Spotting during pregnancy

First Trimester Spotting: Because bleeding during any phase of pregnancy could be a sign of danger and you should call your doctor immediately if you have any such vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding in this context usually refers to abnormal bleeding, not your regular menstrual period. First trimester bleeding is any such bleeding in early pregnancy, specifically the first 3 months. Vaginal bleeding can vary from a light spotting all the way to severe bleeding with clots. Some women however, continue to have light periods or spotting in pregnancy, especially in the first few months. Vaginal bleeding is common in early pregnancy, and can complicate 20-30% of all pregnancies. Spotting is common when the egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus. This is known as implantation bleeding or spotting and can be normal. However, if you know you are pregnant and you experience spotting check in with your health care practitioner immediately.

Cause of Spotting: Spotting is very light bleeding, similar to the bleeding one usually has at the beginning or end of a normal period. It can vary in color. And can be pink, red or brown. Hormonal changes cause the cervix to become extra sensitive at this stage, so even the slightest bump or trauma can cause some bleeding. This is not harmful to your pregnancy. It's not always possible to pinpoint the cause of the spotting or bleeding. The blood supply to your cervix and pelvis has increased at this stage, and it's not unusual to see spotting after a Pap smear, an internal exam, or sex. Implantation bleeding is another possibility. It occurs when the trophoblast, the tissue surrounding the egg, becomes attached to the uterine wall and slowly eats its way into the lining. In the process, it eats through the mother's blood vessels, forming pools of blood. When these pools form near the surface, they can often cause bleeding. This kind of bleeding is lighter than a menstrual period, and consists of pink or brown colored blood. It occurs in the first month of pregnancy. Spotting or bleeding can also be an early warning sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, Sometimes, the causes for spotting can be unrelated to pregnancy. A vaginal infection like yeast or a bacterial infection, a sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and herpes can cause irritation or inflammation of the. An inflamed cervix can lead to spotting after sex or an internal exam. In the second or third trimester, bleeding or spotting can be a warning sign of serious conditions like placenta previa, placental abruption, a late miscarriage, or even premature labor.

Special Case: If you have Rh-negative blood, you should get a shot of Rh immune globulin if you notice any vaginal spotting or bleeding.the only exception is if you know for sure that the father of your baby also has Rh-negative blood, or if it is certain that the bleeding is not uterine. Light brown spotting is not uncommon in a large percentage of pregnant women. Though sometimes it may be an indicator of bad news, mostly it is harmless, especially when it appears in the first trimester. However, if it becomes heavy or if it turns red, go to your doctor immediately.