Bloody discharge in early pregnancy. Bloody discharge in early pregnancy: with and without pain
Waiting for a baby is a responsible and exciting period. Unusual sensations often force a woman to worry about trifles. But among all that is possible at this time, there is a circumstance that cannot be called nonsense. This is bleeding during early pregnancy. Every woman should know why it happens, what needs to be done and whether it is necessary to take care.
Read in this article
What is considered bleeding?
This is a discharge from the genitals, small, medium or large volume, in which blood is found. Its quantity is determined by their red, pink, brown colors. Tissue particles and clots may also be seen in the discharge.
All women should know whether bleeding can occur in the early stages of pregnancy, and what causes this phenomenon. This will give her a chance to remain calm and at the same time not to lose vigilance in case of possible discharge.
Implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall
Since there is always biological fluid of varying consistency in the female genital tract, some people incorrectly assess the possible threat that lies behind the bleeding.
A small volume of discharge is not yet evidence that what is happening is natural. Blood can be retained inside the uterus or in the space between its wall and the placenta. Then at first very little comes out, but the woman will steadily lose strength. If you notice that there is bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy, you must immediately find out what is causing it.
Stitching pain on one side of the abdomen and brown discharge should alert you, as they occur with ectopic implantation of the egg. In this case, you need to be examined by a gynecologist.
Blood clot
The appearance of a blood clot at an early stage is dangerous. This could be an incipient miscarriage. Normally there should not be such discharge. Even if there is no pain or it is moderate, you should urgently consult a gynecologist.
Drop of blood during pregnancy
A drop of blood may indicate discharge from a polyp, cervical erosion, or due to the presence of fibroids in the uterine cavity. For the vast majority of women, they do not affect their general well-being in any way; there is no pain or cramps in the abdomen. This phenomenon is short-lived, and the volume does not exceed a small speck.
Uterine fibroids
Heavy bleeding
Heavy bleeding in the early stages often occurs when a spontaneous miscarriage has already begun. It is accompanied by paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back. Blood loss is especially intense with a lack of progesterone. Additional symptoms include:
- dizziness,
- severe weakness
- headache,
- increasing nausea
- increase in body temperature.
During an abortion, regular cramping spasms occur in the abdomen, and bleeding constantly increases. There may be parts of the fertilized egg in the discharge. Any suspicion of miscarriage requires calling an ambulance to be taken to a hospital.
Breakthrough bleeding
Due to incomplete hormonal changes in the body, breakthrough bleeding occurs in early pregnancy - discharge that coincides in time with menstruation. Their occurrence in the first months is considered harmless. For some women they even go 3-4 times. In this case, the volume of discharge should be much less than during normal menstruation, and there should be no pain or mild pain.
Bleeding during ectopic pregnancy
Causes of bleeding during pregnancy
In addition to diseases that cause bleeding during pregnancy, it is important to know other reasons:
- physical activity;
- stressful conditions;
- multiple pregnancy;
- shortage;
- injuries, especially in the abdominal area;
- active sex;
- lifting weights;
- Rhesus conflict between mother and fetus;
- smoking;
- visit to the sauna, hot bath;
- the presence of a spiral at conception;
- carrying out diagnostic procedures with penetration into the uterine cavity;
- influence of unfavorable environmental or production factors.
Each of these factors can be decisive in the presence of any disease or hormonal disorder. It is also necessary to take into account the established fact that in the case of abnormal genetic material (risk of severe fetal development disorders), even a small exposure is often enough to trigger a spontaneous miscarriage. It occurs precisely at an early stage and even against the background of complete well-being.
Cervix bleeds during pregnancy
There are several types of diseases in which the cervix bleeds in a pregnant woman:
- erosion due to infection, injury, treatment with local drugs is the most common cause, it can be asymptomatic, and in the early stages it begins to bleed due to the abundant blood flow;
- cervical canal polyp - a growth of the mucous membrane of hormonal origin;
- papillomatosis – a viral infection with the formation of condylomas;
- adenomyosis - growth of the inner layer of the uterus within the cervix;
- fibroids are a rare localization (cervical) tumor of muscle and connective tissue.
Adenomyosis of the uterus
To establish the source of bleeding and its cause, a gynecological examination and ultrasound are required. It is impossible to independently determine the pathology and its risk for pregnancy.
Bleeding in the early stages after IVF
In the early stages after IVF, bleeding is considered a threat of miscarriage. It can also occur in the absence of pregnancy, if the procedure was unsuccessful and menstruation began. The main risk factors for miscarriage in the first months:
- the immune system rejects the fetus;
- hormonal disorders;
- insufficient blood supply to the uterus, structural abnormalities;
- diseases of the cervix, tubes, ovaries;
- infections;
- long-term use of the spiral without changing;
- multiple pregnancy due to ovarian stimulation;
- excessive administration of hormones;
- injury to the genitals during egg collection;
- kidney disease, heart disease, ;
- external factors - monotonous diet, smoking, drinking alcohol, self-medication with medications, stress, overwork.
