Bleeding in pregnancy

Advice on the possible causes of bleeding during early and later pregnancy, including information on miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and implantation.

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Pregnancy problems > Bleeding in pregnancy

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Bleeding may occur at various times in pregnancy. Although bleeding is alarming, it may or may not be a serious complication. The time of bleeding in the pregnancy, the amount, and whether or not there is pain may vary depending on the cause.

It is important to contact your doctor if you have any bleeding at all during your pregnancy.

Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is quite common and may be due to the following:

• Miscarriage (pregnancy loss)



• Ectopic or Tubal pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube)



• Gestational trophoblastic disease (a rare condition that may be cancerous in which a grape-like mass of foetal and placental tissues develops)



• Implantation of the placenta in the uterus



• Infection

Bleeding in late pregnancy (after about 20 weeks) may be due to the following:

• Placenta previa (placenta is near or covers the cervical opening)



• Placental abruption (placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus)



• Unknown causes