on its own in a couple of days. In this case, physicians It is recommended to limit physical activity and keep calm.
After intercourse
The appearance of blood at 7-8 and subsequent weeks of pregnancy may be after sexual intercourse. In this case, damage to the mucous membrane of the vagina occurs, which leads to the appearance of a small amount of blood on the underwear. Many mothers are afraid of this symptom. You shouldn't be afraid of him. During pregnancy, you should only choose the most gentle postures used during intercourse.
After transvaginal ultrasound
At 10-12 weeks of gestation, the first transvaginal ultrasound is usually performed. It is necessary to identify pathologies in both the developing baby and his mother. This study is carried out on the appointment of an obstetrician-gynecologist who observes a woman during the entire period of her pregnancy.
After this procedure, some women may also experience bleeding from the genital tract. It is usually mild and disappears on its own after a few hours. In certain situations, an ultrasound examination can be performed earlier - at 9-10 weeks of gestation.
The appearance of drops of blood on underwear after a transvaginal ultrasound is most often an independent symptom. Usually this condition occurs without pain. A woman may only have slight discomfort in the genital tract after the examination. It also disappears quite quickly in a few days.
bubble skid
Bubble drift is a pathology that also leads to the death of the fetus. It is characterized replacement of the embryo with connective tissue. The cause of the development of this pathology, unfortunately, the researchers have not yet found. This condition does not pose a threat to the life of a woman. The fetus dies.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous pathology, which is usually manifested by the development of severe bleeding. This pathology usually manifests itself in women during the first trimester of pregnancy. The extreme degree of this condition is a rupture of the fallopian tube where the fertilized egg is located.
The beginning of the development of tubal pregnancy practically does not differ in any way from the usual one, which takes place in the uterus. The woman also becomes positive pharmacy test for hCG, there is heaviness in the mammary glands and there is a change in mood. All these signs are due to changing hormones that begin to be produced after conception.
The peculiarity of this pathology is only that the embryo is not implanted in the uterine wall, but remains in the tube. Such growth of the fetus is not provided for by nature, therefore it does not have further development. This leads to the fact that the woman starts bleeding heavily, which leads to a further miscarriage.
This condition usually causes numerous adverse symptoms in a woman. Some patients even lose consciousness. The intensity of the pain syndrome can be very pronounced. To reduce pain, the administration of painkillers is required, preferably by the parenteral route.
In this case, timely hospitalization is indispensable. Delay in transportation to the hospital can lead to the development of extremely dangerous complications. In the hospital, doctors remove all components of the fetal egg from the epididymis. Quite often, the entire fallopian tube is removed.
"Frozen" pregnancy
Frozen pregnancy is another pathological condition that can develop in early pregnancy. Quite often, it manifests itself in the second or third month from the moment the baby is conceived.
This pathology is characterized by the embryo under the influence of any reasons simply ceases to fully develop. This can be determined using special hormonal tests, as well as during ultrasound.
During the termination of pregnancy, a woman's symptoms begin to change. She feels much less soreness in her breasts. In some cases, she develops pain in the abdomen, which only increases over time. This condition is also characterized by an increase in temperature. Usually its values do not exceed 37.5 degrees.
Cervical erosion
Cervical erosion is one of the most common pathologies in the female population. It can occur even in women who have not given birth. Numerous factors lead to the development of this pathology.
Many cervical erosion doctors try to treat even before the onset of conception. Such therapy allows to achieve epithelialization of the mucous membranes and reduce the risk of possible complications during pregnancy. However, this does not always work out.
Many future mothers learn about the presence of this pathological condition in them only during pregnancy. In this case, any traumatic effects can contribute to the release of blood from the genital tract. These include: ultrasound, deep gynecological examination, sex, injuries, infections.
As a rule, doctors during pregnancy with cervical erosion are guided by expectant tactics, limiting the possibility of surgical treatment. If it is impossible to do without such therapy, then it is carried out only according to strict medical indications.
