Any type and amount vaginal spotting, bleeding or spotting could trigger off a lot of concern in women, as well as their health care providers. Although a lot of people are not aware of it, there is a difference between bleeding and spotting. Bleeding usually refers to the flow of bright red blood, whereas spotting is either pink or brownish in color.
There are several women who experience brown or pink spotting during pregnancy. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for a medical health care provider to determine what the exact cause of the pink spotting during pregnancy is. Of course, the time at which the pink spotting is noticed also plays an important role.
For example, in case a woman notices light brown or pink spotting during pregnancy 1st trimester, it could be a result of implantation, where the fertilized egg gets attached to the lining of the vagina. However, since this process happens around a week or so after pregnancy, there are several women who do not even know that they are pregnant.
Another cause of pink spotting during pregnancy could be an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. However, this problem is usually also accompanied by symptoms such as cramps and severe abdominal pain. At times, women have notice pink spotting in pregnancy because of conditions that are not really related to pregnancy, or even because of infections. A woman could suffer from vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections and irritation or inflammation in the cervix.
Certain women are asked to undergo a pap smear, which could lead to light pink spotting in pregnancy. There have been several pregnant women who have seen noticed spotting, after engaging in strenuous physical activity or sexual intercourse. Although rare, a benign growth known as a cervical polyp is also likely to cause bleeding or spotting.
In case the pink spotting during pregnancy is seen during the third trimester, it could be an indication of serious conditions such as placental abruption, placenta previa, late miscarriage or even premature labor. In women who have crossed 37 weeks, pink spotting could be an indication that the mucus plug has been dislodged and that the baby is about to arrive.
Although it is not uncommon to experience pink spotting during pregnancy, women should not just leave it unchecked. All instances of vaginal discharge, bleeding and pink spotting during pregnancy should be investigated by a doctor, without any delay.
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