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A break from monthly bleeding is a tiny perk of pregnancy, so it’s definitely unsettling if you spy blood once you’ve conceived. But bleeding isn't always a sign of something wrong. In fact, up to 25 percent of women experience it in the first trimester and more than half go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. So if you're noticing light spotting, you can take a deep breath and read on for a probable (and probably reassuring) explanation. Here’s more about the difference between spotting and bleeding, what causes it during pregnancy and how bleeding is treated when you’re expecting. How can you tell the difference between spotting and bleeding?The difference between spotting and bleeding while pregnant usually comes down to the shade of the blood and the amount. In terms of color, spotting is often brownish or pink, similar to what you’d expect at the end of your period. And as for amount, you’re probably spotting if the blood is so light that you reach for a panty liner rather than a maxi pad. On the other hand, bright red blood is considered bleeding, especially if it’s flowing and heavy. If you’re experiencing bleeding during pregnancy, you’ll skip over that box of liners in favor of a sanitary pad to protect your clothes. What causes spotting during pregnancy?Light spotting is common and usually benign, and can begin around weeks 3 or 4 of pregnancy. But spotting can happen anytime during these nine months, from the early days of fertilization up to your due date. Here are some of the common causes of spotting during pregnancy:
What causes bleeding during pregnancy?Period-like bleeding early in pregnancy, or at almost any time, can signal that something is up. Because heavier bleeding may go hand in hand with any number of pregnancy complications, pinpointing the exact reason is best left to your practitioner. Here are a few possible causes:
When should you worry about spotting or bleeding during pregnancy?Concern about bleeding during pregnancy is completely normal, but remember that light spotting is as variable as it is common and is usually nothing to worry about. Some women spot on and off for their entire pregnancies, while others spot for just a day or two or a few weeks. Happily, women continue to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies in most cases. Still, heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad always warrants a call to your practitioner, especially if it's accompanied by cramps or pain in your lower abdomen. But it's not inevitably a sign that you're miscarrying. Some women bleed, even heavily, for unknown reasons and still deliver healthy babies. When should I go to the doctor for spotting or bleeding during pregnancy?If you’re at all concerned, don't hesitate to talk to your physician. Heavy bleeding at any point in pregnancy should be reported to the doctor immediately, but spotting or light vaginal bleeding during the first trimester that goes away in a day or so can be brought up at your next prenatal checkup. At this appointment, your doctor may order a blood test to check hCG levels or perform an ultrasound to check and see that your pregnancy is progressing. But bleeding during the second trimester, even if it’s not much to see, should be discussed with your health care provider the day it happens. And if you spy blood during the third trimester, get in touch with your doctor right away. What is the treatment for spotting and bleeding during pregnancy?In addition to an exam and various tests at the doctor’s office, rest and relaxation are often the best treatments for a case of spotting or bleeding during pregnancy. That might include some time away from work, getting help with little ones and chores at home, and skipping sex for a while. More serious cases of bleeding during pregnancy may require a hospital visit or surgery, depending on the diagnosis. If your blood type is Rh negative, you’ll get an injection of RhoGAM if Rh incompatibility is diagnosed during your pregnancy. No pregnant woman wants to see vaginal blood of any amount or shade when she’s expecting, but much of the time spotting or light bleeding isn’t a serious problem. Keep track of your symptoms and speak with your doctor at any point for reassurance and guidance.
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