Show Bleeding during pregnancy is one of those things that can cause your stress level to skyrocket. It’s scary to see blood anytime outside of your period, especially when you’re pregnant.t’s easy to start imagining the worst. But don’t panic just yet. It’s really common—according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), spotting happens in 15 to 25% of pregnancies, especially in the first trimester. There are a number of reasons it occurs, many of them totally benign. Most people who experience pregnancy spotting will go on to have completely healthy pregnancies. If you’re worried, one of the key things to know is the difference between spotting and bleeding. What does pregnancy spotting look like?The difference between spotting and bleeding is the amount of blood you see. “Spotting is usually very light,” Washington, DC-based ob-gyn Dr. Cordelia Nwankwo says. “It can be pink, red, or even brown, and usually doesn’t require a pad.” But bleeding is different. “[Bleeding] is persistent or increases in amount (ex: a more consistent flow, or if you’re filling up a liner) and should be evaluated,” Nwankwo says. It’s important to recognize the distinction, especially when you’re pregnant. “Most causes [of spotting] tend to be benign in nature,” Nwankwo says. Bleeding, she says, could indicate more serious issues and should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. What causes spotting during pregnancy?The main cause of pregnancy spotting is irritation. “Spotting is not uncommon especially after things like intercourse or vigorous activity,” says Nwankwo. “Even straining with bowel movements can sometimes lead to spotting.” Your cervix tends to be more sensitive during pregnancy, making it more prone to irritation that can cause spotting. Other types of irritations that can lead to spotting include a transvaginal ultrasound or heavy lifting. You may have also heard about implantation bleeding. “Implantation bleeding is thought to be light bleeding that occurs about 10 days after ovulation (the week before your period),” Dr. Nwankwo says. But keep in mind that the jury’s out on this type of bleeding. “There are no studies that actually confirm early [spotting] as being caused by implantation,” Nwankwo says. What causes bleeding during pregnancy?There are a few potential causes of pregnancy bleeding, according to the ACOG:
Some of these causes may be concerning, but the good news is the majority of them don’t lead to major complications, are completely treatable and aren’t cause for alarm. Is spotting normal during pregnancy?Spotting during pregnancy may be scary, but it’s not uncommon at all. “At least 25 percent of women have some light bleeding, especially in the first trimester,” says Dr. Clara Ward, maternal-fetal medicine physician with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/UT Physicians in Houston. “While the experience may still be worrisome, fortunately, it is generally not serious and not likely to have a negative effect on the pregnancy.” According to Ward, the most common time for pregnancy spotting to occur is during the first trimester. Later in the pregnancy, spotting can be a sign of a more serious complication, like placental abnormalities or preterm labor. But the good news is that if this is the first time you’re seeing some blood during your pregnancy, “an isolated episode of spotting in early pregnancy is usually not a cause for concern,” says Nwankwo. When should you contact your doctor?It’s always a good idea to reach out to your doctor if you’re experiencing spotting—or anything else that seems out of the ordinary during your pregnancy. Don’t be worried about bothering them or asking too many questions. According to Ward, it’s vital to always give your doctor a full description of your symptoms; it’s what helps your healthcare provider determine if you need further evaluation. “Additional symptoms, such as cramping or fever, almost always warrant a call, even if the spotting is mild,” Ward says. “Pain or heavy bleeding that requires a pad requires immediate attention, as does any bleeding that occurs in the second or third trimesters, as these may be signs of a bigger problem.” With all that, try to remember that spotting during pregnancy is common, and hopefully knowing what to look out for can help you feel better. Sources:
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board. What happens when you push too hard to poop when pregnant?“Straining won't harm the baby, but it can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures which can be very painful and uncomfortable for mom,” says Dr. Hamilton. Although not a serious health risk, hemorrhoids can be quite painful.
Can pushing poop too hard cause bleeding?Straining too hard during a bowel movement can cause rectal bleeding. This is often related to constipation. When you strain, you can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Very hard stool can actually cause the skin around your anus to tear, causing you to see blood.
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