Bleeding in pregnancy
Advice on the possible causes of bleeding during early and later pregnancy, including information on miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and implantation.
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:
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
- Placenta previa (placenta is near or covers the cervical opening)
- Placental abruption (placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus)
- Unknown causes
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We had my son 3 years ago. Very stressful pregnancy. I have lupus and sjogrens syndrom which affects the pregnancy and can affect the baby. We tried for a long time and I was also quiet sick with my diseases at the time. I was worried we couldn't have a child together. My specialist said that she thought my body was to sick to carry a baby. Within a week of her telling us I found out I was pregnant and further along than when most people find out. I had not known I was pregnant as I was still bleeding. I had had a number of tests during the weeks previously so was quiet worried. First doctor I saw just told me to give up that it was more than likely already gone. We did a scan and it was fine. Around 8 weeks. But I kept bleeding and got to the stage I was too scared to go to the toilet as I had blood every time. Sometimes brown sometime bright red. My new doctor was very good and explained the red blood was fresh blood and brown was old blood. I had stomach cramps and bleeding all the way through. Due to my diseases and the bleeding we went to a special fetal medicine unit and saw a specialist throughout. Even though I had been quiet sick before the pregnancy, and usually pregnancy makes other patients worse I actually got better with my disease. Still stressed due to bleeding. Anyway nothing wrong with baby, sjorgrens can cause heart issues with the fetus, we were worried as I had been so sick in the beginning this would occur. It did not and we had a beautiful baby boy. We did have complications during child birth but that was due to early induction as doctors being careful. He was in intensive care for a week but healthy otherwise.
A few years later my husband really loved having our large family as did I so we tried again. Once again bleeding straight away. Stressful again. This time though I was even further along and just felt it wasn't right. My doctor thought it would all be fine. First ultra sound showed nothing and I was told it was too early but I knew I had to be around 10 weeks at least. I asked for an early anti D shot as I am O neg. My doctor booked me in for a special ultra sound for the next week. I was sure there was something wrong. Over that weekend, which was the easter long weekend I bleed even more heavily and eventually lost the baby. I finally understood the amount of blood I had to loose for a miscarriage. Didn't help that I had to take asprin every day during pregnancy so probably bleed more. So we lost the baby.
We then tried for again for months, and have since found out we are pregnant again. This time I did a test earlier and found out really early. I was bleeding again but not as bad as the previous one at that stage. Saw my doctor and she booked a scan for a few weeks later as I was very very early pregnancy. My bleeding actually got worse. But ever since I had my youngest son who is 3 I have been very healthy. My specialist calls him our miracle baby as not only did he beat the odds but he seems to cure me, I was in remission. Still am.
But I am worried again due to so much bleeding. Every day, every time I go to the toilet. Slight stomach cramps. Difference is I still have pregnancy symptoms this time, whereas before loosing the previous baby I had lost all symptoms. We had ultra sound which did not show so did an internal. Just showed but we did see heart beat. But they said we were very early around 5 weeks 4 days. But I am confused, is this the fetal age or the pregnancy age which is usually 2 weeks longer. If it is the pregnancy age then it doesn't make sense as it would make the fetus only 3.5 weeks but pregnancy test was done 4 weeks prior. So quiet worried, plus the bleeding getting worse. I have taken it easy won't do any exercise and rest a lot, as much as I can with three kids and working full time.
I am very lucky I have 3 beautiful children, but would love an additional child plus for my husbands sack. My eldest are now 12 and 14, and he has brought them up as his own. But now that their father is in their lives he knows deep down they are not his. He is a great dad and I so want to give him his own kids as well. We do have one together but due to the large age gap would be great for a sibling. The new baby is actually due two days after our sons birthday.
Anyway would love to hear other experiences with bleeding. We are booked in with the fetal medicine unit again on the 2nd March. Hopefully all ok.
Thanks
I wish to share my story.
In August 2009, I was 5 weeks pregnant. I notice few spots of blood on my pant shield. I decided to Google and read about it and on most websites, people were saying it's normal to experience light bleeding during first few weeks of pregnancy. My instinct told me that there was something wrong and I needed to go to the hospital. I think there is a special feeling that God has put in each and every woman and whenever something is wrong with our body or babies, this feeling is triggered and no matter how much assurance you get, you just know it.
I went to A & E and had to wait for 6 hours before seeing a Doctor. The Doctor requested to see the drop of blood on my pant shield and when I showed him, he busted into laughter and ridiculed me. He said to me madam, you are not serious. This Doctor sent me home without checking the baby and told me not to worry as small drops of blood is common.