Watch this video about discharge after IVF in normal and pathological conditions:
Signs of bleeding during pregnancy
In addition to direct bleeding from the genital tract, signs of dangerous bleeding during pregnancy include:
- constant pain of a pulling or cramping nature;
- spread of pain to the sacrum, lower back, hips, anus;
- increase in general weakness;
- dizziness, darkening of the eyes;
- increased nausea with the urge to vomit;
- increased body temperature with hot flashes, chills;
- loss of consciousness or faintness.
Any of these signs requires immediate medical attention. Relatively harmless bleeding due to a polyp, fibroid, cervicitis or erosion usually occurs against the background of good health with minimal spotting or drip bleeding.
Serious threat to the fetus and woman
At the initial stage of pregnancy, anything can seriously harm her: stress for any reason, physical effort, taking medications. The fetus is still too weak, and the tissues protecting it have not yet fully formed. Therefore, blood during early pregnancy may have causes that threaten its existence and the life of the woman herself.
Danger of miscarriage and miscarriage
These are common causes of bloody discharge. In addition to them, the woman is plagued by periodic throbbing pains in the lower abdomen. It can all start with barely noticeable bleeding. If you neglect this symptom, it will develop to such a level that the embryo will slip out along with the biological fluid.
But this outcome is by no means predetermined. If the fetus survives, then at the onset of bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy, the chance of saving it is quite high. It is necessary, without waiting for the discharge to stop, to contact a specialist and demand help.
If the embryo immediately had serious defects or the process went too far, it is likely to be complete. Other culprits can be infections affecting the reproductive or urinary system, trauma, and inflammation. Heavy bleeding during early pregnancy, combined with pain, characterizes a complete miscarriage.
After a short time, the gripping sensations in the stomach freeze, as does the discharge. A specialist, examining the patient, will find that the uterine pharynx is closed and there is nothing in the cavity.
Blood clots during early pregnancy can be noticed even with little effort, for example, after visiting the toilet. It is likely that these are particles of fetal membranes or embryonic tissue.
A miscarriage can also be incomplete, when the pregnancy is lost irretrievably, but the flow of blood continues and the cervix remains open. There is still danger for the woman here if it is not done in time. Bleeding with clots in early pregnancy is a symptom of incomplete miscarriage. The discharge becomes a deep red color and is accompanied by unbearable cramping pain and a feverish state.
Watch this video about the signs of miscarriage in early pregnancy:
Ectopic pregnancy
An abnormal location of the ovum can also cause bleeding during early pregnancy. Normally, a week after fertilization, the place of the embryo is inside the uterus. But sometimes, for various reasons, the fetus lingers in the fallopian tube and penetrates the abdominal cavity or cervix. The first circumstance is observed more often. We are not talking about preserving the fetus; the main thing is the life and health of the woman.
At first, tubal pregnancy does not differ symptomatically from normal pregnancy. It is detected by a pharmacy test, causes changes in the mammary glands, and absence of menstruation.
But the fetus grows, and it becomes crowded in the fallopian tube. The organ stretches, causing pain in the area where the embryo is located. The accompanying bloody smear in the early stages of pregnancy, which intensifies over time, gives reason to suspect this particular diagnosis.
There are ways to remove the embryo from the fallopian tube while preserving the organ. If time is lost, it has to be removed, which reduces the chances of conception in the future. And when a woman endures pain for a long time without telling the doctor about it, the fallopian tube may rupture with heavy bleeding. This is already an imminent threat to life. In addition to strong bloody discharge, damage to the fallopian tube makes itself felt by pain in the abdomen, which can lead to loss of consciousness.
Frozen pregnancy
Light bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy may be a signal that the fetus is fading. For unknown reasons, it stops its development, which also manifests itself:
- Abdominal pain;
- Stopping enlargement and pain in the mammary glands;
- The disappearance of toxicosis and flatulence characteristic of pregnancy;
- Increased body temperature;
- A sharp decrease in basal temperature values. But the symptom can only be detected if it is measured regularly.
Sometimes the uterus tries to get rid of a frozen fetus. But in most cases, curettage is required. Delaying time means increasing the risk of sepsis.
Hydatidiform mole
The abnormal development of the tissues that make up the placenta is called hydatidiform mole. Its cause lies in mistakes made by nature during fertilization. A benign (trophoblastic) tumor forms in the uterus instead of the embryo, amniotic sac and placenta. It looks like many small cysts arranged in a cluster.
In addition to the abnormally enlarged size of the uterus characteristic of this disease, there is another sign - blood during early pregnancy. It can be released for a long time until the uterus is freed from the tumor. The color of the discharge is dark, the consistency is quite thick. Egg bubbles come out with the blood.
And although there is little discharge, if it is regular, the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia is inevitable. Often the process is complemented by vomiting. Failure to provide timely assistance provokes the spread of trophoblastic cells to other parts of the body.