Polyposis
Polyposis is quite common in women. Many expectant mothers neglect the importance of treating this pathology before pregnancy. This is absolutely false! The background changing under the influence of hormones promotes the growth of polyps, which can lead to infection and even separation. Such situations, as a rule, are accompanied by bleeding.
Its severity depends on how large the detached formations were. Quite often, this pathology manifests itself at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy. It is still worth treating polyposis before pregnancy, as this is a rather lengthy process that requires mandatory rehabilitation time.
Phlebeurysm
Varicose veins are another pathology that leads to the development of bleeding from the genital tract. Usually its severity is moderate.
This pathology is accompanied by the development of other causes as well. In some women, varicose veins can also be seen on the legs. Rupture of the thin varicose wall of the uterine blood vessel and leads to the outflow of blood from the genital tract.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to the development of erosive forms of pathologies. When exacerbated, they are accompanied by various types of bleeding.
During pregnancy it is essential immunity decreases, which leads to the activation of many sexually transmitted diseases and their rapid development. Treatment in this case is carried out in conjunction with a venereologist. Drug therapy may be required to eliminate adverse symptoms.
Spontaneous abortion
Spontaneous abortion is another, no less dangerous clinical situation. Usually it proceeds against the background of complete well-being. A woman has a strong pain syndrome, localized mainly in the lower third of the abdomen. The pain can also spread to the anal area, as well as to the thighs. The pain syndrome is usually unbearable. From pain, a woman can moan, scream.
If the bleeding is massive, then she may also faint or lose consciousness. A woman develops severe dizziness, and general weakness is rapidly increasing. In this case, emergency hospitalization is required.
In this case, it is impossible to do without removing the fetal egg from the uterus. This procedure is carried out by gynecologists. After the operation, the woman is given recommendations and prescribed medications.
Symptoms
The intensity of the severity of clinical signs may be different. It largely depends on the situation that caused the development of bleeding. The severity also determines the amount of blood lost.
There are a number of clinical situations where losses become chronic. Usually this happens if a woman has any diseases of the reproductive organs.
Many infectious pathologies and erosive processes occurring in the uterus can also lead to the development of bleeding. In this case, blood accumulates between its layers and the future forming placenta. As a rule, in this situation, a woman notices only the appearance of drops of blood on the linen.
Persistent spotting causes her to develop an anemic condition, accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin. This condition adversely affects the intrauterine growth of the fetus, and can also lead to the formation of a number of defects and developmental anomalies in it.
Quite often, it happens that bleeding from the genital tract begins in pregnant women after taking a bath or a hot shower. This leads to a strong expansion of blood vessels under the influence of high temperature.
Various traumatic effects or intense physical exercise can also provoke the outflow of blood. Some women noted that they had bleeding from the vagina after lifting weights.
In some cases, blood on linen also appears when visiting the toilet. In this case, it is imperative to determine the source of bleeding. If blood is released directly during urination, then the cause may be associated with pathologies of the kidneys or urinary tract. Often, an exacerbation of chronic cystitis leads to the appearance of blood streaks in the urine.
Severe bleeding leads to severe anemization of the woman. This is manifested even in the change in its appearance. The skin becomes pale, cold to the touch. Lips turn blue. The area under the eyes and the zone of the nasolabial triangle acquire a gray color.
The woman begins to feel a rapid heartbeat. It's getting harder for her to breathe. This is how the lack of oxygen is manifested, which is caused by anemia that has arisen due to severe blood loss.
When a fetus dies in the womb, a woman experiences pain in her stomach. Its intensity increases every minute. For some women, even taking painkillers and antispasmodics in this condition does not lead to an improvement in well-being. The severity of the condition progresses every minute.
The critical degree of development of disorders is loss of consciousness. Before this, a borderline disorder usually develops - a “clouding” of consciousness. A woman's head begins to "spin", the feeling of space is lost, "flies" may flash before her eyes. Already with the onset of these symptoms, it is urgent to call an ambulance team. Procrastination in such a situation is very dangerous.
What to do?
