Bleeding In Pregnancy - Should I Be Concerned?

Bleeding in pregnancy can occur for several reasons, and it doesn't always mean that there's something wrong with your baby or your pregnancy.
Of course, you're pregnant! So, you're going to worry regardless, but keep calm and review the common reasons for bleeding in pregnancy below. Always remember, that whenever you're in doubt, or are concerned about your pregnancy, you can go to your caregivers and get the answers you need explained in great detail.
What Causes Bleeding in Pregnancy?
There are several reasons why bleeding may occur during pregnancy, and it's important for your peace of mind to know what, when, why, and what to do, if anything. Below, I've listed these reasons and have notated them on the risk scale from 1 to 5; 5 being of the highest concern for you and your baby.
Typical causes of bleeding while you're pregnant, include the following:

• Light Spotting 10 to 14 Days After Fertilization-Risk Factor 1

Often, this is the result of something called implantation bleeding, and it's caused by your egg finding a nice little snug spot to implant itself into your uterus. As it does so, it can cause a little disturbance with the lining, resulting in very light bleeding.

• Light Spotting During Early Pregnancy-Risk Factor 1

While you're pregnant, the entire focus of your body is on taking care of that baby and nurturing it, so that's where all of the blood is going. However, some spotting may occur as your cervix alters to accommodate the baby that's going to grow there. To assist, your body will flow more blood to the cervix, and this is what will cause the spotting. Light spotting occurs in 10% of pregnant mothers, often during their first trimester, with little to no risk.

• Bleeding Accompanied By Contractions/Cramps-Risk Factor 3

If this is occurring during your 2nd to 3rd trimesters, often the cause is either preterm labor, or an infection in your cervix. Don't panic. Both concerns can be handled, appropriately by your caregiver. Stay calm and breathe; simple tests can be administered to discover the cause of the problem, and to ensure safe delivery.

• Heavy Bleeding During First Trimester-Risk Factor 5

Unfortunately, 15% to 20% of pregnancies end prematurely in miscarriage, and any excessive amount of bleeding at this early stage of pregnancy could mean that there is something wrong with the baby. If you are experiencing cramping, chills, or a fever along with this excessive bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.

• Heavy Bleeding w/Pain During Early Pregnancy-Risk Factor 5

This bleeding in pregnancy combined with sharp pain can be symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening for both you and your baby. This internal bleeding is serious and occurs in 1 out of every 60 pregnancies. Contact your doctor immediately if there is any significant pain associated with bleeding while you're pregnant.
Moral of the story? Keep calm, keep cool, but... be prepared. Know what's normal and what isn't with bleeding in pregnancy. Have your doctor's or midwife's phone number on speed dial, and be absolutely positive that you're doing everything that you can do to ensure that you have a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Source: EzineArticles.com