Diseases of the genital area that cause bleeding
Pregnancy will not protect you from gynecological problems. On the contrary, many of them are getting worse at this time, and some are being discovered for the first time, because responsible mothers monitor their own well-being more jealously. And if you bleed during early pregnancy, perhaps this is a sign of a gynecological disease.
Cervical erosion
Changes in the surface epithelium make the cervix a possible source of bloody discharge. The ulcers formed on the mucous membrane make the organ very sensitive upon contact.
But even without obvious reasons for this, simply by sitting with her legs tucked, a woman can sometimes detect blood in the early stages of pregnancy, and in subsequent ones too. It colors the discharge red, brown or pink. This poses no threat to either the mother or the developing fetus. Usually, deliverance is left for later, waiting for the end of the postpartum period.
So such discharge, which is not abundant and is not accompanied by pain, can come out more than once, especially after sex.
Polyp
A benign neoplasm can also make its existence known by secretions. In this case, blood during early pregnancy is released sparingly and painlessly. The choice of therapy remains at the discretion of the physician and depends on the surrounding circumstances.
But even when deciding to remove a large and bleeding polyp, there is no threat to the fetus or woman. Along with the manipulation, medications are prescribed to maintain her condition. But often gynecologists take a wait-and-see attitude towards polyps, and the neoplasm peels off on its own painlessly.
Varicose veins
Many are sure that only the extremities suffer from varicose veins, and then mainly when the owner is overweight. In reality, if a diagnosis exists, bleeding during pregnancy is also likely, including in the early stages. After all, the vagina is also riddled with veins, and the new position increases the load on their walls.
Often the disease also affects the labia area, causing the perineum to swell and ache. The secretory function of the vagina is disrupted, causing it to become tense and unpleasant. Minor discharge with bloody inclusions is detected after it, and for no noticeable reason. They do not pose a danger, but they complicate its course for the woman and increase discomfort.
Venereal infection
Sometimes discharge with blood impurities appears when chlamydia, trichomonas and other microorganisms that enter through the genitals are activated in the body. In addition to dangerous inclusions, which in this case increase the likelihood of miscarriage, they have and may be accompanied by:
- itching;
- temperature;
- loss of strength.
Bleeding not associated with pregnancy
Typical types of bleeding not related to pregnancy itself include intestinal (anal) bleeding from hemorrhoidal disease, nasal bleeding, and from the gums. They are caused by several groups of factors:
- hormonal changes that provoke relaxation and overstretching of the vascular walls;
- increased permeability, fragility of small capillaries;
- decreased blood clotting ability due to congenital or acquired deficiency of platelets and coagulation factors;
- lack of vitamins, especially ascorbic acid, K, rutin.
Any blood loss weakens a pregnant woman and leads to anemia. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease (hemorrhoids, hemorrhagic diathesis, thrombocytopenia, vitamin deficiency), as well as a diet rich in protein and iron. Recommended are nuts, fresh herbs, pomegranate juice, liver, buckwheat porridge, chicken and turkey.
Is bleeding always a threat?
Women in an “interesting position” are characterized by all sorts of fears, so they often exaggerate the severity of their own feelings. When wondering why there is bleeding in early pregnancy, many people forget that this can also be explained by natural reasons:
- Egg implantation. The embryo remains fixed inside the uterus throughout the entire gestation period. The process begins a week after fertilization, when the woman does not even know about the changes awaiting her. More often than not, this event is asymptomatic. But sometimes a drop of blood during early pregnancy and a slight aching pain can signal implantation;
- It's time for your period. With a slight hormonal imbalance, the body is able to remember them, and then the woman notices spotting with streaks of blood. There are few of them, there is no pain, sometimes there is a tightening in the lower abdomen. In principle, this is not dangerous if you can lie down quietly and take the medications prescribed by your doctor.
- But when a woman allows herself, does not reduce the load on the body, the ichor during pregnancy in the early stages can turn into strong discharge, which will end in miscarriage.
How long does bleeding last during pregnancy?
Non-dangerous types of bleeding during pregnancy last no more than 1-2
days. These include:
- implantation
- breakthrough,
- superficial (from the cervix, vagina).
Their important difference is the absence of pain or minimal discomfort. At the same time, the woman’s well-being does not change. If there is a threat of miscarriage, the duration of the discharge will depend on the effectiveness of the treatment.
Is it always dangerous if a pregnant woman starts bleeding?
If bleeding begins in a pregnant woman for an unknown reason, then it is considered dangerous in relation to the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, in all cases you need to contact a gynecologist as early as possible. After examination and exclusion of the threat of miscarriage, treatment may not be required if the discharge is not related to pregnancy or represents breakthrough bleeding.
Actions, medications and hemostatic drugs during early pregnancy
Whatever causes bleeding during early pregnancy, treatment is necessary in many cases. Trying to determine the cause yourself, waiting or using home-grown remedies means wasting time and risking the future baby and yourself. Women who turn to a gynecologist in a timely manner, despite the serious threat of miscarriage, in 80% of cases carry the fetus normally and give birth to healthy babies.
