Bleeding during pregnancy can be alarming. There can be many reasons you're bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. Some are serious, while others aren't. Contact your healthcare provider so they can determine the cause of your bleeding and recommend treatment.
Bleeding during pregnancy happens for many reasons. It’s common to have bleeding at some point in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. However, vaginal bleeding at any time in pregnancy could indicate a complication or an underlying condition. It’s always a good idea to share your symptoms with your healthcare provider so they can determine if the bleeding is caused by something serious. Try not to panic and know that many people who experience bleeding during pregnancy have healthy babies.
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There's a difference between bleeding and spotting (light bleeding) during pregnancy. Spotting is when you notice a few drops of blood in your underwear. If you put a panty liner on, the blood won't fill it. Spotting during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is usually not concerning. Bleeding describes a flow of blood that's greater than a drop here and there. If you need a pad to keep it from ruining your underwear, it’s usually considered bleeding. Call your healthcare provider if you experience spotting or bleeding. They may want to examine you or perform an ultrasound to determine the cause. It’s better to be overly cautious to ensure you and the fetus are healthy.
Bleeding or spotting in the first trimester can be common and doesn’t always mean there is something wrong. Try not to worry. Take notes of the type of bleeding you see and call your healthcare provider to let them know your symptoms.
Some causes of bleeding in the first part of pregnancy are:
Bleeding in the second half of pregnancy is often associated with more serious conditions, so contact your healthcare provider immediately so they're aware of your symptoms.
Some conditions that can cause bleeding in the second and third trimesters are:
Sometimes bleeding isn't caused by any medical conditions and your healthcare provider won't be concerned. However, it’s always better to discuss any spotting or bleeding with them to make sure.
Other reasons you may bleed during pregnancy are:
Spotting in early pregnancy (the first trimester) is usually normal and not a sign of a serious issue. However, you should still let your healthcare provider know, especially if you're unsure if it’s spotting or bleeding. There are several causes of first-trimester spotting that are not worrisome, but some are.
Bleeding that resembles menstruation is not usually a symptom of pregnancy. Menstrual bleeding is a steady flow of blood lasting several days. If you experience anything more than light bleeding (spotting) or your bleeding lasts longer than 24 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider right away. Bleeding is not always a sign that something is wrong, but heavy bleeding or bleeding that's accompanied by pain might indicate a complication.
Bleeding during pregnancy can look different for everyone. Your healthcare provider will want to know what your blood looks like so they can evaluate your symptoms. Some details you will want to track include:
All of these details can help your healthcare provider determine the level of care you need and how urgent your symptoms are. Because bleeding at any time in pregnancy could indicate a problem, it’s always recommended to call your provider.
Your healthcare provider will want to perform an ultrasound and physical evaluation to determine the cause of your bleeding. They may order blood or urine tests and perform additional imaging tests like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Some treatments for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can include:
It’s always best to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider after you're examined. In most cases, they'll recommend more rest. Avoiding things like rigorous exercise or lifting heavy objects can also help. You can also use a panty liner to contain your bleeding.
Your healthcare provider should know of any bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. Even if it’s not serious at that moment in your pregnancy, they'll want to make notes of your symptoms.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms. Heavy bleeding.
If your provider’s office is closed, you should go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
Bleeding during pregnancy can be scary. It’s natural to have questions for your healthcare provider. Some questions to ask your provider are:
Your healthcare provider may ask you several questions to find the cause of your vaginal bleeding and understand your symptoms. Some questions you may be asked are:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Bleeding at any point in pregnancy can be scary. Sometimes bleeding during pregnancy is serious, but other times it isn’t. It’s important to contact your healthcare provider to discuss any vaginal bleeding you experience while pregnant. They'll want to rule out any complications, find the cause of your bleeding and make sure you and your fetus are healthy.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/17/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy