Pregnancy is a period during which an expectant mother has to take utmost care of herself in order to ensure her wellbeing and for the benefit of the baby developing within her womb. A normal pregnancy term lasts for 40 weeks and complications may arise during this long journey. Bleeding in pregnancy is one such complication that is very commonly seen during pregnancy. Any form of bleeding must not be neglected under any circumstance as it could be a telltale sign of serious pregnancy complications that could trigger pregnancy loss. If diagnosed and treated in time, most of these pregnancies go on to be successful.
Its not recommended to keep any bleeding during pregnancy related doubt in mind.
Bleeding during pregnancy occurs due to a variety of reasons, ranging from minor to serious. Mild bleeding in early pregnancy is very common as is a result of the implantation process.
As the fertilized egg embeds itself in the uterine wall, light bleeding accompanied by mild cramps may be experienced. The bleeding is generally just enough to stain a tissue after urination. At times, the bleeding may by in the form of streaking or spotting and is never heavy. Genetic defects in the developing embryo may also manifest in the form of vaginal bleeding in the initial weeks of gestation and most of these pregnancies end in miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies and other such abnormal pregnancies may also be revealed with investigations to trace the cause of bleeding during pregnancy.
As the pregnancy progresses the causes for bleeding differ. A sensitive, vulnerable cervix is the main cause of bleeding during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Vaginal examinations and intercourse may result in damage to the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the cervix. Strain and the weight of the expanding uterus may also cause rupture of these blood vessels. This condition is not very serious. Nonetheless, consulting a doctor for any form of bleeding is highly recommended. An infection of the cervix called Cervicitis is another cause for bleeding during pregnancy.
Bleeding during the third trimester of pregnancy may indicate the onset of labor. If an expectant mother experiences the passage of the mucus plug streaked with blood much before her due date, immediate examination is essential so as to ensure that the mother is not going into preterm labor. Conditions like placental abruptions, placenta previa and uterine rupture could also be causes of bleeding in the third trimester and must be treated in time as they could prove fatal. Fetal growth retardation or loss of the baby within the womb could also lead to bleeding.
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