To maintain pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage, the following medications are prescribed:
- Papaverine (suppositories) or in tablet form. Reduce tension in the walls of the uterus, neutralizing pain and eliminating the possibility of expulsion from the fetal cavity;
- Duphaston or Utrozhestan. Hormonal agents bring progesterone levels to normal. Lack of the substance often causes bleeding. If there is a more serious threat of interruption, injections of the hormone in its pure form are prescribed;
- Motherwort, Valerian. The drugs reduce anxiety, thereby helping to relax, including the smooth muscles of the uterus.
But the main thing in providing assistance is hemostatic drugs during early pregnancy:
Dicynone |
The active ingredient is ethamsylate. The drug supports the formation of platelets, which “seal” the vessels, preventing their contents from leaking out. It is available in tablets, but in particularly serious circumstances Dicinone is prescribed intravenously. Once in the bloodstream, the medicine begins to work after 20 minutes, and the effect lasts up to 6 hours. |
Vikasol | It improves blood clotting due to the production of prothrombin, but it begins to act only 8-12 hours after entering the body, so it is not prescribed in emergency situations, but is used for complex treatment, 4 tablets per day or 1-2 ml intravenously. |
Tranexam, Exacyl or Troxaminate | The drug is prescribed in tablets (1 or 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the condition) or injections for bloody discharge or a predisposition to it. It is based on tranexamic acid, which helps with clotting. |
Therapy is often supplemented with the intake of vitamins C and E, folic acid, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of dangerous discharge. You cannot use hemostatic drugs on your own. All of them have side effects, so dosage and regular monitoring of blood viscosity are very important. The latter is especially important if problems with clotting were noted before pregnancy.
Watch this video about the mechanism of action and use of Dicinone:
What to do if a pregnant woman bleeds
If a pregnant woman starts bleeding, you need to call an ambulance and lie down. Walking or driving your own transport to the hospital is not permitted. Staying calm during a threatened miscarriage is the basis for maintaining pregnancy. Self-administration of pills is usually not only ineffective, but also often dangerous.
If, after an examination, the doctor insists on inpatient treatment, then in no case should this recommendation be ignored. At home, it is much more difficult to fulfill all the appointments, protect yourself from stress and control the progress of pregnancy. If you consult a doctor early, most pregnancies are saved.
How to stop bleeding during pregnancy
Stopping bleeding during pregnancy is possible only if you follow the doctor’s recommendations; he examines the size of the uterus, its tone, ultrasound, prescribes blood tests, selects hemostatic drugs (Vikasol, Etamzilat) and medications to eliminate the root cause.
If by all indicators the fetus is viable, then medications and complete rest are recommended. This is most often sufficient in the absence of serious illnesses of the mother and child. At home, treatment results are worse, so most often it is necessary to maintain the pregnancy in a hospital under the constant supervision of a gynecologist.
Preservation of early pregnancy during bleeding
To maintain pregnancy in the early stages when bleeding occurs, the following medications are prescribed:
If the pregnancy cannot be saved
When bleeding that appears during early pregnancy is caused by a tubal location, surgery cannot be avoided. The task here is to save the woman and preserve the organ. If the fetus is still small, it is removed, leaving the fallopian tube functioning. If there is no chance to save her organ, the organ is removed to avoid rupture and more intense bleeding, which could lead to the patient’s death.
With a complete hydatidiform mole and a frozen pregnancy, there is no question of saving the fetus. It is necessary to free the uterus from its contents, which is done using curettage or vacuum cleaning.
If it is noticed that there is bleeding during early pregnancy, the woman should complain to the gynecologist and not resist when he suggests hospitalization. The initial period is one of the most difficult for the embryo, but at the same time there is a greater chance of preserving the child and maximizing the avoidance of adverse consequences for the mother’s health.
When using any medications, you should consult a specialist doctor. There are contraindications.
Bloody discharge during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. They occur in 70% of women who want to experience motherhood. Sometimes they can appear at the initial stage of fetal growth, in some cases - in later stages.
This condition cannot be ignored, and it does not matter what stage of pregnancy: at the first manifestations, you should immediately visit the hospital, because in many cases, spotting can be a precursor to a miscarriage.
There is no need to draw your own conclusions or start self-medication. Scanty bleeding in the first weeks is especially dangerous.
A common cause of bleeding is ectopic pregnancy.
Bleeding in early pregnancy - first trimester (I-XIII weeks)
Bleeding occurs in 78% of girls, but almost always this condition is not a pathology. Moreover, blood can be released during pregnancy immediately after the process of fertilization of an egg with a sperm. At the same time, the discharge is not abundant, its duration is no more than 1 - 1.5 weeks. In this case, this condition is not a pathological deviation.
In the first nine weeks after fertilization, similar manifestations are also possible. Moreover, women very often confuse the released blood with menstrual flow, not suspecting that they are already pregnant. A distinctive feature is the red-brown color.
Weeks IV and V may also be accompanied by bleeding, but this is no longer an alarming sign.
