6 Causes Of Bleeding In Early Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, any sign that you’ve been bleeding can be incredibly scary. But don’t panic: Spotting during pregnancy is a lot more common than you think, and most of the time it’s nothing to worry about. For instance, you might be thinking, I’m 8 weeks pregnant and bleeding when I wipe, what to do now? Relax. Yep, that’s what.

Even though spotting in early pregnancy is common and can be perfectly normal, it can drive fear into the heart of the expectant mother. Bleeding in pregnancy is expected in many instances and can be completely normal. Other times, it can indicate a failing pregnancy, miscarriage, a problem with the placenta, or premature labour.

All in all, it’s a good idea to see your doctor anytime you’re experiencing spotting. You want to make sure both you and your baby are safe. But before you assume the worst, here are some common causes for light bleeding during pregnancy.

The Embryo Is Implanting

“8 weeks pregnant and bleeding when I wipe” Should you worry?

One of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy is light bleeding. So if you’re hoping to conceive but find that you’re bleeding just a little bit around the time of your expected period, it’s possible you were successful after all. This bleeding is usually because the embryo is implanting into the wall of the uterus around 10-12 days after fertilization. Fertilization of the embryo occurs right in the middle of a woman’s 28-day cycle, and implantation happens 10-12 days later. So this bleeding is easily mistaken for a period. The difference is that it’s usually lighter and lasts only a day or two rather than 5 to 7 days.

You’re Having A Light Period

Even though it might seem crazy, you can still have your period when you’re pregnant — and that means some spotting will occur. Bleeding can take place at around 6 to 8 weeks of gestation. This is at the time when a woman’s period would normally occur in the second month. Even some women a few years into menopause continue to have periods. The same is true in pregnancy, with bleeding occurring around 8 weeks because the body is so used to bleeding each month. But unlike regular period blood, this bleeding is typically really light and limited to spotting or dark brown blood.

You Had Sex

Having sex during pregnancy can be lots of fun — and is totally encouraged! But if you experience some spotting after, it’s probably no big deal. As pregnancy progresses, many women will experience spotting after intercourse. This is normal and occurs because the cervix becomes vascular. Bumping it due to sex can cause minor spotting. Many women experience this and as long as it occurs after intercourse and is only slight streaking or a spot or two, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

You Just Had A Pelvic Exam

If you’re worried about some spotting after a doctor’s visit, don’t fret. Spotting can happen after a sonogram or pelvic exam by your doctor or medical practitioner. This happens due to a normal increase in blood flow to the uterus and cervix.

You Have An Infection

Unfortunately, pregnancy doesn’t give you a pass from all the normal, super-fun vagina stuff ladies deal with. That means you’re still susceptible to infections, which can cause a little blood to appear. If a woman contracts a vaginal infection such as yeast, she could experience some cervical bleeding.

You Had A Miscarriage

While some spotting is harmless, it can also mean something more serious. Bleeding due to a miscarriage begins right around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy. It starts with spotting, progressing to heavy cramping, and then a heavier than normal period. In these instances, women may have felt symptoms of their pregnancy subside before the actual miscarriage bleeding begins. This causes real fear about losing the pregnancy.

When To Worry

Bleeding, in general, is more disturbing when it is heavy (more than that of the heaviest day of a regular menstrual period), and accompanied by abdominal pain.

While any bleeding is alarming, it is not associated with miscarriage unless heavy bleeding occurs, resulting in approximately a 24 percent risk of loss.

Note: If you are in extreme pain or are experiencing a lot of bleeding, you should see your doctor immediately. Otherwise, take note of the bleeding (its colour, frequency, duration, and amount), and any other symptoms that accompany it so you can let your doctor or midwife know about it.

Also read: What Similarities And Differences Lie Between Stillbirths And Miscarriages?