How to Identify Pregnancy Bleeding

Bleeding during pregnancy is never something a woman wants to experience. While some types of pregnancy bleeding are completely normal and harmless, most episodes of bleeding do warrant a call to the doctor. Only your obstetrician can determine whether or not the bleeding is a cause for concern. However, there are some signs you can look for to set your mind at ease while you wait to get in to your doctor’s office if you are experiencing bleeding during pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pads

1. Consider whether or not the bleeding could be implantation bleeding. While most women do not know they are pregnant when they experience implantation bleeding, some do. This pregnancy bleeding occurs when the embryo implants into the uterus, usually around the time the woman is due to get her period. This kind of bleeding is completely normal and harmless.

2. Consider whether or not the bleeding is happening in the first trimester. First trimester bleeding is common and usually harmless. However, it can be a sign of miscarriage, so talk to your doctor as soon as you notice it.

3. Notice whether or not the blood is getting on your underwear or soaking a pad. Blood that is present on the toilet paper when you wipe is usually not a cause for concern. If it starts to soak into a pad, it is usually an indication that something is wrong.

4. Think about any things that could have caused the pregnancy bleeding. During the first trimester, the cervix is very tender. Sex, vaginal exams, or even straining to go to the bathroom can cause some slight bleeding. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have experienced any of this the past few days.

5. Notice if you have any cramping and check if any tissue or clots are passing through the vagina. These are signs of a miscarriage and you should call your doctor right away.

6. Watch for bleeding in the first trimester that is accompanied by severe abdominal pain. This is a sign of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy, which occurs when the baby implants inside the fallopian tube. This requires medical attention.

7. Understand that bleeding during the second or third trimesters is not usually normal. This is often a cause for concern.

8. Watch for bleeding in the second trimester. If it is accompanied by pain, it could be placenta abruption, which occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus. If the bleeding is without pain, it could be a sign of placenta previa, a condition wherein the placenta blocks part of the cervix.

9. Understand that bleeding toward the end of pregnancy could indicate that labor is starting.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are bleeding, wear a pad so you can monitor the amount of blood that is passing.
• Remember that there is rarely anything that can be done for a miscarriage and there is nothing a mother can do, or not do, to cause or prevent it from occurring.
• Never try to self-diagnose pregnancy bleeding. Any bleeding during pregnancy is cause for a call to the doctor. The doctor can tell you whether or not it is a problem.
• Never ignore bleeding during pregnancy. Remember, some conditions can be improved with medical care, and the life of your baby could be at risk!

Resources

• Bleeding During Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Bleeding

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