Causes of bleeding in early pregnancy:
- developing or already present cervical erosion;
- due to polyps;
- if spontaneous rejection of the fetus occurs;
- multiplying microbes, viruses, bacteria on the vaginal flora;
- menstruation;
- attachment of the egg to the uterine wall;
- sexual intercourse;
- doctor's examination;
- multiple pregnancy;
- injuries, falls, blows, stress.
If a pregnant woman has cervical erosion in the early stages, then bleeding will be scanty. In this case, pain can only be felt during sexual intercourse.
Polyps are benign neoplasms that in 98% of cases go away on their own after the birth of a child, due to hormonal changes. But at an early stage they can cause scanty bleeding.
In some cases, spotting begins as a consequence of fetal rejection. The blood is secreted red; at first the blood flow is poor, but over a short period of time it becomes more abundant. In this case, pain does not occur. Timely visit to the hospital will help maintain pregnancy.
Often the cause of bleeding is an infection that affects the vaginal flora. This usually happens in the fourth week. With proper and timely treatment, the infection can be eliminated with the help of medications and the possibility of bleeding can be eliminated.
Many women experience menstruation in the first two months when the egg is already fertilized. In this case, the blood passes through the fetus. But such a process is undesirable, so if a girl notices the onset of menstruation, she needs to visit a gynecologist, undergo an examination and under no circumstances self-medicate.
Bloody discharge can occur at the moment when an egg fertilized by a sperm attaches to the uterine wall.
The discharge in this case is scanty and short-lived - 48 hours. During pregnancy, female hormones “rage” and make the expectant mother’s body more sensitive. The cervix is not left without attention. During sexual intercourse or during a routine medical examination, a small amount of blood may be released.
A common cause of bleeding during early pregnancy is multiple pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that one of the embryos simply exfoliated. Almost always, such bleeding occurs after artificial insemination (IVF procedure).
It is not for nothing that doctors say that girls who are going to become mothers, especially in the early stages, need to take care of themselves. Stress, worries, and various injuries can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy and miscarriage.
If spotting occurs in weeks VI - XIII, this is a very alarming sign, especially when it is abundant and the blood has a scarlet tint. In 90% of cases, this indicates fetal rejection, so this condition requires urgent hospitalization.
Bloody discharge during pregnancy - second trimester (XIV-XXV weeks)
Normally, at this stage of pregnancy, spotting should not bother expectant mothers and almost always this condition is an alarming sign. Basically, bleeding during the second trimester indicates a threat of embryo rejection, but in no case should you create panic, since bleeding during the first trimester is much worse. During the second trimester, this condition is treated and resolves successfully in 99.9%.
The main cause of bleeding at this stage is low placenta previa (a complication in which the cervical canal is blocked by the placenta). Signs of such a pathological complication are heaviness in the lower abdomen, especially after sexual intercourse or physical activity. There is no pain.
Placenta previa is a fairly serious pathology that requires the pregnant woman to be hospitalized to avoid the risk of miscarriage. Almost all women who experience this pathology are recommended to have a cesarean section to avoid bleeding during labor.
Blood is released in the third trimester of pregnancy (week XXVI-XL)
The main cause of bleeding in pregnant women in the last trimester is placental abruption. It may be accompanied by quite intense pain and profuse bleeding. and these are absolutely not signs of low presentation. This condition can cause the death of the fetus and mother, so women with this diagnosis are only in the pathology department under the close supervision of gynecologists.
If scanty bleeding appears during pregnancy in the last term, this may indicate the beginning of internal bleeding. It is for these reasons that, even with small and scanty discharge, it is necessary to go to the hospital in order to save the life of the child and mother.
At the 40th week, there is almost always a small amount of bloody discharge - this is a sign of the dilating of the uterus and the onset of labor. Normally, they appear no later than a day before birth. Along with the blood, the so-called “plug” comes out - a clot of mucus mixed with dark bloody discharge.
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy - consequences
Heavy bleeding (not spotting, but blood flow) at any stage of pregnancy is dangerous and is too worrying a sign. Almost all the time they are accompanied by severe pain in the area above the pubic bone. If you do not consult a doctor in time, a miscarriage is possible, which can be fatal for the woman.
Who is at risk:
- women over 37 years of age during their first pregnancy;
- girls who neglect a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy (smoking, drinking and abusing alcoholic beverages);
- women suffering from beatings.
Excessive bleeding during pregnancy can also be a consequence of abortions, miscarriages, and late toxicosis. Pregnant women should be very careful about the condition of their body if they want to give birth to a healthy and strong baby. When bleeding begins, it is better to immediately call emergency help and undergo a course of examination and treatment in a hospital setting.
The state of pregnancy is the most unusual, unknown and long-awaited for every girl. It can rightfully be called a miracle, since no man is able to bear, much less give birth to, a baby.
