Bleeding in early pregnancy

Bleeding in early pregnancy is a serious deviation from the norm and may indicate various types of disorders that require immediate medical intervention.

Bleeding from the genitals in early pregnancy can be mild, moderate or very heavy. Bloody discharge can vary in color and be brown or black, or be scarlet or pinkish in color and contain blood clots.

The intensity of the discharge may be scanty even with the opening of strong intrauterine bleeding. In such cases, the blood may be retained between the uterine walls and the placenta and come out in small quantities. That is why it is extremely important to immediately contact a doctor even with sparse spotting discharge in order to provide timely assistance and preserve the pregnancy.

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Causes of bleeding in early pregnancy

The causes of bleeding in early pregnancy may be the following:

• Bloody discharge associated with the process of fixation of the fertilized egg on the mucous membrane of the uterus. In this case, the peri-embryonic tissue can damage the uterine vessels, which leads to the release of blood from the genital tract. This phenomenon usually occurs ten to fourteen days after fertilization, shortly before the expected start of the monthly cycle (implantation bloody discharge).
• The threat of miscarriage is the most common cause of bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy. In such cases, bloody discharge is usually accompanied by abdominal pain similar to contractions. The risk of miscarriage may arise from infection (usually of the genitourinary system), from the use of any medications, from various types of injuries, as well as due to fetal developmental disorders or other unfavorable factors.
• Termination of pregnancy (miscarriage). If the embryo has already been rejected, clots of tissue are usually visible in the blood discharge.
• Incomplete termination of pregnancy (miscarriage). In such cases, bleeding is characterized by the discharge of clots and tissue elements. The cervix does not close completely after a partial miscarriage. In order to prevent infection and the opening of severe bleeding, the patient needs uterine curettage, unlike a complete spontaneous miscarriage, in which the uterine cavity is empty and the cervix is completely closed. It is not possible to save the pregnancy with an incomplete miscarriage, since the embryo dies.
• Fetal freezing. This pathology may be accompanied, in addition to bloody discharge, by abdominal pain or be asymptomatic. In such cases, after confirming the diagnosis using ultrasound and blood tests, curettage of the uterine cavity is performed or spontaneous rejection of the embryo is expected.
• Hydatidiform mole is a condition that occurs when fertilization is disrupted, accompanied by vesicular proliferation of the placental villi. The embryo itself may be completely absent. Uterine bleeding may begin at any stage of the development of a hydatidiform mole and be quite intense.
• Ectopic pregnancy. This condition is characterized by the attachment of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity and is accompanied, in addition to bleeding, by aching, cutting or cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
• Bleeding not related to the pregnancy process may occur as a result of trauma to the genital tract, the development of diseases of the uterus (erosion) and vagina, as well as infection of the genital organs.

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Symptoms of bleeding in early pregnancy

Symptoms of bleeding in early pregnancy, in addition to bloody discharge from the genitals of varying degrees of severity, may be accompanied by the following signs:

• Pain in the lower abdomen of varying nature and intensity (dull, aching, cutting, cramping).
• Lower back pain.
• Nausea.
• Vomit.
• Dizziness.

Any of the listed symptoms, accompanied by bleeding from the genital tract, require immediate medical examination. In themselves, such signs can be a completely normal phenomenon that occurs during pregnancy.

However, they can equally signal various disorders that pose a threat to the bearing of the fetus. That is why, regardless of the intensity of these symptoms, you should definitely inform your gynecologist. Pain and bleeding during pregnancy is an alarming symptom that should in no case be ignored in order to promptly take the maximum possible measures to prevent negative consequences.

Diagnosis of bleeding in early pregnancy

Diagnosis of bleeding in early pregnancy should be carried out only by a qualified doctor; self-diagnosis and self-treatment can lead to irreversible consequences that pose a serious threat to the health of the woman and the bearing of the fetus.

When conducting diagnostics, such parameters as the intensity of bloody discharge, pain in the abdomen or lower back are taken into account, a gynecological examination is carried out, the condition of the cervix is assessed, the patient should take all the necessary tests and undergo an ultrasound examination.

Based on the examination, the doctor will be able to determine the causes of bleeding and take the necessary measures.

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Treatment of bleeding in early pregnancy

Treatment for bleeding in early pregnancy depends on the underlying causes and may include various methods aimed at maintaining the pregnancy.

If the cervical os is damaged, the patient is prescribed bed rest and avoidance of any physical activity.

In case of hormonal disorders and progesterone deficiency, treatment consists of administering this hormone orally in the form of vaginal suppositories, tablets or injections, as well as following a gentle regimen.

If the embryo has already been rejected, the patient undergoes a complete curettage of such tissues from the uterus.

If an ectopic pregnancy develops, a woman requires urgent hospitalization and surgical intervention.

If any adverse symptoms occur during pregnancy, you should immediately notify your doctor in order to identify the causes and promptly take the necessary measures to preserve the pregnancy and the woman’s health.

Prevention of bleeding in early pregnancy

There is no specific prevention of bleeding in early pregnancy, since such conditions can occur as a result of various genetic disorders not associated with the influence of environmental factors.

General prevention of disorders that can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy consists of timely treatment of diseases of the genital organs, adherence to a proper daily routine, a complete and balanced diet, avoiding stressful situations, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that excludes smoking and drinking alcohol.

Before taking any medications, you should always consult with your doctor to ensure that they are safe to use during pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy Bleeding Prognosis

The prognosis for bleeding in early pregnancy associated with the threat of miscarriage may vary depending on a number of factors. If the uterus has not yet undergone changes, timely consultation with a doctor allows you to save the pregnancy.

If the cervix is slightly shortened and the external os is slightly open, timely measures can also help maintain the pregnancy.

In the next stage of embryo rejection, it is almost impossible to maintain pregnancy. In case of incomplete miscarriage, the uterine cavity is cleaned by curettage.

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