Can I Bleed & Be Pregnant?

Bleeding vaginally can occur during pregnancy. Bleeding in the first trimester is common, depending on the amount and duration, but it could be also be a sign of a problem. Bleeding in the second and third trimester can indicate complications. You should always wear a pad to monitor the amount of bleeding and report this to your health care provider.

First Trimester Bleeding

Bleeding in the first trimester can happen for many different reasons. Implantation bleeding is normal and can occur within six to 12 days after conception. This type of bleeding is light spotting and you should not be concerned. Most women worry about bleeding being an indication of a miscarriage. According to the American Pregnancy Association, about half of all pregnant women who experience bleeding do not have a miscarriage. Signs of a miscarriage with bleeding usually include strong cramping in the lower stomach and tissue being passed through the vagina. An infection of the urinary tract can cause you to bleed during pregnancy. You may experience bleeding after intercourse due to the cervix being tender. Having intercourse does not cause a miscarriage. If you do have some bleeding after intercourse, notify your doctor.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy could be a complication during the first trimester that would cause you to bleed. An ectopic pregnancy can cause bleeding, abdominal pain, cramping, sharp pains or dizziness.You should seek emergency care if you have these symptoms. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition where the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus, usually the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies cannot continue due to the high risk of complications.

Second & Third Trimester Bleeding

According to the Mayo Clinic, second and third trimester bleeding can be caused by placenta previa, placental abruption, premature opening of the cervix, preterm labor, cervical infection or a uterine rupture. Placenta previa is when the placenta is lower in the uterus and is partly or completely covering the cervix. Placental abruption generally is a complication that occurs in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. These are all serious complications that can pose a threat to both you and your unborn baby. Always consult your physician if you experience bleeding of any nature during the second or third trimester. Complications can usually be managed by your health care provider if caught during the early stages. Make sure to note how much blood you have passed, the color and consistency of the blood, and if there were any tissue or clots passed. Your doctor will need to know this information.

Procedural Bleeding

Fertility procedures can also cause bleeding. Bleeding can be common after artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. These invasive type procedures go through the cervix to inject semen or implant fertilized eggs. This can cause irritation to the cervix, which in turn, may result in some bleeding. If the procedure is successful, you would be pregnant. Your physician should be notified if bleeding does occur.

Considerations

During the final weeks of pregnancy you may experience bloody show. Bloody show is when the mucous plug that has been covering the cervix for the last nine months comes off and is expelled from the vagina. This is normal and usually indicates your labor will begin soon. You should notify your physician when this happens.