I went home feeling like a fool, the blood drops continued and few days later; I was due for a scan. I went to the Hospital and was told my baby had no heartbeat. I was sent home and told the body will pass the foetus naturally. First of all I still do not know at what stage I lost the baby and second of all, I look back and think actually when that Doctor thought I was crazy, something was actually wrong with my baby.
What I want to say to every woman out there is listen to your body, if instinct is strong then follows your instinct. It does not matter whether you have just one drop, better be checked just to make sure.
I would like to post my story about my 3rd pregnancy to the ladies who are after some hope....
After 8 years in unhappy marriage and 2 years of single mum's life finally I've met my Mr Right. Things picked up very quickly form there, on our second date he asked me to move in together and after few month he asked me to marry him, which I did....
Life was perfect, us I had two gorgeous kids from previous marriage (daughter 11 and son 7) I've noticed one thing about my new husband - he was a really great dad to them!!!!!! (and still is))) This was the right time to extend our great family, we needed someone to spoil :)))) someone who will get a lots of love and care from all four of us...
After a month of trying hard I was so disapointed when my periods started... that meant we failed :((((
But in a weak time I started to have a morning sickness episodes. I did a pregnancy test just in case....
Two lines came up in a very bright pink!!!!!!!!!!! We were over the moon, all of us (we told kids at the very same day) I was so excited about everything: maternity clothes, baby clothes, picking up the names, scans, having a break form my work even about night feeds and nappy changes. The only one thing was annoying - waiting! 8 month to meet our new baby - tooo long....
When I was 6 weeks, I was electrocuted at my work place, I was working as a theatre nurse and accidently got in contact with patient clothes when we where using a laser coagulator. A strong pain went trough my left arm..... electricity goes through all your body and can affect your heart rate even up to 48 hours after contact. I was told that my baby got 20% of survival chance... I had to do a pregnancy test after two days to see if I am still pregnant... Those two days where the longest days in my life.... i was imaging my baby dying from heart attack and that would be only my fault.... i was begging my baby for another chance, promised that I will take a better care about it if only.... After two days in a morning I did a test. Two very bright pink lines appeared!!!!!! I was soooo thankfull as only i could be, I was crying my eyes out for abut a day.... but this time it was a happiness tears...
Not for long in a week time when I went to the bathroom I had an orange discharge... panic went through my head... we rushed to A&E where we spend about 4 hrs to be seen and we needed another time to wait for the scan. As a medical person I went trough my notes and froze when riched potential diagnosis: ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage..... nothing promissing at all!!!!!!!!!!!! Again tears.... than scan shoving perfectly fine little peanut :))) with heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The first thing I did when came back home, rung my boss and quit my job as I didn't want to take any chances anymore, thanks God my husband could support as all.
After few days bleeding came back much stronger with cramps.... I though this is it.... Back to hospital at the scan I've received a news which nobody wants to hear: "... your baby is still.... " than after second "another sack.... heartbeat!" Than explanation: "You had two sacks, two babies, one is still, other looks great so far"...... Two babies!!!!!!! Why the first scan didn't show that? How is it possible that in 21 century one baby got missed at the scan??? ... happens... Than confused feelings grief and happines at the time, guilt... fear how can other baby survive if it twin is dead? scan showed that baby no 2 did dye at the gestation age 4 weeks, a week before accident with elecrocity. Again 30-40 % that our baby no 1 will survive...
Every day I had bleeding episodes and every time when it happened I freaked out, that this was it... but it wasn't!!!!!! Finaly after weak 20 bleeding stopped :)))))) Perfect scan, which showed that we are waiting for a little princess.... Happy Days!!!!!!
Not for long..... when I was 23 weeks trough, one very gressive lady-driver hit my car at the back..... I had a back+neck injuries and endless worries about my girl again!
And again hospital.... scan (which showed that my darling is ok)... than two days of waiting to confirm that everything is ok.
Finaly on the 28 of September 2010 our little darling arrived in this world absolutely healthy and beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
It was hardest pregnancy ever (my other two were absolutely fine)....