If a woman has bleeding from the genital tract, this is an absolute indication for visiting a doctor. As a rule, emergency doctors suggest that all pregnant women be hospitalized. This must be done.
In the hospital, doctors will be able to establish the cause that led to the development of bleeding, and will also be able to provide a full range of all the necessary assistance.
The appearance of blood clots during pregnancy - this is an occasion for an unscheduled visit to your obstetrician-gynecologist. Consultation should not be delayed. It often happens that the expectant mother is simply afraid to see a doctor, thereby aggravating the development of pathology.
It is important to remember that the complications of many pathological conditions can be prevented only by consulting a doctor in time.
When bleeding starts, it is very important to remain calm. An ambulance must be called without delay. It is better to have someone close to the woman. This will allow her to be more calm and less nervous.
It is very important to ensure the flow of fresh air into the room. To do this, be sure to open the window or window.
With heavy bleeding, you need to put in the underwear a regular pad, which a woman uses during menstruation. You don't have to walk around the apartment. It is better to put a woman on a bed or sofa. At the same time, the legs can be slightly raised.
You should not wash or shower when bleeding starts. Hot water can only aggravate all symptoms. If a woman has dryness and strong thirst, then you can offer her to drink water. This will make her feel a little better.
Close relatives should prepare medical documents before the ambulance arrives. You will need a passport, an outpatient card and a compulsory medical insurance policy. Arriving doctors, most likely, will offer the woman to be hospitalized due to the severe severity of her condition.
Only with non-dangerous pathologies will a woman be left at home. In this case, you should definitely visit your obstetrician-gynecologist the day after such an incident.
In the next video, you will learn about whether bleeding is normal in early pregnancy.
Forms of bleeding in early pregnancy
Any bleeding during early pregnancy is not normal. Although it in equal proportions can be a natural physiological process. How
practice shows that bleeding occurs in a quarter of pregnant women, and it is worth noting that in most cases the outcome is favorable, the pregnancy has a good ending. Bleeding in early pregnancy comes in many forms: it can be almost imperceptible droplets and smear marks after going to the toilet in panties, or heavy bleeding that is more like menstruation, and maybe more severe. And if in the first situation the danger is not high, then in the next there is a real threat of abortion. Allocations can also be distinguished by color. They can be light pink, bright red or with a brown tint.
What causes bleeding?
Occasionally, women may experience small contractions, lower back pain, or pain similar to premenstrual periods. Although it is worth remembering that pain and discomfort in the abdomen, lower part of it, and lumbar pain are very common. Bleeding at the beginning of pregnancy is associated mainly with the fact that the uterus is growing.
It is very difficult for a pregnant woman herself, and sometimes it is not even possible, to independently determine what danger her spotting poses, since the symptoms of various degrees of threat may be similar. Therefore, regardless of whether there is a slight bleeding or discharge, it is necessary to urgently go to the doctor.
What are the causes of bleeding?
The causes of bleeding during pregnancy can be varied. Some cannot be associated with pathology at all, they do not require the intervention of doctors and pass without any negative consequences. These include small menstruation, which can occur more than once during pregnancy. In terms of bleeding, it usually coincides with the date of the onset of menstruation. It can be caused by the influence of hormones that control menstruation. Small bleeding that lasts for a couple of days is associated with the process of attaching the fetal egg to the uterus. Bleeding in early pregnancy can also be caused by hydatidiform mole, which occurs when
abnormal development of the embryo and placenta. In this case, the pregnancy is artificially interrupted. It is also worth noting that bleeding in early pregnancy that requires immediate treatment or special care throughout pregnancy can cause:
cervical infections;
Irritation of the cervix, as under the influence of hormones during pregnancy, it becomes softer and more vulnerable;
Polyp of the cervix;
Large knots of fibroids on the uterus, which is located at the site of embryo implantation and placental development, and so on.
In this case, there can be a lot of different options, and, undoubtedly, the help of a qualified specialist will help to avoid complications in the future. Try to listen to yourself and do not bring the situation to the stage when a miscarriage has not begun.