Pregnancy
Every woman ovulates once a month. There are, of course, several cycles a year when there is no release of an egg from the ovary, but this is rather the exception than the rule. When a female cell leaves its habitat, it may meet a male cell on its way. This is how fertilization occurs. Later, dividing and multiplying, the lump of chromosome fusion moves into the uterine cavity. It is there, attached to its wall, that the fertilized egg will develop over the next months.
Discharge
Sometimes girls may be concerned about the release of certain fluid from the genital tract. Their consistency, color and intensity depend on many factors. Discharge during pregnancy normally has neither odor nor large volume. It is worth recalling that female discharge changes quite significantly throughout the menstrual cycle. In its first days, you may observe heavy bleeding, after which the mucus becomes quite slippery and abundant. This occurs in order to facilitate as much as possible the advancement of male cells for subsequent fertilization. Immediately after ovulation, a change in the acting hormones occurs, due to which the discharge acquires a minimal volume and a rather sticky, adhesive consistency. Towards the end of the menstrual cycle, cervical mucus becomes like a thick cream.
With the onset of conception, discharge in the early stages of pregnancy continues to be quite scanty and creamy. This happens due to the large release of progesterone, which relaxes the uterine muscle and prevents it from contracting. But after 3 months of embryo development, the production of this hormone begins to decrease, which leads to an increase in the amount of mucus. Transparent discharge during pregnancy appears during this time period. There is no need to worry about this; this is an absolutely normal phenomenon that does not require medical intervention.
Norm
It is worth remembering what healthy cervical mucus should be like during pregnancy. Usually it has neither color nor smell. Its consistency is liquid, the amount is moderate.
Of course, there should be no blood impurities. Also, yellowish discharge during pregnancy should alert the expectant mother and force her to see a doctor, as an infection that is dangerous to the fetus may be detected.
Make sure that there is no unpleasant odor from the cervical mucus; this may also indicate existing inflammation. Clear discharge during pregnancy can be quite copious. There is no pathology in this. For comfort, doctors recommend using sanitary panty liners.
Bloody mucus
Dark bloody discharge
There is a relationship between concepts such as early pregnancy, brown discharge and pain. Quite often, expectant mothers experience a condition called a lack of progesterone production. It is this hormone that allows the uterus to be in the most relaxed state. When it becomes small, the muscle containing the fertilized egg begins to contract, which leads to subsequent detachment of the embryo.
As a result of this process, a so-called hematoma occurs between the uterine wall and the amnion. Over time, this accumulation of blood is emptied, and the woman may observe brown discharge.
This pathology must be brought under control as quickly as possible. Medical intervention is necessary. Typically, a pregnant woman is prescribed medications containing the missing hormone and medications necessary to maintain the pregnancy. If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, the prognosis is usually favorable.
Bright spotting
There are times when a pregnant woman discovers quite bright, fresh blood in her cervical mucus. Such discharge during pregnancy may indicate a phenomenon such as progressive detachment of the ovum. This situation is quite dangerous for the life of the unborn baby. When, under the influence of certain factors, the embryo begins to depart from the uterine wall, the smallest blood vessels are damaged. It is their contents that color the cervical mucus scarlet.
Such a pathology requires immediate attention to a doctor. If you ignore this condition, the fertilized egg may be completely detached, and it will no longer be possible to maintain the pregnancy. If a woman quickly consults a doctor, she has every chance of carrying and giving birth to a healthy baby.
Implantation
Some women experience slight bleeding as the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. But they do not yet know that they are pregnant, and mistake such blood for the onset of menstruation. At this early stage of pregnancy, spotting is quite scanty and ends quickly.
A similar phenomenon occurs due to the fact that the fertilized egg wants to penetrate as deeply as possible into the uterine wall, thereby causing minor damage to the smallest capillaries. Treatment in this case is not required. And the expectant mother herself usually does not go to the doctor, since she does not yet know about her situation.
Erosion
Heavy discharge in early pregnancy can be caused by damaged cervical mucosa. If it is injured during sexual intercourse, a so-called “daub” may occur. This condition certainly requires treatment, but not while pregnant. Most likely, immediately after giving birth you will be offered several methods to eliminate erosion.
Ectopic pregnancy
When the embryo develops in a place not intended for it, some discharge may also be observed. They are usually quite heavy and similar to a regular period or the beginning of one. In this case, the woman’s life may be at risk, so it is necessary to contact a specialist as soon as possible to clarify the diagnosis and carry out medical correction.
Pathological discharge
Sometimes a pregnant woman may experience unusual discharge that is not typical for her condition. They are usually characterized by an unusual color and a pungent odor. In this case, there is most likely an infection or inflammation.
The bright green or yellow color of the discharge during pregnancy indicates that sexually transmitted diseases are present in the genital tract. They can be very dangerous for the fetus and have the most unforeseen consequences. With untreated infections, complications can arise both during childbirth and during the formation of embryonic organs.
If you find discharge in the early stages of pregnancy that does not fit the description of the norm, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only a doctor can correctly diagnose and find out the cause of the existing pathology. After which antibacterial therapy will be carried out at a period that is as safe as possible for the development of the fetus.
