Why Does Spot Bleeding Happen During a Pregnancy?

Spotting (or light bleeding) during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. The reasons for it happening are various and can depend on the trimester. It is not usually serious and is a part of a normal pregnancy--although it can be a scary event to a pregnant woman if she does not know why it is happening.

  1. Implantation

    • Implantation bleeding occurs early in pregnancy, when the fertilized egg implants itself in the wall of the uterus. Implantation bleeding may initially be mistaken for a light period that only lasts a day or two at most.

    Ectopic Pregnancy or Molar Pregnancy

    • Though fairly rare occurrences, an ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg begins to grow inside the fallopian tube), and a molar pregnancy (when a mass begins to grow in the uterus rather than the fertilized egg) can both cause vaginal bleeding.

    Infection

    • An infection in the cervix can cause spot bleeding during pregnancy.

    Sensitive Cervix

    • The cervix is typically much more sensitive during pregnancy due to increased blood flow--being bumped during sexual intercourse or during an internal pelvic exam could cause bleeding.

    Labor

    • In late pregnancy, spot bleeding can occur as the mucus plug is released, indicating that labor may soon begin.

    Warning

    • Spot bleeding during pregnancy should be checked by a physician to rule out any problems. If you experience either heavy bleeding or spotting that won't stop, call your doctor immediately, as this may signify something more serious.

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