Carrying a child is a wonderful, but very responsible period. Expectant mothers often closely monitor all the changes in their body and listen to new sensations. And if blood appears from the genital tract, then this can cause a real panic in a woman. Therefore, a pregnant woman must know what can cause such a reaction and whether bleeding is always a threat.
What happens in the mother's body after conception
The birth of a new life is not as simple a process as some might think. The egg and sperm cell do hard work before turning into an embryo from which a little man will develop. And conception (and this is the fertilization of the egg) is only the initial stage in the development of pregnancy. The next stage is much more responsible - implantation, when the fetal egg is attached to the inner surface of the uterus. 
Fertilization of the ovum is only the initial stage in the development of pregnancy.
After all, very often the fetal egg leaves the female body, for some reason failing to penetrate into the endometrium. A failed mother has another menstruation (maybe even a delay), and she does not even realize that conception has occurred in this cycle.
As a rule, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, then the zygote gradually moves towards the uterus (all this time its cells divide). This journey takes an average of 7 to 10 days. Although sometimes early or late implantation occurs.
- Early. The fertilized egg attaches to the surface of the uterus on the 6th day after fertilization. This is unlikely because the uterus is not yet quite ready to receive it, but still possible.
- Late. After 10 days. Basically, this happens after the IVF procedure, when the embryo needs more time to get used to the female body. Sometimes this happens during normal conception, and then implantation becomes a pleasant surprise for the expectant mother (after all, tests will not show such a pregnancy for longer).
The immediate moment of attachment of the embryo to the surface of the uterus lasts approximately 40 hours. After this, a period begins, called in gynecology embryonic development. It continues for 8 weeks. 
After the introduction of the fetal egg into the uterus, the period of embryonic development begins
In order for the fetal egg to successfully penetrate the endometrium and, accordingly, the pregnancy develops further, certain conditions are necessary in the female body:
- The thickness of the endometrium should be approximately 7–13 cm. It is a mistake to think that the larger this indicator, the better. Too massive mucosa is just as unfavorable for the attachment of the fetal egg as its lack.
- The uterine walls must contain enough nutrients for the further development of the embryo.
- The production by the mother of the required amount of progesterone, which is responsible for the safety of pregnancy and prevents the rejection of the endometrium.
Successful implantation largely depends on the thickness of the endometrium. Implantation is an important stage in the development of a new life. The female body at this time is in some shock, although the characteristic symptoms of pregnancy have not yet been observed. However, the expectant mother may notice some changes in her health and behavior:
- Small bloody discharge from the genital tract, pink or light brown.
- A slight pulling pain in the lower abdomen.
- Tingling sensation in chest.
- Metallic taste in the mouth.
- Weakness.
- Irritability, irritability, the appearance of a feeling of resentment towards everyone around.
Many of these symptoms mainly occur in particularly sensitive women who plan ahead and look forward to their pregnancy. Moreover, some expectant mothers even claim that they feel the implantation process itself - a tingling sensation in the stomach (as if someone is “scraping” there). Although, of course, this is unlikely, because the size of the embryo is extremely small.
Implantation bleeding - what is it?
The process of introduction of the fetal egg into the endometrium in some women (approximately 30% of pregnant women) is accompanied by a slight release of blood, which in gynecology is called implantation bleeding. In order to securely gain a foothold in the uterine cavity, the embryo deepens into its wall (“pulls out” a hole for itself), and damage to small vessels inevitably occurs. Since it is microscopic (due to the size of the embryo itself), the amount of blood released is negligible. It mixes with natural female secretions and is almost invisible. However, sometimes there is a little more blood, so much so that the expectant mother can find it on her underwear.
The introduction of the embryo into the uterus is inevitably accompanied by damage to small capillaries, which causes a slight release of blood. The discharge may be pinkish or brownish, sometimes clear with dark streaks (rarely bright red). They are always smearing, do not contain clots.
Implantation discharge may be pink or light brown in color. Implantation bleeding does not pose any danger to a pregnant woman. Its duration is from a couple of hours to two days. The amount of secreted mucus decreases, gradually it brightens.