My daughter Natasha is tree month old now and when she smiles all world smiles around. SHE SOOOOO WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Iv had bleeding as far as I can remember with this pregnancy, and I spent ALOT of times on forums etc and they really helped me get thru it so i would just like to share my story :) *warning TMI* It started off with light brown discharge at 9.5 weeks after my 7 week dating scan! Then 1 week later at 10.5 weeks i had a small cramp and quite a bit of red blood, i thought for sure that was it, i had miscarried. nope! scan was fine baby was growing good and they couldnt find where it was coming from.... and from then on every day i had brown discharge ranging from light to dark. iv scince had more red blood and discharge, iv been lucky enough to have a scan done almost every week scince i was 7 weeks pregnant and been able to see my beautiful baby grow. i had a 14 + 5 week scan yesterday due to more bleeding, and he/she is perfect and still cant find whats causing it, my midwife, GP and specialist all say its alot common than we think. i just like to see positive stories. :) SORRY for the ramble and good luck!! xox
I'm going into my 6th week of being pregnant. 2 weeks ago i started seeing brown discharge. I didn't panic, cuz its the same kind of discharge i see the last few days of my period! After that it started getting really DARK. When i went to my gyno, he checked me out and we both heard the baby's heart beat! He said i needed to be careful and relax more!! I understood why! Before i knew i was pregnant we did some renovating, about a week of hard work and fatigue! He gave me Utrogestan, which i have been taking and its been helping! I havent been to work and i see him next week for a 3D of the baby! Pray that everything goes well!!!! Its my first child =)
Have heard the heart beat with doppler and no more bleeding. General consensus is that he needs to be a bit more gentle.
I have just joined this site and really looking for some advice in what i should do if at all?? i found out i was pregnant on saturday, period due on the sunday, been to doctors etc. I am roughly just over 4 weeks pregnant. I woke up last night in the early hours, needed a wee, when i wiped there was bright red blood. i have been so upset. it has continued when i have had a wee today when i wipe and there have been anout 4 clots i have seen. i wouldnt say im having a period as yet?? as there is no consistent flow, i have no pain, no cramps. only slight lower back pain but more of a deep ache. the doctors have said, bleeding is common and i should rest for a couple of days and see what happens with the bleeding??? i am so confused?? am i loosing my baby? how and when will i know if i am still pregnant? i am 38 yrs old, i have an 11yr old and this is my second pregnancy, it was so unexpected but since pregnancy was cofirmed, i so dont want to loose my baby!!!! has anyone got any advice out there at all?? thanks
I'm in my third pregnancy, I'm 8 weeks today. Last Tuesday I started spotting brown blood which by Wedsnesday was bright red and complete with various size clots. unfortuantly my flow was very heavy. Scan to confirm mc showed a sack, with fetus, with heartbeat but the sonographer said it was slower than it should be?! Bleeding and pain continued til yesterday where we went to a&e. They examined me. Checked my wee and said test was negative and wanted to book me for d&c. Consultant on ward did another examination and said it was a complete miscarriage and go home. The bleeding has stopped now, and I've just done another test, which is positive. Could they have got it wrong? Could I still be pregnant? I'm holding on to the fact there was a baby, with a heartbeat despite me bleeding and losing clots.... Am I setting myself for more heart ache? Any advice is much much appreciated. Thank you xxx
take care and good luck everybody
xxx
i was in allot of pain with my back and what felt like period pains 2days ago. I went to the hospital to get checked and was told everything was normal it was just muscle pain. Also the took a urine sample and said i had protein in my water which could be a kidney infection.
The pains gone but when i went to the tolilet was bright red blood in the toliet, then when i checked again 10min later it was a browny colour.
Not quite sure what 2 do, hospital said i was ok, and have the doctor in the morning should i just speak 2 the doctor tomorrow?
was very worried last week when i had some minor bleeding at 12 weeks. Read lots of forum comments and spoke to family and friends who had all had some spotting and succesful pregnancies to follow. Felt reassured by all of this. Do not want to scare others in doubt but feel it is wise to remind that there are 2 sides to the story and it doesn't have to be red blood and intense cramps to be a sign of trouble. My scan showed that my baby had died a few weeks ago, I carried on oblivious, starting to think about maternity clothes, telling everyone and buying things for the nursery. In hindsight, the morning sickness had gone as quickly as it had arrived and my tummy had started to swell and then stayed much the same. Feel gutted obviously and must now pick myself up and start all over again. But just wanted to balance up this discussion as I feel we all have a preconception of miscarriage and the signs(myself included) when in reality some of us may experience very little to suggest there is anything wrong. If in any doubt, have a scan to put your mind at rest. Good luck to all!
druring the night when i used the bathroom,i think i may of had spotting but am unsure of what this looks like,and the amount thats known as spotting and not signs of danger,am not in any pain or anything,and apart from feeling abit light headed and tired i feel fine,3 times, on tissue after ive used bathroom, during night and this mrng,and its not red at all, its dark kinda brownish!can anyone help me out with a bit of advice!thanks, amanda.