Vaginal bleeding isn't something you ever expect during pregnancy, but it does happen. Many women have some spotting during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, and it typically isn't a cause for concern.
However, spotting during pregnancy can also signal a problem, so you should never take it lightly. If you notice blood in your underwear or the toilet during any part of your pregnancy, you should get an evaluation.
Our team at New England Women's Healthcare specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. Whether it's your first pregnancy or your fourth, our OB/GYN doctors provide prenatal care, ultrasounds, and other women's health services to ensure your health and your baby's.
Any kind of bleeding during pregnancy is scary, especially if it's your first pregnancy. But in many cases, light spotting isn't something to worry about.
There are several reasons you may have some spotting, especially during the first trimester. A few of the causes of spotting or bleeding in this span include:
The further you get into pregnancy, the more of a concern spotting and vaginal bleeding become. When you're into your second and third trimesters, the causes of bleeding are a little more severe and include:
It's essential to notify our team immediately of any abnormal bleeding during pregnancy. Although it may amount to nothing, we want to ensure your unborn baby is safe and you stay healthy before going into labor.
Bleeding or spotting during pregnancy isn't something any woman expects, but it’s less concerning than bleeding. If you need clarification on whether it's a problem, contact our team immediately to discuss the amount of blood and any other symptoms you may have.
Bleeding during pregnancy is never a common sign, and you should take it very seriously. Vaginal bleeding is more than spotting or fills a panty liner or pad and is bright or dark red.
It's especially important to seek treatment for vaginal bleeding or spotting during the second and third trimesters to ensure you and the baby remain healthy.
Any time you notice spotting or bleeding during pregnancy, contact our team for an evaluation. Even if it's not severe, we must talk to you about the bleeding and any other symptoms you have.
It's vital to see a doctor if you have vaginal bleeding that's more than a few spots at any point during pregnancy. Heavy bleeding along with these signs and symptoms are reasons to go to the emergency room or contact us right away:
Any signs of labor are also a reason to contact us as soon as possible. If you can't get into our facility, visit the nearest emergency room for quick and efficient treatment.
Typically, the first thing we do after talking to you about your vaginal bleeding and other symptoms is an ultrasound to check on the baby.
After the ultrasound, we order blood and urine tests or other imaging studies to ensure you and the baby are safe while getting to the bottom of the bleeding.
Depending on the findings of these tests, you may require treatments or bed rest until you give birth. We may also suggest abstaining from sex, travel, or physical activity to prevent further bleeding.
In severe cases of bleeding during pregnancy, we may need you to stay in the hospital for treatment to ensure you remain healthy before you give birth.
Call your nearest New England Women's Healthcare office to set up an obstetric appointment for vaginal bleeding, or request a consultation on the website. We’re a premier, full-service practice with convenient locations in Woburn and Wilmington, Massachusetts. Reach out today.
