Bleeding during pregnancy: What should be done?

Are you worried about bleeding during pregnancy? This is normal. During such a phase, your body undergoes sudden changes, and in most cases they can be completely unknown. To help you deal with these uncomfortable moments, from MedVisit we provide you with what you need to know about it.

What type of bleeding is normal during pregnancy?

It is common, in the case of pregnant women, some spotting in the vaginal area. What is the difference between this and bleeding? In the first case, it is only a few drops of blood, while in the second case the flow can be much more abundant. Although in both cases it is always advisable to notify your gynecologist, spotting is perfectly normal.

On the other hand, bleeding usually happens between the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, although it can be prolonged or appear even in the final moments. Obviously, it is something that is much more frightening, and causes concern. That is why it is important that you check it and consult a professional as soon as it starts to happen, whether it is occasional or constant.

Not all the causes that originate it, as we will see below, need to be worrying. Many are simply small problems.

Why does bleeding occur in the first weeks of pregnancy?

During the first trimester of pregnancy, bleeding can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common ones:

• Sexual intercourse. A reason that is not directly related to pregnancy. It may be that you have simply experienced a small tear or any injury associated with sex. In these cases, the fetus will be in perfect condition and will not be harmed.
• Infection. Another minor problem. In this case it would be enough to call one of our trusted English speaking doctors to have your vagina well checked and give you the most appropriate medication or treatment.
• Hormonal changes. Another very common cause may be directly associated with hormones. Think that pregnancy is a real bomb for your body, especially in the first months and can appear a significant lack of control. Therefore, the bleeding may be a direct response to this and you have nothing to worry about.
• Threat of miscarriage. Finally, the last of the more benign causes is simply to give you a good scare. This is a good reason to call a doctor during pregnancy. However, as we have said, it is only a scare. In fact, many pregnant women go on to have completely healthy babies and enjoy a completely normal pregnancy.

But what about the more serious problems that bleeding can have in the first weeks of pregnancy? What are the possible causes of risk?

• Molar pregnancy. This means that the egg is not fully developed. That is, although it is fertilized, it is still a failed process. Although it is always a situation that can give a lot of grief and anger, it does not pose a serious risk to your body.
• A miscarriage. Indeed, spontaneous bleeding can also be directly due to the loss of the fetus. This is undoubtedly the scenario that can be the most problematic, and it can especially occur during the first weeks of pregnancy. That is why it is so important that you call a professional as soon as you have the first symptoms of bleeding.
• Ectopic pregnancy. This is a much more complex and uncomfortable form of pregnancy that can also be accompanied by cramping. It is therefore necessary to see a specialist for treatment.

What to do and what not to do when it happens to you?

The only acceptable answer if you suffer heavy bleeding is to go to the hospital, health center or private practice that has the best English speaking doctors in Barcelona. However, there would be standards to measure the urgency of the consultation:

• You have a slight bleeding that disappears on the same day. It will be enough to notify your doctor at the next scheduled consultation. Generally, the problem will not be serious and will not require an emergency procedure.
• Vaginal bleeding lasts more than one day. Do not take more than 24 hours to contact your gynecologist, as it may be a more complex problem.
• You suffer abdominal pain, cramping or if you are passing tissue along with the blood. In that case call your doctor immediately, as this is when the most aggressive complications can occur for you and your fetus.
• If your blood is Rh negative. In this case, always call as soon as possible, because you will need special medication to generate antibodies.

Now you know what type of bleeding is normal during pregnancy: spotting. Heavy bleeding doesn’t have to be a concern either, but it can cause some problems if you don’t treat it in time. Still, it is normal if you are concerned about bleeding during pregnancy. Remember that, in any situation, the best thing to do is always to tell your doctor. No one will know better than he or she how to solve any setbacks.