Treatment
Absolutely all discharge during pregnancy is divided into two types. Some of them require treatment and medical correction, while others go away on their own. It is worth taking a closer look at the category that should be subject to medical intervention.
Discharge in the early stages of pregnancy in the form of blood requires examination with an ultrasound device to determine the cause of its appearance. Next, depending on the diagnosis, a correction method is selected. If a threat of miscarriage is detected, then measures are taken to preserve the fetus and further develop the pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected, urgent surgery is indicated.
Discharge during pregnancy that has a heavy mass and a sour smell may indicate the onset of thrush due to reduced immunity. In this case, the doctor prescribes antifungal drugs that are safe for the baby.
If you have green discharge with an unpleasant, pungent odor, you are most likely dealing with inflammation in the vagina or, as it is also called, bacterial vaginosis. In this case, the pregnant woman needs to take antibiotics. Which ones, when and in what dosage is decided solely by the doctor.
If you notice spotting later in pregnancy, it can be even more dangerous than seeing blood early in the fetus's development. There may be placental abruption. This pathological phenomenon poses a threat not only to the life of the child, but also to the pregnant woman herself.
When planning a pregnancy, do not be lazy and visit a doctor. You may have to undergo some examination and undergo a series of tests, but by doing so you will insure yourself against possible pathologies while carrying your baby.
If you suddenly notice discharge during pregnancy that causes alarm, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Now that a new life is growing and developing under your heart, you must be as responsible and attentive as possible to your well-being. Do not hesitate to ask questions at your next appointment with your obstetrician-gynecologist. Ask about everything that worries you, and then your pregnancy will proceed easily and without complications.
There can be several reasons for bleeding. And they do not always indicate a pathological process. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Minor discharge in the early stages (about a week after unprotected sex) may indicate implantation of the fertilized egg. In this case, the endometrium is slightly injured, which is accompanied by the appearance of blood. A woman's vagina produces only a few drops of scarlet-colored discharge. Thus, discharge may be the first sign of pregnancy.
- If blood appears after a medical examination, microtrauma of the capillaries is likely. This can happen due to the insertion of a speculum, taking a smear, and other tests. But if a lot of blood is released, you need to go to the gynecologist. The tissue may have been damaged too much.
- Bloody discharge during pregnancy without pain may appear on the day when menstruation was supposed to occur. This is normal and does not indicate a pathological process. The discharge occurs due to a hormonal imbalance in the body; it has a thick consistency and is not abundant. But similar discharge can occur during placental pregnancy. In this case, the placental tissue grows excessively, so there is a risk of termination of pregnancy.
- If a woman could not get pregnant on her own, and she underwent IVF, then one or all of the fertilized eggs could be exfoliated. Because of this, bleeding appears at the beginning of pregnancy. If all the eggs are detached at once, pregnancy does not occur. And if there is only one, the woman has a high chance of becoming a mother.
Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of the discharge. Therefore, after their occurrence, medical consultation is required, otherwise various complications are possible.
When is the discharge pathological?
Bloody discharge in early pregnancy is not always safe. In most cases, they indicate a pathological process. If not detected in time, it can be dangerous to the health of the mother and child.
Bloody discharge in early pregnancy often indicates a spontaneous miscarriage. This happens for several reasons:
- Due to insufficient amount of progesterone in a woman’s body. As a result, the uterine walls are in increased tone, the walls of the placenta become thinner, and this condition is very dangerous for the fetus.
- As a result of genetic mutations in the embryo. During fertilization, the genetic makeup of the mother and father is combined. If any gene is missing or damaged, the embryo will initially be dead, so miscarriage in this case is only a matter of time.
- The mother’s bad habits include alcohol abuse, smoking and drug use. Therefore, if a woman wants to give birth to a healthy baby, she must abandon all of the above.
A miscarriage can occur before the 20th week of pregnancy. Most often it is observed at 1-8 weeks. At later stages, this condition is called premature birth, and the fetus can be saved.
During a miscarriage, there is a very heavy discharge - the woman will experience wetness in the vaginal area, blood may even leak and stain clothes. This can happen during the day or at night.
In addition, the woman experiences severe cramping pain. If such signs occur, you should immediately go to the hospital.
Presence of neoplasms
If there are any neoplasms in the woman’s genital area, this can lead to difficulty in the fertilization process. If fibroids are in the uterus, then the fertilized egg can attach to it. In this case, heavy bleeding may begin. The discharge will be dark brown in color. If such a pathology occurs, you should immediately consult your doctor.
Ectopic pregnancy
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is implanted not in the uterine cavity, but outside it. This happens for various reasons. Perhaps hormonal disorders, the use of an intrauterine device, frequent abortions, inflammatory processes in the reproductive system and others are to blame.
At first, this pathology does not manifest itself in any way. But gradually the fertilized egg begins to enlarge, and the woman experiences a dull aching pain in the place where the embryo develops. Minor spotting is also observed, breast enlargement and soreness are possible. During sex, a woman may experience discomfort and excessive dryness in the vagina.
