When you see tiny droplets of blood during pregnancy, you may be alarmed and worry about your baby’s health. Spotting and bleeding from vagina during pregnancy is common in as much as 50% of all pregnant women.

The bleeding may range from light bleeding or spotting, to massive bleeding. Light spotting is often nothing to worry about, but heavy bleeding may indicate a serious problem. Thus, it is important to know the possible causes and undergo a check up to eradicate any complications.

Causes of Spotting during Pregnancy

Brown or pink discharge is referred to as spotting. However, bright red and heavier than normal discharge may be bleeding. Here are some causes of bleeding in early pregnancy:

1. Implantation Bleeding
In the early stages of pregnancy, about 30% women may experience spotting which is caused due to implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. It will occur around the time of your expected menstrual period and can be confusing if you mistake it for a normal period, before you realize you are pregnant. This is normal during pregnancy and should not be a cause of worry.

2. Sex
The flow of blood to your cervical region increases during pregnancy. Therefore, if you have an intercourse, it is quite normal to observe light spotting afterwards. The region is also very tender and any kind of minor stress can cause spotting.

3. Internal Pelvic Exam or Pap Smear
The cervical region becomes tender because of the increased blood flow, and any bump to the region could cause spotting. It is because of this very reason that an internal pelvic exam or pap smear can also result in spotting or bleeding.

4. Infections
Sometimes, conditions that are unrelated to pregnancy can also cause spotting. Vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection, or sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis can cause inflammation or irritation of the cervix. This can lead to spotting on being ruptured.

5. Nearing Labour
As your body prepares for labour, you will pass your mucus plug, a state where your cervix begins to dilate. It will be soaked in blood that is also called ‘bloody show’. Passing your mucus plug will not be a concern if you are already into 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, if there is heavy bleeding, be sure to consult our doctors at KIMS Cuddles.

You can prevent pregnancy complications by going for routine checkups. This is very important when you have already experienced complications in your prior pregnancies. Another way to assure safe pregnancy is to control the risk factors. To know more, talk to our experts at KIMS Cuddles and find out ways to enjoy a safe pregnancy.

*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.