As for the specific timing of such discharges, then, if we take as a basis a cycle of 28 days with ovulation on day 14, then implantation bleeding will begin at about 25–28 days. Around the same time, a woman usually expects her next period, and if she does not expect pregnancy, then she may well confuse these phenomena. However, implantation bleeding is not as profuse and lasts much less time. In addition, it does not increase, like menstruation after the first day.
Some experts consider implantation bleeding to be the first sign of pregnancy. Indeed, until the embryo is introduced into the uterus, there can be no other symptoms, because all this time it exists on its own (as if in a suspended state, not in contact with the mother's body at all).
Interestingly, the process of implantation is necessarily accompanied by a decrease in basal temperature. This is an accurate symptom, but it can only be determined if a woman is planning a pregnancy and monitors this indicator daily.
Video: Dr. Elena Berezovskaya talks about implantation bleeding
Other causes of early bleeding
In addition to natural bleeding during embryo implantation, blood during the first trimester of pregnancy can be released for other reasons, which are far from always harmless.
- Cervical erosion. It is an ulcer on the mucous membrane of the organ. As a rule, such a pathology occurs even before conception. But with the onset of pregnancy, the surface of the cervix becomes more sensitive, and the vessels overflow with blood. This is precisely what causes episodic spotting (they are not abundant). Blood can be detected after sexual intercourse, examination on a gynecological chair, or if the expectant mother just sits with her legs crossed. Erosion does not pose any threat to either the woman or the baby. Nevertheless, doctors advise a pregnant woman to undergo a colposcopy procedure (a small piece of tissue is separated for research) in order to exclude a malignant formation. It is recommended to treat erosion only after childbirth, otherwise there may be problems with the opening of the cervix.
- Infection. Discharges mixed with blood are sometimes observed when sexual infections enter the body of a woman - chlamydia, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, etc. During pregnancy, when the immune system is weakened, they can become more active and cause inflammation. Moreover, this poses a significant danger to the embryo: it may become unviable and the pregnancy will be terminated. Of course, it is ideal to treat all infections already at the planning stage, but there is also an infection after conception, which also requires mandatory therapy. Bloody discharge of an infectious nature is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor, itching, fever, and general weakness.
- Polyps in the uterus or cervix and cysts of the endocervix (the lining of the cervix). These formations are benign. Blood is secreted sparingly and painlessly. Pathology does not carry a risk for the embryo, however, if an infection gets into the wound, then there is a possibility of infection. The doctor may decide to remove the largest and most bleeding polyp from the cervix, but this is most often done after the baby is born.
- Lack of progesterone. In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the female body produces the hormone progesterone, which prepares the surface of the uterus for possible implantation. If conception has taken place, the level of this hormone increases even more. When, during pregnancy, progesterone is synthesized in insufficient quantities, the uterus begins to contract, bleed, as during menstruation. This leads to detachment of the fetal egg (at first partial, and then completely), which, if left untreated, leads to miscarriage.
- Risk of miscarriage. This condition can be caused by a variety of reasons (genetic disorders in the embryo, Rh conflict, abortions, hormonal imbalance, severe stress, etc.), but it always makes itself felt by vaginal bleeding. Allocations in this case can be spotting or profuse, episodic or prolonged, contain clots. Without urgent medical measures, the threat of miscarriage is fraught with the death of the embryo and loss of pregnancy.
- Endometriosis. With this gynecological pathology, endometrial tissue, which normally should be only in the uterus, appears in other places: the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, even in the abdominal cavity (a type of the disease is adenomyosis, when the endometrium grows into the deeper muscular layers of the uterus). During pregnancy, when the menstrual cycle stops, the overgrown endometrium sometimes begins to be shed, which manifests itself in the form of quite abundant bleeding.