Usually the egg is implanted in one of the fallopian tubes, less often in the ovaries. When its size becomes critical, the fallopian tube or ovary may rupture. The result is profuse internal bleeding. This may cause peritonitis. This condition is accompanied by severe pain, so if it occurs, you need to urgently go to the clinic. An operation is prescribed, during which the abdominal cavity is washed and the ruptured organ is removed.
If spotting at the beginning of pregnancy appears after sex, most likely the woman has erosion of the uterine cervix. With this disease, erosions form on the uterine uterus, which begin to bleed upon physical contact. Due to erosion, discharge may also occur after a medical examination.
It is also accompanied by pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, itching and burning. Because of this, the process of bearing a baby can be difficult, so before conception it is recommended to treat all diseases of the genitourinary system.
Frozen pregnancy
In this case, the development process of the embryo stops, it dies, but a miscarriage does not occur. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are very diverse. This can happen due to hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body, infectious lesions, or the presence of bad habits. It is most often diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy, but can also be detected at a later stage - up to 28 weeks.
At first, the pathology may be asymptomatic. Some time after the death of the fetus, the woman may begin to experience cramping pain and spotting may appear. A few days after the first discharge appears, a miscarriage should occur.
In the early stages, a sudden disappearance of toxicosis may indicate a frozen pregnancy. Other signs of pregnancy may also disappear - the breasts will no longer be sensitive, the basal temperature will decrease to normal levels. Such symptoms should alert the girl; she needs to consult a doctor and, if necessary, undergo an ultrasound.
During pregnancy, especially in its early stages, the expectant mother has many reasons to worry about the life and health of the unborn baby. Among them, the most common problem in early pregnancy is spotting.
According to statistics, more than 20% of women experience this unpleasant phenomenon. However, not all bleeding ends with serious consequences in the form of termination of pregnancy. For what reasons may they not be dangerous, and when should you be wary?
Let's look at the main and most common ones. Let's start with those that are considered safe by nature, and in some situations, even natural in conditions of hormonal changes in the body.
- Minor bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy, called “implantation bleeding” by doctors, is common. It does not harm either the fetus or the mother. Its essence is simple. A fertilized egg, in an attempt to attach to the wall of the uterus, damages nearby vessels. And as a result, we get spotting in pregnant women; it will be scanty and will last no more than 2 days. Implantation bleeding is considered one of the early signs of pregnancy.
- Active sexual intercourse. in unusual positions, prolonged temporary acts, soften the cervix and can lead to spotting and bleeding during pregnancy both in the early and late stages. This does not mean that intimate life is prohibited for a pregnant woman. The positive emotions experienced by a woman during intimacy are very important for the harmonious development of the baby. Gynecologists recommend limiting excessive activity and moving to classic poses.
- Breakthrough bleeding or also called “fetal ablution.” In the early stages of pregnancy, the body may not have time to adapt to the new state; the hormonal balance undergoes disturbances, as a result of which, in the days close to the onset of menstruation, the pregnant woman begins to bleed, more profusely than in her usual state. This is why some women may not notice pregnancy for quite a long time after its onset.
Bleeding during early pregnancy, similar to menstruation, can appear from 2 to 4 months.
- . It manifests itself not only through bleeding at the beginning of pregnancy. The woman experiences aching pain, nausea, and the general condition of the body deteriorates sharply. For some time, the strength of the symptom may decrease, but after a few hours it will intensify again.
- Non-developing or frozen pregnancy. Bloody discharge in such situations becomes the final sign of fetal death. In the early stages, there is a complete disappearance of signs of pregnancy and pain in the lower abdomen. Bleeding during a frozen pregnancy is not always profuse. More often, in the initial stages of rejection, it may be scanty discharge
- partial or complete. This phenomenon is not common in practice; the risk group includes women who become pregnant again before the end of the 3-year recovery period after a cesarean section.
- Miscarriage. Along with unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, chest and abdominal pain, blood loss becomes the final evidence that an interruption of nascent life has occurred. The reasons for the threat of termination of pregnancy and miscarriage can be developmental anomalies that are incompatible with further development and gestation, trauma, taking medications, and stress. Before the 12th week, spontaneous onset occurs in 30% of women. Bleeding with clots in early pregnancy is the definitive confirmation of a miscarriage.
Increased attention to the state of your body will help a pregnant woman diagnose the development of negative consequences in time, and in some cases, help prevent misfortune.
In addition to spotting during pregnancy, there is a whole a number of signs of a threatened miscarriage, the appearance of which should alert you:
- constant nausea not to be confused with manifestations that appear at a certain time of the day - early in the morning or at lunchtime. Nausea, as a sign of a threatened miscarriage, is constantly present;
- dizziness;
- sharp pain in the abdomen, both throughout and in a separate part of it (left or right side, below). The pain has the character of acute spasms;
- disappearance of signs of pregnancy, a sharp softening of the chest, accompanied by pain in the abdominal area.