FAQs About First Trimester Bleeding

When you’re pregnant, first trimester bleeding may worry you, but it doesn’t always indicate that there’s a problem. The truth is, early bleeding during pregnancy can have many causes, and while some can be serious, others are not.

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we understand that any bleeding during pregnancy is upsetting, and therefore we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible so we can determine the underlying cause.

We also realize that there are many questions about first trimester bleeding, and we’ve addressed some of these for you.

Important FAQs About First Trimester Bleeding

How common is first trimester bleeding? 

First trimester bleeding is vaginal bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy.  It may be as little as spotting or as heavy as a menstrual period.   About 20 to 30 percent of pregnant women may experience bleeding in early pregnancy.

Why am I having light spotting?

Spotting isn’t unusual the first one to two weeks after the egg is fertilized. You might even have some light bleeding as well. This is caused when the egg implants into the uterine lining.

Does first trimester bleeding mean I’m having a miscarriage?

While bleeding and cramping are signs of early pregnancy loss, spotting does not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage. Many women experience some amount of bleeding in the first trimester and go on to have healthy pregnancies.

However, we understand that the thought of possible miscarriage causes worry.  Therefore, we urge you to contact us if you’re having any type of first trimester bleeding so we can evaluate you to ease your anxiety or help you overcome a tough diagnosis.

What are the reasons for bleeding during early pregnancy?

Some causes include:

• Implantation bleeding isn’t unusual in the first one or two weeks after the egg is fertilized. You might even have some light bleeding as well.  This is caused when the egg implants into the uttering lining.
• A subchorionic hematoma is bleeding under one of the membranes that surrounds the embryo inside the uterus. This goes away on its own.  Most women go on to have a healthy pregnancy.
• Infection – An infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract may cause light bleeding.
• Sex – Some women may experience bleeding after Intercourse, because the cervix is very tender. While this does not cause miscarriage, it can cause irritation.  Please discontinue intercourse until you speak with your provider.
• Other reasons involve conditions with or changes in the cervix,  such as a cervical infection, inflammation or growths. The cervix has become more sensitive during this time. In addition to intercourse, increased activity, exams, or even ultrasounds can cause spotting or light bleeding.
• Miscarriage – Sometimes what begins as light bleeding becomes heavy bleeding and is linked to a miscarriage.
• An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is growing somewhere other than inside the uterus—most likely within the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening.

What To Do If You Have First Trimester Bleeding

We understand this can be a very distressing experience and we are here for you!

If you are at all concerned, contact us.  It is easy to ask questions during normal business hours through the secure patient portal.  If you are experiencing light bleeding or minor pain, call and talk with our triage nurse.

If you have bleeding that fills a pad in an hour or cramping, please do not delay calling our office at 919-876-9797.  If it is after normal business hours stay on the line to reach the doctor on call. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening.

Your Pregnancy: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Whether this is your first child or your third, every pregnancy is different. This also means that even if you didn’t have first trimester bleeding with one pregnancy, you might with another.

The only way to know for certain the cause of your bleeding is to schedule an appointment with us. We understand the various conditions and situations that can arise throughout your pregnancy, and we have helped hundreds of women deliver healthy babies.

But even more important, we want to work with you before you decide to have a baby, and help you with pregnancy planning. This will help ensure that you and your child have the healthiest start in life possible.

Contact us for an appointment today. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

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This article was reviewed by Dr. Mary Frances Moody.