What to Know About Pregnancy Spotting

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Many women have some minor vaginal bleeding in the first 12 weeks after becoming pregnant. Among the possible causes of such bleeding there are:

1. The implantation is a common cause for pregnancy spotting. You can see a slight bleeding in early pregnancy, about 10 days to 2 weeks after conception. This bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterine endometrium. Usually, this bleeding occurs early and is different, lighter than a regular menstrual period, and it does not take so long. The women can mistake this light bleeding with menstruation and they do not realize they are pregnant.

2. When you are pregnant, a greater amount of blood flows through the cervix. You will have a small vaginal bleeding after a contact with your cervix (after sex or after a pelvic examination).

3. The vaginal bleeding is the first sign of miscarriage, but the pregnancy spotting does not necessarily mean you will suffer a miscarriage. Remember that the majority of women who have vaginal bleeding bring healthy babies into the world.

4. From time to time an embryo implants outside the uterus, more often than not in the fallopian tube. This process is called an ectopic pregnancy. The embryo that has implanted outside the uterus cannot survive, and it is likely to have a bleeding that can be life threatening, if not treated. Besides bleeding, you can experience an ectopic pregnancy or pelvic abdominal pain.

5. Some cervical infections cause pregnancy spotting.
If in the first trimester you experience a light spotting that disappears in less than one day, you should inform your doctor next visit. If you have a bleeding that lasts more than a day, go to the doctor within 24 hours.

The pregnancy spotting in the second and third trimester

When the cervix starts to relax preparing for giving birth, the cervix mucus plug is removed. At the time this happens, you may notice a leak that may resemble the color of blood. This is a normal process that may take place a week or two before birth.

This leakage that occurs close to birth is not a concern, but others may be:

1. Abortion – Vaginal bleeding is the main signs of miscarriage. Although abortions are more common in the first quarter, the risk prevails in the second quarter.

2. Preterm birth – Bleeding in the second or in the second trimester may be a sign of preterm labor, particularly when it is accompanied by regular contractions, back pain or any type of pelvic pressure.

3. Problems with the cervix – An infection, an inflamed cervix or some growths on the cervix can cause certain pregnancy spotting. Sometimes, a light bleeding can be a sign the cervix opens too early (cervical incompetence) and may lead to premature delivery.

4. Uterine rupture – The uterus rarely breaks, but this may occur in women who have had a previous cesarean. Uterine rupture can produce vaginal bleeding, strong abdominal pain and abdominal softness. If you suffer a uterine rupture (whether before or during birth), this requires an emergency cesarean in order to prevent complications.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience pregnancy spotting in second or third trimester of pregnancy (regardless of its intensity or duration) and if accompanied by pain, cramps, fever, chills or contractions.