- Ectopic pregnancy. If the fallopian tubes do not perform their contractile function well, the fertilized egg cannot enter the uterine cavity to gain a foothold there. And then it is implanted in the wrong place: most often in the same fallopian tube, less often in the cervix, ovaries or abdominal cavity. As the embryo grows, it becomes crowded, the fallopian tube is stretched, injured - the woman observes spotting (almost always accompanied by pain). If measures are not taken in time (we are not talking about saving the embryo here), then the organ will rupture with very severe bleeding and possible death.
- Frozen pregnancy. Small spotting at an early stage can signal the freezing of the embryo (for some reason, its development has stopped). At the same time, a woman often feels discomfort in her stomach, the mammary glands stop engorging, and toxicosis disappears. Sometimes the uterus itself tries to get rid of the dead embryo, but most often it is required to carry out curettage, moreover, as soon as possible in order to avoid sepsis.
- Bubble drift. Sometimes a woman develops a pathological pregnancy, in which the embryo does not develop, and the outer germinal membrane grows into many vesicles filled with fluid (the reason is chromosomal failures). At any stage of cystic drift, uterine bleeding can open, and quite plentiful.
- Low location of the placenta. If the fetal egg is fixed too low in the uterine cavity or completely blocked the entrance to the uterus, then spotting can be observed: they make themselves felt after sexual contact, during physical exertion, and lifting weights. A pregnant woman with a diagnosis of "low placenta previa", as a rule, is placed in a hospital where the necessary treatment is carried out.
- Carelessness in the process of sexual intercourse. Banal carelessness in this case can damage the vaginal mucosa, which increases its sensitivity during pregnancy. During sharp deep penetrations of the penis, trauma to the cervix is also very likely. All this may well be accompanied by a slight bleeding. By the way, such a reaction is also possible if the expectant mother inadvertently inserts vaginal suppositories or tablets.
- Menses on time (or breakthrough bleeding). In rare cases, women in the first 3-4 months of pregnancy experience spotting, which coincides in terms with menstruation (however, they are not so plentiful). Because of this, the expectant mother may not be aware of her “interesting position”. This situation is explained by minor hormonal disruptions that do not pose a threat to the embryo. However, on such “critical days” it is still better not to overstrain, rest more, not be nervous. In the second trimester, bleeding should stop.
If we talk about our own experience, then the author of this article at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, according to the results of an ultrasound examination, found a low location of the placenta (however, it did not come to bleeding). The gynecologist gave the necessary recommendations (sexual rest, a ban on lifting weights, etc.) and wrote out a referral to a hospital (albeit a day one), where medical treatment was carried out. During the next ultrasound (about a month later), it turned out that everything returned to normal - the position of the placenta became higher, and all the above prohibitions were lifted.
Photo gallery: possible causes of early bleeding
If the fetal egg is attached too low, then during physical exertion, bleeding is likely During pregnancy, the endometrium that has grown in the wrong places begins to be rejected In an ectopic pregnancy, as the embryo grows, the fallopian tube is injured, which causes bleeding Negligence during intercourse can lead to injury to the vagina and of the cervix in a pregnant woman, which is fraught with slight bleeding A polyp in the uterus or cervix can also bleed occasionally If a mole occurs at any time, uterine bleeding can open Bloody discharge can be a sign of inflammation that causes sexual infections, such as chlamydia During pregnancy, the cervix becomes more sensitive, and the existing erosion begins to bleed periodically
Video: obstetrician-gynecologist professor B.M. Petrikovsky talks about some of the causes of early bleeding
What should a pregnant woman do if spotting is detected?
If a pregnant woman finds spotting in herself, then in any case, the attending physician should be informed about this.
The exception is implantation bleeding, which often occurs even before pregnancy is delayed and diagnosed. If this happens, then the woman has a reason to suspect her “interesting position” and take a test in three or four days (it does not make sense before, since the hCG hormone begins to be synthesized by the embryo only after fixation).
No need to rack your brains and try to establish the cause yourself or self-medicate. Indeed, in some cases (ectopic pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, infection), delay means a risk to the health of the mother or child. Only a doctor will accurately determine the cause of the pathology (prescribe an ultrasound scan or the necessary tests) and select a qualified treatment.
